Cochise County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

Cochise County Development Services handles permits for property in unincorporated Cochise County outside incorporated city and town limits.

Department

Cochise County Development Services, Building Safety Division

Address

1415 Melody Lane, Building F, Bisbee, AZ 85603

Phone

520-432-9300

Email

developmentservices@cochise.az.gov

Website

https://www.cochise.az.gov/211/Building-Safety

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Cochise County and verify zoning, floodplain, drainage, access, septic or sewer, well, and fire district requirements.
2. Create an account in the County permitting portal and apply under the correct permit type.
3. Upload the required application, site plan, plan checklist items, contractor information if applicable, and any location-specific approvals.
4. Pay processing fees and any separate septic, right-of-way, or floodplain permit fees if those permits are triggered.
5. After issuance, post the permit placard and inspection record card before starting work.
6. Request inspections through the permitting portal and obtain final inspection to close the permit.

Source: Cochise County Development Services, Building Safety Division

General Requirements

Cochise County states that permits are generally required for construction, structural remodeling, or grading projects, and that under state law any new structure or renovation with a value of $1,000 or more requires a permit.

Required Documents

• Residential permit application
• Contractor information form when using a licensed contractor
• Site plans
• Construction checklist materials
• Applicable floodplain, septic, right-of-way, temporary RV, or accessory-structure documents

Permit validity

Construction may start only after the permit placard is posted at the site.

Building code

The County states it currently applies the 2015 International Building Code, with local amendments, for plan review and construction inspections. The Building Safety Code also incorporates plumbing, electrical, fire, mechanical, and energy conservation standards.

Owner-builder

Cochise County offers a Rural Residential Owner-Builder Amendment in eligible rural zoning districts. Option 1 includes plan review and limited inspections and may qualify for a conditioned certificate of occupancy. Option 2 has no plan review and no building inspections and is not eligible for a certificate of occupancy.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Residential permit fees are valuation-based. The County publishes an online valuation calculator using rates per square foot for residential structures, garages/accessory structures, and basements/decks/patios/porches/carports, then applies a stepped valuation-based permit fee table.

Payment note

Septic, right-of-way, and floodplain permits are separate when applicable.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Reroofing without structural changes or heavier materials
• Re-siding or replacement of exterior trim
• Gutters and downspouts
• Soffit/gable/roof ventilation
• Replacing existing windows or doors with no structural changes
• Replacing cabinets or countertops
• Painting or wallpapering

Important: Exempt work must still comply with County regulations and state law, and a floodplain permit may still be required depending on location. Permit exemptions are almost never needed for buildings, structures, structural remodel or repair, or grading projects; certain minor single-family residential work is exempt.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• CitizenServe portal (online)

Typical inspection sequence: All required inspections are listed on the permit or inspection record card. The work area must be accessible, the card must be posted, and the work must be ready on the inspection day.

Additional Resources

• Building code: The County states it currently applies the 2015 International Building Code, with local amendments, for plan review and construction inspections. The Building Safety Code also incorporates plumbing, electrical, fire, mechanical, and energy conservation standards.
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Building Safety Division
• Permit Exemptions
• County Building Code
• License lookup guide: Arizona Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Arizona Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Arizona hub: Arizona Contractor License & Permit Hub