Lake Havasu City, Arizona Plumbing Local Permit Ordinances and Codes
Lake Havasu City Plumbing Permit Ordinances
The Lake Havasu City Development Services Department is the authority responsible for issuing building permits, which include those for plumbing work. These permits ensure that all plumbing installations comply with building safety codes and the city's zoning ordinances. Lake Havasu City has adopted the 2024 International Plumbing Code, with local amendments. These amendments are documented in "Lake Havasu City Amendments to the 2024 Edition of the International Plumbing Code."
Local Zoning and Fee Nuances
- Zoning: Building permits, including plumbing, are reviewed for compliance with building codes and zoning requirements. Property must be zoned for the intended use, and plans must adhere to setback, height, and lot coverage limitations.
- Fees: The permit fee for plumbing work is generally 2% of the actual contract cost, with a minimum fee of $50.00. An additional administrative fee of $50.00 is typically required for plumbing permits. For the replacement of an existing water heater, only a $50.00 administrative fee applies. Mohave County also has a fee schedule for plumbing permits, which may apply depending on the specific type of work.
- Permit Requirements: While not all plumbing work requires a permit, replacing existing plumbing fixtures or water heaters generally does not. However, plumbing for detached structures over 200 sqft, or electrical, mechanical, and plumbing for detached structures less than 200 sqft, do require permits.
- Contractor Information: To obtain a permit, the name of the general contractor, their city business license number, contractor's license number, and proof of Arizona Department of Revenue bond exemption are required.
Resources to Learn More
Because Lake Havasu City is located within Mohave County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
Arizona, Mohave County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Mohave County Building & Safety Divisions and Jurisdiction
The Mohave County Department of Development Services, through its Building Division, is responsible for reviewing plans and issuing permits for construction within the unincorporated areas of Mohave County. They enforce the 2018 International Building Codes (IBC, IRC, IPC, IMC, etc.) and the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC).
For properties in unincorporated areas, the Mohave County Department of Development Services handles zoning approvals, land use permits, and building permits.
Separate permits are typically required for electrical, plumbing, and heating or air conditioning work.
An approved septic system is required for all projects with plumbing.
The county offers a "One Stop" permit shop where applicants can apply for all necessary permits simultaneously.
Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas
Construction in unincorporated areas of Mohave County is regulated by the Mohave County Building Code, which governs the use, occupancy, location, and quality of materials used in construction.
A Floodplain Use Permit (FUP) is required for any land alterations within a special flood hazard area, including new construction, additions, grading, or the installation of solid walls or fencing.
For new buildings and substantial improvements in identified Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), an Elevation Certificate is mandatory.
Permit applications are subject to review periods. The administrative completeness review is 10 working days, followed by a substantive review by relevant departments, which for the Flood Control District is an additional 10 working days.
Resources to Learn More
The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Arizona:
Arizona Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
Plumbing Code Adoption in Arizona
Arizona does not have a single, mandatory statewide plumbing code. Historically, legislation was enacted to create a state-level commission and mandate a uniform code, but those provisions were subsequently repealed. Consequently, the adoption and enforcement of plumbing standards are delegated to local jurisdictions, such as cities, towns, and counties.
Because there is no statewide mandate, local municipalities have the authority to adopt and amend their own plumbing regulations. Many jurisdictions in Arizona choose to base their local codes on nationally recognized model codes, most commonly the International Plumbing Code (IPC) or the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). Because these codes are adopted at the local level, the specific edition (e.g., 2018, 2021, or 2024) and any local amendments can vary significantly from one city or county to another.
Regulatory Oversight and Licensing
While the adoption of technical plumbing codes is local, the regulation of plumbing contractors is handled at the state level by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). The ROC is responsible for licensing and regulating contractors to ensure they meet professional standards. While the ROC does not dictate the specific technical plumbing code used by a city, licensed contractors are required to adhere to the codes and ordinances adopted by the local jurisdiction where the work is being performed.
Resources to Learn More