Yuma County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

All properties in unincorporated Yuma County, excluding incorporated cities and towns (Yuma, San Luis, Somerton, Wellton) and tribal land.

Department

Department of Development Services, Building Safety and Permit Services

Address

2351 W. 26th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364

Phone

(928) 817-5000

Email

DDSCustomerService@yumacountyaz.gov

Website

https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/government/development-services/divisions/building-safety

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact Yuma County Building Safety Division at (928) 817-5000 or visit in person.
2. Prepare permit application form and construction plans or drawings showing scope of work.
3. Prepare site plan showing property boundaries and proposed work location.
4. Submit application materials with supporting documents to Building Safety.
5. County staff review application for completeness and route for necessary internal approvals.
6. Applicant receives inspection scheduling information upon permit issuance.
7. Contractor or owner schedules required inspections throughout construction.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies by project complexity; contact the county for specific timeline estimates.

Source: Department of Development Services, Building Safety and Permit Services

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all new construction, room additions, replacement of existing fixtures, and most alterations or repairs. Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits may be needed for additions or changes to existing systems.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Construction plans or drawings showing scope of work
• Site plan showing property boundaries and work location
• Project valuation estimate for fee calculation

Permit validity

Contact county for permit expiration and renewal policies.

Building code

Yuma County Comprehensive Building Safety Code (local adoption; current editions available from the county)

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may perform work on their own property subject to all code requirements and inspection standards.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold a valid Arizona Contractor License and comply with all permit and inspection requirements.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based; see fee schedule for specific calculations

Penalty (no permit)

Double permit fees for work performed without an approved permit

Payment note

Contact Building Safety Division for current payment methods and procedures.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Minor finish work such as wallpapering and painting
• Fences six feet high or lower
• Certain repairs to existing fixtures not involving system changes

Important: Replacing a water heater, adding a permanently wired light fixture, and other work involving utility systems typically require permits. Confirm exemption status with Building Safety before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (928) 817-5000 (phone)
• Online Inspection Scheduling (online)

Inspection hours

Contact Building Safety Division for inspection availability and scheduling hours.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential sequence includes footing/foundation, rough trades, frame, insulation, and final inspection. Commercial projects may have additional required inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Yuma County Comprehensive Building Safety Code (local adoption; current editions available from the county)
• Verify contractor license: Arizona Contractor License Lookup
• Department of Development Services
• License lookup guide: Arizona Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Arizona Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Arizona hub: Arizona Contractor License & Permit Hub