Nogales, AZ Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Nogales limits. County building permits do not apply within Nogales; city permits are required. County floodplain materials may be coordinated by the city.

Department

City of Nogales Community Development

Website

https://www.nogalesaz.gov/180/Community-Development

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Register for an account in the Citizen Access Portal to track projects and view permit status.
2. Prepare all required application materials including site plans, legal descriptions, valuation, and supporting design or utility documents.
3. Submit project application through Citizen Access Portal with all required supporting materials.
4. City staff reviews completeness and coordinates plan review with Building, Planning, Engineering, and Fire departments.
5. Applicant responds to plan-review comments and uploads revised documents if required.
6. Upon approval, permit is issued; construction may begin.
7. Schedule and obtain all required construction inspections before occupancy or completion.

Typical processing time: Timelines vary; applicants should confirm with Community Development.

Source: City of Nogales Community Development

General Requirements

A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, grading, demolition, occupancy changes, sign work, subdivisions, rezoning, variances, and other land-use or construction actions.

Required Documents

• Completed project application form
• Site plan
• Construction plans and specifications
• Legal description of property
• Project valuation
• Drainage plans (if applicable)
• Utility documentation (if applicable)
• Design documents (if applicable)

Permit validity

Permit duration determined by city; applicants should confirm specific validity period with Community Development.

Building code

2018 International Building Code and related standards; 2024 Development Standards Code

Fees

Payment note

Development fees are established by separate city resolutions and may be reevaluated periodically by the mayor and council. Applicants should confirm current fee schedule with Community Development.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures used as tool or storage sheds or playhouses when floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (still requires zoning compliance certificate)

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning compliance. A zoning compliance certificate is still required for exempt work. Confirm edge cases with Community Development before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Citizen Access Portal (online)

Typical inspection sequence: Construction inspections may be required during the work and before occupancy. A certificate of occupancy is required before a newly constructed building or a building with a change in occupancy may be occupied. A certificate of completion is required before use of certain tenant improvements, remodels, shell buildings, or signs.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 International Building Code and related standards; 2024 Development Standards Code
• Verify contractor license: Arizona Registrar of Contractors License Lookup
• License lookup guide: Arizona Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Arizona Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Arizona hub: Arizona Contractor License & Permit Hub

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