City Building Permits
Safford, AZ Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Safford, Arizona. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties within the incorporated City of Safford.
- Department
- City of Safford Planning & Community Development
- Address
- 808 S. 8th Avenue, PO Box 272, Safford, AZ 85548
- Phone
- (928) 432-4140
Online Permit Portal
Platform: City Online System • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Contact City of Safford Planning & Community Development at (928) 432-4140.
- Download and complete the Building Permit Application.
- Prepare scaled plans showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed buildings, and proposed off-street parking layout.
- Submit application and all required documents through the city's online system or in person.
- City staff reviews completeness and routes for Planning and Community Development, Utilities, Public Works, and/or Engineering approval.
- Pay the permit fee.
- Receive building permit and schedule required inspections with city staff.
- Comply with inspection requirements and obtain final approval before occupancy.
Typical processing time: 5-10 business days for initial review; varies based on project complexity and required departmental reviews.
General Requirements
A building permit is required for any person desiring to construct, remodel, or move a building or structure within the City of Safford before commencing construction, per the city's zoning code.
Required Documents
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Scaled plans showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed buildings, and proposed off-street parking layout
- Proof of property ownership or authorization to apply
- Development review forms as applicable
- Permit validity
- Per city zoning code, no building or structure may be constructed, reconstructed, altered, or moved without a permit from the Building Inspector or Zoning Administrator.
- Building code
- 2015 International Building Code, 2015 International Existing Building Code, 2015 International Residential Code, 2015 International Plumbing Code, 2015 International Mechanical Code, 2015 International Fuel Gas Code, 2015 International Fire Code, 2014 National Electrical Code, ADA standards, and Arizona swimming pool safety statute.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold a valid Arizona Contractor License and maintain current city business license.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the City of Safford Planning & Community Development to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (928) 432-4140 (phone)
Typical inspection sequence: Inspections may be required by Planning and Community Development, Utilities, Public Works, and/or Engineering depending on project scope. Common inspection types include rough plumbing, framing/roof, MEP, and final building inspection.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2015 International Building Code, 2015 International Existing Building Code, 2015 International Residential Code, 2015 International Plumbing Code, 2015 International Mechanical Code, 2015 International Fuel Gas Code, 2015 International Fire Code, 2014 National Electrical Code, ADA standards, and Arizona swimming pool safety statute.
- Verify contractor license: Arizona Contractor License Search
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- License lookup guide: Arizona Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Arizona Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Arizona hub: Arizona Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Safford Planning & Community Development before applying.
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