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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Pima County
Building permits are required for construction of new buildings and structures, remodeling, and manufactured building placement or relocation unless exempt. Pima County publishes detailed permit-required and permit-exempt lists for building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, grading, and other work.
- Exempt Playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
- Exempt Replacement of existing electric outlets or fixtures like-for-like
- Exempt Resurfacing or maintenance of an existing paved surface
- Exempt Some smaller grading activities
Note: A permit may still be required due to floodplain requirements, Native Plant Preservation Ordinance, or Buffer Overlay Zone overlay requirements, even if an activity appears on the exempt list. Contact the county before proceeding with exempt-listed work.
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Construction plans
- Project description
- Building code
- Effective January 1, 2026: 2024 International Building Code (IBC), 2024 International Residential Code (IRC), 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), and local amendments.
- Permit validity
- Permit validity periods are established by county regulation; confirmation recommended through Permit Gateway.
Source: Pima County Development Services Department, Building and Site Development Division ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Processing time varies; the county provides tracking through the Permit Gateway portal.
- 01 Determine whether your project requires a permit by reviewing the county's 'Do I Need a Permit?' page and detailed permit-required and permit-exempt lists.
- 02 Prepare all required documents in PDF format according to the county's digital submittal standards.
- 03 Submit application and documents through the Permit Gateway at permits.pima.gov.
- 04 Receive correction notices and invoices by email from the county.
- 05 Pay invoiced fees through the online portal.
- 06 Receive the approved permit and stamped plans by email upon payment and final approval.
Typical processing time: Processing time varies; the county provides tracking through the Permit Gateway portal.
Source: Pima County Development Services Department, Building and Site Development Division ↗
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Permit Gateway at permits.pima.gov (online)
Typical sequence: Inspection results can be verified through permits.pima.gov. The customer portal provides access to applications, permits, project records, inspections, and payment history.
Source: Pima County Development Services Department, Building and Site Development Division ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Pima County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Pima County, AZ? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Pima County, AZ? ▸
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Pima County, AZ? ▸
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Pima County, AZ? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Pima County, AZ? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Pima County Development Services Department, Building and Site Development Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.