Arizona, Apache County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Apache County Building Permit Requirements

Apache County issues building permits exclusively for properties located in unincorporated areas of the county. If your property is within an incorporated city, that city's building department will handle your permits. All construction and development within Apache County are subject to the county's building codes and zoning regulations.

Building and Safety Division

The Apache County Building Safety Division is responsible for issuing building permits and conducting inspections to ensure compliance with building and safety codes. They adopt the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) for all residential construction and the 2015 International Building Code (IBC) along with the 2015 International Plumbing Code and the 2011 National Electric Code for all other construction.

Rules for Unincorporated Areas

For properties in unincorporated areas, building permits are required for any living quarters, solar electric systems, and outbuildings over 200 square feet. Additionally, a permit is required for any pre-built shed that is over 200 square feet, or if utilities are to be connected, or if the shed is intended for occupancy.

Key requirements for obtaining a building permit in unincorporated Apache County include:

Receipt of a permit from the County Health Department or a letter from an applicable sanitary district, confirming connection to a sanitary district or an on-site wastewater disposal system.
Submission of two complete sets of building plans.
Specification of the location, including Parcel Number, Subdivision and lot number, or physical address. A copy of the recorded deed or sales transaction is required if the property was acquired within 120 days prior to the permit application.

Inspections are mandatory for all phases of construction, including foundation, framing, rough-in for electrical and plumbing, shear wall and roof nailing, drywall nailing, and a final inspection.

Alternative building methods such as cordwood, rammed earth, and cob are welcomed, but engineered building plans must be submitted for review by the building official.

Manufactured homes require a permit, and installation must be performed by a licensed installer as per Arizona state law.

Resources to Learn More

Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Arizona, including Apache County.

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

Select a City in Apache County

If your project is located within incorporated city limits, you will likely need to follow municipal ordinances rather than county rules. Select your city below to view local regulations.

Help Us Improve This Guide

Did you find a dead link, or do you have the direct link to the Apache County permit application portal? Help us keep this information accurate by submitting an update.