Greenlee County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

All properties in unincorporated areas of Greenlee County, excluding incorporated Towns of Clifton and Duncan.

Department

Greenlee County Planning and Zoning Department

Address

253 Fifth St., Clifton, AZ 85533 (Engineer's Office, second floor of annex next to Health Department)

Phone

(928) 865-4762

Website

https://greenlee.az.gov/ova_dep/planning-and-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether your project requires a zoning use permit, building permit for site-built home, and/or floodplain permit.
2. Complete the zoning permit application and submit through SmartGov portal or in person at Planning and Zoning.
3. Some permits may be issued by telephone; contact Planning and Zoning to discuss your project.
4. Pay the zoning use permit fee (no charge for building permit when issued with zoning permit).
5. For manufactured homes or septic systems, contact Greenlee County Health Department for separate permits.
6. Obtain confirmation of permit approval and zoning authorization before beginning work.

Typical processing time: Varies; contact county for specific project timelines.

Source: Greenlee County Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

Building permits are required for construction of site-built homes and development on private property in unincorporated Greenlee County. Zoning use permits are required in most cases. Floodplain permits are required for work in flood-prone areas.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Zoning permit application
• Plans or drawings (if required for specific project)
• Special power of attorney form (if applicable)

Building code

None. Greenlee County has not adopted a building code. The county processes permits for zoning and floodplain compliance, but does not conduct plan review, construction inspection, or issue certificates of occupancy.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Building permit is issued at no cost when zoning use permit is issued; fee is charged for zoning use permit. Consult county for current fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Greenlee County Planning and Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (928) 865-4762 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Greenlee County does not conduct construction inspections or issue certificates of occupancy. Zoning and floodplain compliance is verified administratively.

Additional Resources

• Building code: None. Greenlee County has not adopted a building code. The county processes permits for zoning and floodplain compliance, but does not conduct plan review, construction inspection, or issue certificates of occupancy.
• Verify contractor license: Arizona Registrar of Contractors
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Health Services Fee Schedule (Manufactured Homes & Septic)
• Building Codes and Loading Standards
• License lookup guide: Arizona Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Arizona Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Arizona hub: Arizona Contractor License & Permit Hub