Building Permits

The City of Sierra Vista has adopted codes which provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, use and occupancy, location and maintenance of all buildings and structures within the city.

The Building Inspection Division provides building plans examination, permit issuance and inspections of all phases of construction. All services provided are with a strong emphasis on customer service to accomplish the ultimate goal of code compliance.

2008/2009 DEVELOPMENT FEE SUMMARY

Effective August 1, 2008

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT FEES

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT FEES

The Complete Schedule Is Available Here

Permit Requirements

A building permit is required when there is new construction or when there is an addition or alteration to the main structure or an accessory structure.

Examples would include re-roofing, room additions, garage or carport conversions, patio covers, fireplace installations, fences and walls, swimming pools, storage sheds (permanent or temporary), building a new garage, or any work involving electric, plumbing or gas. Permits are not normally required for painting or minor repairs.

If in doubt concerning permit requirements, please call the Department of Community Development for clarification (452-7019).

Permit Fees

Permit fees for residential buildings and accessory buildings are based on the valuation of the structure being built. There may be other fees, such as plan review fees, sewer connect fees, reimbursement district fees, or park development fees due in your area.

Contractors

The State of Arizona requires contractors to be licensed in order to do construction work on any residential or commercial construction.

Persons who deal with unlicensed contractors are doing business with someone who is in violation of the law. A homeowner should also consider the risk of financial responsibility for injuries suffered on the premises by an unlicensed contractor or his/her employees.

Building Codes - IBC Design Criteria

This Information contains the list of codes adopted and amended by the City of Sierra Vista and design criteria.

• 2006 International Building Code
  • Basic wind speed-90 mph (3-second gust)
  • Seismic Design Category - B
  • Exposure - C
  • Live load - 20 lb
  • Rainfall - 3" per hour
  • Ground snow load - 5 lb
  • Weathering - Negligible
  • Frost line depth - 0
  • Termite - very heavy
  • Decay - None to slight
  • Winter design temperature - 18-20 degrees
  • Flood hazards - (a) May 1984 (b) June 2001
• 2006 International Existing Building Code
• 2006 International Residential Code
• 2006 International Plumbing Code
• 2006 International Mechanical Code
• 2006 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2006 International Fire Code including Appendix B
• 2006 International Energy Conservation Code
• 2006 International Property Maintenance Code
• 2008 National Electrical Code
• 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings ICC/ANSI A117.1-2003 - Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
• All local amendments

Building Inspection

The Building Inspection Division is responsible for code enforcement within the City of Sierra Vista and in the growth areas of Cochise County surrounding Sierra Vista.

The staff publishes the Code Corner newsletter every other month to provide contractors, subcontractors and homeowners with information relating to the codes.