Bolthole Index

Apache County, Arizona

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Apache County, Arizona

60Index Score / 100
#1 of 15 in Arizona

Unincorporated Apache County, Arizona requires a building permit for most residential construction, including living quarters, solar systems, and any outbuilding over 200 square feet, even on an off-grid property12. Yes, you can live in an RV here, though connecting it to electric utility service requires an approved septic system first3. The county's Building Safety office says a straightforward permit is often done in under a week, with a 15-business-day cap once your application is complete4. Septic permits are issued locally by the county's own Environmental Division, delegated to act on the state's behalf, not by Arizona directly56.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for living quarters, solar systems, and outbuildings over 200 sq ft; pre-built sheds under 200 sq ft with no utilities are exempt2
Zoning
Countywide in the unincorporated area, adopted 198578
Septic permit
Issued by Apache County's own Environmental Division, acting on ADEQ's behalf59
RV living
Allowed; connecting an RV to electric utility service requires an approved septic system on the property first3
Manufactured home
Permit required; must be 15 years old or newer (older needs a Conditional Use Permit) and set by a licensed installer; mobile homes banned10
Owner-builder
You or your own employees can build your home; a hired builder must be licensed by the state1112
Agricultural zoning exemption
A genuine farm/ranch of 5+ contiguous commercial acres can apply to be exempt from county zoning regulation13
Septic soils
28.8% of the county's soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field14

Who to call

Building permits

Apache County Building Safety (Community Development)

Building permits, inspections and plan review for unincorporated Apache County, including for off-grid, owner-builder and manufactured-home projects

(928) 337-7527

75 W. Cleveland, PO Box 238, St Johns, AZ 85936

Building permits

Apache County Building Safety FAQ

Answers to common Apache County building-permit questions, including RVs, off-grid construction, owner-builders, manufactured homes and permit timelines

Roads & driveways

Apache County Engineering (911 Addressing)

Issues 911 addresses (which require an established driveway or a marked parcel drawing) and handles designated county road maintenance requests

928-337-7528

Apache County Annex Building, 75 West Cleveland Street, PO Box 238, St. Johns, AZ 85936

Septic permits

Apache County Public Health Environmental Division

Permits on-site wastewater (septic) systems in Apache County on ADEQ's behalf; a uniform site investigator helps choose the right technology for a given property

928-337-7607

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 24, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Apache County, Arizona?

Yes, for nearly everything: Apache County requires a permit for living quarters, solar electric systems, and any outbuilding over 200 square feet, and it says plainly that going off-grid does not remove the permit requirement2. A pre-built shed stays permit-free only if it's under 200 square feet, not lived in, and not connected to utilities; connect it to power or move in and it needs a permit regardless of size4. Apache County builds to the 2015 International Residential Code for houses, and the 2015 International Building Code, 2015 International Plumbing Code and 2011 National Electric Code for everything else4. Once your submittals are complete, the county has up to 15 business days to review plans and issue the permit, though a typical project clears in under a week and a small one in under two business days4.

Who is the Apache County building department, and how do you reach them?

Building Safety is part of Community Development, at 75 W. Cleveland (PO Box 238) in St Johns; reach Building Safety directly at (928) 337-75273. Community Development's general line is (928) 337-7526, and its Fee Schedule and permit application forms, including for variances, conditional use permits, plats and zone changes, are published on the department's page315. Once you're building, a permit must start within 180 days of issuance and pass at least one inspection every six months to stay open, so don't let a project sit idle16.

Does Apache County have zoning, and what does that mean for your build?

Yes: Apache County's zoning ordinance, adopted in 1985 and amended through 2019, creates zoning districts across the unincorporated county, including a large Agricultural General zone covering land not otherwise classified78. In the Agricultural General zone, side-yard setbacks run a minimum of 10 feet for a single-story building, adding a foot for every foot of building height above 14 feet, while front and rear setbacks equal your building's total height plus 10 feet17. A manufactured home needs a permit and must be 15 years old or newer to be newly installed, with an older unit possible only through a Conditional Use Permit in zones that allow manufactured homes; mobile homes are banned outright in every zone, and only a state-licensed installer may set a manufactured home104. This research did not find a countywide minimum floor-area requirement for an ordinary dwelling, so don't assume a minimum home size applies without checking with Community Development for your specific district7.

How do septic permits work in Apache County?

Unlike most Arizona counties covered elsewhere on this site, Apache County itself issues septic permits, acting under authority the state Department of Environmental Quality has delegated to each of Arizona's 15 counties59. Every on-site wastewater treatment facility needs a permit here, covering not just conventional septic tanks but compost toilets, privies and temporary or stopgap systems; you file a Notice of Intent to Discharge with plans, site evaluation data and the fee, then a Request to Discharge once construction is done6. Soils give you decent odds: 28.8% of Apache County's soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, though a site-specific evaluation still decides what your parcel actually needs14. Reach the Public Health Environmental Division at 928-337-7607 to start that evaluation before you commit to a building site18.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Apache County?

Yes: Apache County's own building-safety FAQ says plainly that you can live in your RV4. There's a catch worth planning around before you buy: connecting that RV to electric utility service is only allowed once you have an approved septic system installed on the property, so budget for septic first if you're starting out in an RV while you build4. A site-built tiny home follows the same building-permit and 2015 IRC construction rules as any other dwelling, since this research found no separate tiny-house exemption in the county's code2. A manufactured home is a different path entirely, capped at 15 years old unless you get a Conditional Use Permit, and it must be installed by a state-licensed installer, never by the owner104.

Building a home in Apache County: the steps, in order

First, confirm your parcel's zoning district and applicable setbacks with Community Development at (928) 337-7526, since Agricultural General setbacks scale with building height (minimum 10-foot side yards, front/rear equal to height plus 10 feet)317. Second, if you're not on a public sewer, contact the Public Health Environmental Division at 928-337-7607 to schedule a site evaluation and start your septic Notice of Intent to Discharge before you finalize your building plans186. Third, if you need a 911 address, complete the application with your parcel ID and either an established driveway or a marked parcel drawing showing where the driveway will go, through the Engineering office at 928-337-752819. Fourth, submit your building permit application to Building Safety; expect up to 15 business days for plan review, though most projects clear faster34. Fifth, if you're building it yourself as an owner-builder, remember any contractor you do hire must be properly licensed through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors12. Sixth, once work starts, keep at least one passed inspection every six months and begin construction within 180 days of your permit issuing, or the permit can close16.

What to check before you buy land in Apache County

Septic and soils: get a site evaluation from the Public Health Environmental Division early, since even with 28.8% of the county's soils rated favorably for a conventional drain field, the rest will need an engineered or alternative system1418. Water: drilling or deepening a well statewide requires a Notice of Intent to Drill filed with the Arizona Department of Water Resources before work begins, performed by a licensed well-drilling contractor, and a parcel of 5 acres or fewer for domestic use also needs a county or local health-authority review before that filing20. Access: a driveway or road connection needs an established driveway (or a marked plan for one) before the county will assign a 911 address, so confirm access exists or is planned before you commit to a parcel19. Agricultural potential: a genuine farm or ranch of at least 5 contiguous commercial acres, primarily used and capable of producing a normal profit through agriculture, may qualify for an exemption from county zoning regulation entirely, a meaningful option on Apache County's larger tracts13. Taxes: Apache County's effective property tax rate is low, around 0.8%, with a median annual bill of $574, on farmland that averages roughly $329 an acre212223.

Watch-outs

  • Apache County's own Building Safety FAQ confirms you can live in an RV, but connecting it to electric utility service requires an approved septic system on the property first; plan and budget for septic before you count on RV power hookup4.
  • This research found no countywide minimum dwelling floor-area rule in Apache County's zoning ordinance; don't assume a minimum square footage applies without confirming with Community Development for your parcel's district7.
  • The county's main website (apachecountyaz.gov) blocks automated page fetches; this guide verified office contacts through the Wayback Machine and the county's own document-storage bucket rather than the live site, so confirm details are still current before relying on them34.

Sources

  1. FAQ Building Safety (2026 county census)
  2. FAQ Building Safety, quoted and re-checked
  3. Apache County Building Safety (Community Development) (apachecountyaz.gov)
  4. Apache County Building Safety FAQ (ecs-cluster-bucket-wsos-prod-two.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com)
  5. Apache County Environmental Services (2026 county census)
  6. Environmental Services | Apache County, quoted and re-checked
  7. Zoning Ordinance of Apache County, Arizona (2026 county census)
  8. Zoning Ordinance of Apache County, Arizona, quoted and re-checked
  9. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facility | ADEQ (Arizona statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Apache County Zoning Ordinance amended 12/03/19, quoted and re-checked
  11. FAQ Building Safety (2026 county census)
  12. FAQ Building Safety, quoted and re-checked
  13. Agricultural Zoning Exemption Application, quoted and re-checked
  14. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  15. Community Development | Apache County, quoted and re-checked
  16. FAQ Building Safety, quoted and re-checked
  17. Zoning Ordinance of Apache County, Arizona, quoted and re-checked
  18. Apache County Public Health Environmental Division (apachecountyaz.gov)
  19. Apache County Engineering (911 Addressing) (apachecountyaz.gov)
  20. Permitting and Wells Overview | Arizona Department of Water Resources, quoted and re-checked
  21. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data

Written September 24, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

County locator

Apache County in Arizona

60
County map
Apache County highlighted among the Arizona counties · colored by Index score

How Apache County scores

Seclusion87100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency26100% ev.
Admin Boringness62100% ev.
Durability51100% ev.
Property Autonomy65100% ev.
Carry Cost83100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$323kTypical home
0.8%Property tax
$329Land / acre
11.8"Annual rain
43.1% of yrsSevere drought
6.2 / yr (+5.6)Mid-century 100°F days
38 daysMid-century dry spell
0.88" (+6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.19×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,283Home insurance / yr
2.2% / yrInsurance growth
1.63%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
3,060Radius comparison (15 mi)
5.8People / sq mi
9.9%Federal land
78.7%Land at 15% slope or less
28.8%Septic soil without severe limits
1,717,604 acWorkable land screen
24%Wooded land
20.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
51.1°FAvg temp

Scout Apache County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →Already own land here?Earn money hosting campers — get $100 when you become a Hipcamp host →

Some links are affiliate or referral links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Search live inventory elsewhere, then cost and vet each candidate here. No copied listings, account, or paid data feed.

View your full hunt →
ZillowLand & lotsRealtor.comLand listingsLandSearchRural & vacant land

Each button opens a current land search for Apache County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.

Working estimate

—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—

A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.

Answers from the rulebook for Apache County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Apache County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Residential construction and related work regulated by Apache County Building Safety.

    • A pre-built shed under 200 square feet does not require a permit if it will not be used for living or connected to utilities.
    • A shed over 200 square feet or connected to electricity or other utilities requires a permit.
    • Living in a shed requires a permit regardless of size.
    • Living quarters, solar electric systems, and outbuildings over 200 square feet require a permit.
    • Off-grid status does not eliminate the permit requirement.

    exempt pre-built shed floor area: < 200 square feet (Only if not used for living and not connected to utilities) · permit threshold for outbuildings: > 200 square feet

    “If the shed is under 200 square feet and you will not be living in it or connecting it to utilities, then you don’t need a permit.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An owner-builder constructing or improving a structure in Apache County for the owner's sole occupancy.

    • The owner may do the work personally or use employees.
    • If the owner contracts with a builder, the builder must be properly licensed through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
    • The structure must be intended solely for the owner's occupancy.
    • The structure must not be intended for occupancy by members of the public as the owner's employees or business visitors.
    • The structure must not be intended for sale or rent.
    • Sale or rent within one year after completion or issuance of a certificate of occupancy is prima facie evidence the project was undertaken for sale or rent.
    • The owner-builder exemption does not eliminate applicable county building-permit or safety-code requirements.

    sale or rent evidentiary period: 1 year after completion or certificate of occupancy (Prima facie evidence of sale or rent)

    “Owners of property who improve such property or who build or improve structures or appurtenances on such property and who do the work themselves, with their own employees or with duly licensed contractors, if the structure, group of structures or appurtenances, including the improvements thereto, are intended for occupancy solely by the owner and are not intended for occupancy by members of the public as the owner's employees or business visitors and the structures or appurtenances are not intended for sale or for rent.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Apache County building-permit projects.

    • Building safety inspections are scheduled through Apache County Building Safety.
    • A permit must be started within 180 days and must pass at least one inspection every six months to remain open.
    • The requirement applies to permitted projects; work exempt from a building permit is not covered by this claim.

    inspection frequency to keep permit open: per 6 months (At least one passed inspection) · permit commencement deadline: 180 days

    “Yes, you need to start the building project within 180 days (6 months) and pass at least one inspection every 6 months to keep the permit open.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Apache County zoning ordinance applicable in the unincorporated area of Apache County.

    • The ordinance establishes zoning districts, regulates land uses, and adopts a zoning-district map.
    • The ordinance is scoped to the unincorporated area of Apache County.
    “AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF APACHE COUNTY, ARIZONA”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning in Apache County; the county administers zoning in unincorporated areas, while separate local ordinances may apply in incorporated or specially regulated communities.

    • The county ordinance expressly applies to the unincorporated area.
    • Apache County separately lists Article 6 as the Greer Zoning Ordinance and identifies additional specialized zoning ordinances and districts.
    • Specific applicability depends on the parcel's jurisdiction and zoning district.
    “Apache County Zoning Ordinance amended 12/03/19 Article 6 – Greer Zoning Ordinance Article 20 – Master Planned Community Zone”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts and district regulations established by Apache County in non-reservation, unincorporated areas.

    • The ordinance was adopted in 1985 and lists amendments through March 1, 2022.
    • The Agricultural General Zone comprises non-reservation/unincorporated portions of Apache County not classified as other zoning districts.
    • The ordinance identifies rural, rural farmstead, rural estate, single-family, commercial, industrial, Greer, reserve overlay, and other districts and contains district-specific uses and standards.
    • Lands previously zoned by another jurisdiction retain that zoning until further action; reservations and incorporated jurisdictions are outside this county-unincorporated scope.
    “AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF APACHE COUNTY, ARIZONA;”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Buildings in Apache County's Agricultural General Zone

    • Side-yard setbacks are measured from property lines to the roof overhang or end of porches or decks, whichever protrudes more.
    • For buildings exceeding 14 feet in height, one additional foot of side-yard setback is required for each additional foot of building height.
    • Front and rear setbacks equal total building height plus 10 feet.
    • Agricultural pens, buildings, and corrals have additional separation requirements from residential property lines, residences, or residential districts.

    side-yard setback for single-story building: >= 10 feet · front and rear setback: building height + 10 feet · additional side-yard setback above 14 feet height: per 1 foot per additional foot of height

    “All building side yard setbacks shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet for a single-story building. Buildings exceeding fourteen (14) feet in height, as measured from the first finished floor to the highest gable end, shall have additional foot of side yard setback for each additional one (1) foot of building height. [...] All buildings shall have a minimum front and rear yard setback equal to the total height of said building as measured from the first finished floor to the highest gable end plus ten (10) feet.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Newly installed manufactured homes in Apache County, in zones that allow manufactured homes.

    • A newly installed manufactured home must be 15 years old or newer.
    • A manufactured home more than 15 years old may be permitted through the Conditional Use Permit process only in zones that allow manufactured homes.
    • Mobile homes are prohibited in all zones.
    • Commercial uses in a manufactured home are prohibited.
    • Each entrance must have a landing meeting the applicable International Residential Code before final inspection.
    • Connecting two individual or stand-alone units is prohibited.
    • Where roof snow-load requirements exceed 20 pounds per square foot, a manufactured home built after January 1, 2009 must meet the applicable area requirement or have a separate approved engineered roof structure installed over it.
    • A manufactured home built before January 1, 2009 is exempt from the snow-load requirement if the installer and owner agree in writing to accept all risks; the county Release of Responsibility form must be completed, submitted with the installation-permit application, and recorded with the County Recorder's Office.

    maximum age for newly installed manufactured home: <= 15 years (An older manufactured home may be permitted through the Conditional Use Permit process in zones that allow manufactured homes.) · federal HUD Arizona roof snow-load standard: 20 pounds per square foot (County area requirements may exceed this standard.)

    “All newly installed manufactured homes shall be 15 years old or newer, and mobile homes shall be prohibited in all zones. i. Exception – A manufactured home more than 15 years old may be permitted through the Conditional Use Permit process in the zones that allow manufactured homes.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    All on-site wastewater treatment facilities installed on property in Apache County, including septic systems, compost toilets, privies, temporary systems, and stopgap technologies.

    • Apache County states that all on-site wastewater treatment facilities require a permit.
    • County jurisdiction covers only certain technologies; all other technologies must be permitted through ADEQ.
    • For a valid septic permit and construction authorization, submit a Notice of Intent to Discharge, thorough plans, detailed drawings, site evaluation data, and the appropriate fee payment.
    • Upon satisfactory completion, submit a Request to Discharge for approval.
    “requires a permit for all on-site wastewater treatment facilities”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Residential wastewater service in rural areas of Apache County.

    • Sewer service is not available in most rural areas.
    • Where sewer service is unavailable, an approved septic system or other treatment process is required.
    • The cited county page does not establish a countywide mandatory connection-to-public-sewer rule.
    “If sewer service is not available, you will need an approved septic system or other treatment process.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Zoning exemption for property used for grazing or general agricultural purposes in unincorporated Apache County

    • The property must be at least five contiguous commercial acres; one commercial acre is 36,000 square feet.
    • The primary use and investment must be directed toward production of agricultural products through agronomy, horticulture, or animal husbandry.
    • The property must be intended for and reasonably capable of producing a normal profit through exempt purposes.
    • The County Assessor must find the property qualifying agricultural property under the Arizona Department of Revenue Agricultural Manual.
    • Property used primarily for residential, commercial, or recreational purposes, including hobby farms or ranches, horse acres, cabin sites, or forestry tracts, does not qualify.
    • The Community Development Director evaluates applications, may cancel an exemption if standards are no longer met, and may grant a provisional exemption; denials may be appealed to the Board of Supervisors.
    • Administrative completeness is determined within 10 calendar days; substantive review is completed within 30 calendar days after completeness, with one written request for additional information permitted; total granting or denial timeframe is 40 days.

    minimum contiguous commercial acreage: >= 5 commercial acres (One commercial acre equals 36,000 square feet) · administrative completeness review: <= 10 calendar days (Deficiency notice suspends the timeframe until deficiencies are addressed) · substantive review: <= 30 calendar days (Measured from administrative completeness; one written request for additional information may be made) · total decision timeframe: <= 40 days (Granting or denying the application)

    “In order to qualify for an exemption from zoning regulation as property used for "grazing or general agricultural purposes" the property must meet each of the following standards: 1. The property is at least five (5) contiguous commercial acres in size. (A commercial acre is 36,000 square feet). 2. The primary use and investment in the property is directed toward production of agricultural products through agronomy, horticulture or animal husbandry. 3. The property is intended for, and is reasonably capable of, producing a normal profit through exempt purposes.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Obtaining a county 911 address for property in Apache County.

    • The applicant must provide a parcel ID.
    • The applicant must have an established driveway or provide a parcel drawing marked with an “X” showing the proposed driveway.
    • The county does not address vacant land; the applicant must plan on living on the property or building.
    • This source establishes a driveway-related prerequisite for 911 addressing, not a universal driveway construction permit requirement.
    “You will need your parcel ID number of the property and must have an established driveway or a drawing of your parcel and an “X” where your driveway is going to be.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Apache County Community Development planning and zoning applications and fees.

    • The county publishes a Fee Schedule under Planning and Zoning Permit Applications & Fees.
    • The reviewed page identifies the fee schedule but does not provide the individual fee amounts in its page text; amounts may vary by application type.
    “Apache County Community Development New Fee Schedule Planning and Zoning Department Fee Schedule”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County planning and zoning applications, including subdivision, zone-change, and conditional-use-permit applications.

    • The Planning and Zoning Commission develops and amends land-use, zoning, subdivision, and construction-permitting regulations.
    • The Commission reviews applications for subdivisions, zone changes, and conditional use permits.
    • The Community Development page lists application forms for administrative variances, conditional use permits, plats, subdivisions, temporary use permits, variances, and zone changes.
    “Reviewing applications for subdivisions, zone changes, and conditional use permits”

Arizona rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Arizona residential construction in unincorporated county areas that are zoned and for which the county has adopted a building code; the statute authorizes, but does not establish universal statewide county adoption.

    • The county must have adopted zoning under the chapter.
    • The code applies to unincorporated areas so zoned.
    • Rural or unclassified areas may be exempted by county authorization.
    • Adoption requires notice and hearings before the county planning and zoning commission and board of supervisors.
    • Authorized building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical codes are limited to qualifying national codes or the largest city's code.
    • Within a zoning district covered by a county zoning ordinance, construction, reconstruction, alteration or use generally requires a building permit after the zoning-inspector position is established.
    • Repairs or improvements valued at five hundred dollars or less do not require the building permit described in section 11-815(B).

    permit exemption threshold for repairs or improvements: <= 500 USD (Section 11-815(B) states a permit is not required for repairs or improvements of a value not exceeding five hundred dollars.)

    “In any county that has adopted zoning pursuant to this chapter, the board of supervisors may adopt and enforce”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Public school district construction projects statewide when the particular project requires a certificate of occupancy.

    • The architect of record is responsible for signing the certificate of occupancy for public school district projects in counties with populations greater than 750,000 and less than 2,000,000.
    • The certificate-of-occupancy requirement remains subject to the applicable project code and local-government requirements; Arizona law does not impose a universal certificate-of-occupancy requirement for every building project.
    ““when such a certificate is required for that particular project””
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Land divisions reviewed under Arizona Revised Statutes § 11-831 and subject to applicable county zoning designations.

    • Each resulting lot, parcel, or fractional interest must meet the minimum applicable county zoning requirements of the applicable zoning designation.
    • The statute defines those minimum applicable county zoning requirements as the minimum acreage and dimensions required by the county zoning ordinance.
    • The actual acreage and dimensions vary by county and zoning district and are not established by this statewide record.

    resulting lot area and dimensions: minimum applicable county zoning requirements

    “The lots, parcels or fractional interests each meet the minimum applicable county zoning requirements of the applicable zoning designation.”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    County zoning regulations in Arizona's unincorporated county zoning districts.

    • A county board of supervisors may establish the percentage of a lot or parcel that may be covered by buildings.
    • The applicable percentage depends on the county zoning ordinance and district; this record does not supply a universal numeric percentage.

    maximum building lot coverage: percentage established by applicable county zoning ordinance percent

    “May establish the percentage of a lot or parcel that may be covered by buildings”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    County zoning regulations governing the height and location of buildings in Arizona county zoning districts.

    • The applicable height standard depends on the county zoning ordinance and zoning district.
    • No universal statewide residential height limit was established by the reviewed statute.

    building height: regulated by applicable county zoning regulations

    “the height and location of buildings”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Parking and camping along open roads in closed areas governed by A.R.S. § 17-452 restrictions.

    • Camping is allowed only along open roads in the specified closed areas.
    • No vehicle may be parked or operated more than 300 feet from the road.

    maximum distance from open road: <= 300 feet

    “Parking and camping shall be allowed along open roads in closed areas, except that no vehicle shall be parked or operated at a distance greater than three hundred feet from such roads.”
  • Who permits septicMixed

    Arizona onsite wastewater treatment facility permitting authority and administration.

    • ADEQ retains authority for issuing onsite wastewater treatment facility permits.
    • Permit administration is delegated to each of Arizona’s 15 counties, which issue permits on behalf of ADEQ.
    • Applications must be submitted to the county where the property is located.
    “ADEQ has authority for issuing permits for OWTFs and has delegated this authority to each of the 15 counties, which issue permits on behalf of ADEQ.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Drilling a new groundwater well, or deepening or modifying an existing well, in Apache County.

    • ADWR regulates groundwater wells statewide.
    • Before drilling a new well or deepening or modifying an existing well, file a Notice of Intent to Drill with ADWR and pay the applicable filing fee.
    • Authority to deepen an existing well or drill a new well is valid for one year; after that, a new Notice of Intent must be filed.
    • A licensed well-drilling contractor must perform the work.
    • For domestic use on a parcel of 5 or fewer acres, the applicable county or local health authority must review the application before ADWR submission.
    • ADWR approval does not override other local requirements or ordinances restricting well drilling.

    domestic parcel health-review threshold: <= 5 acres (Applicable county or local health authority review required before ADWR submission.)

    “Prior to drilling a new well, or deepening or modifying an existing well, a person must file a Notice of Intent to Drill”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Creation or proposed creation of six or more lots, parcels, or fractional interests in Arizona for sale or lease.

    • Before offering subdivided lands for sale or lease, the subdivider must notify the commissioner in writing of the intention and provide the information required by A.R.S. § 32-2181.
    • A creation of six or more lots, parcels, or fractional interests is subject to the article regardless of lot size unless an enumerated exception applies.
    • Exceptions include each resulting lot, parcel, or fractional interest being at least thirty-six acres on a partition basis, foreclosure or deed-in-lieu transactions, valid court orders or operation of law, specified mineral interests, securities registrations or exempt transactions, a commissioner special-order exemption, or a sale or lease occurring ten or more years after another non-subject sale or lease absent evidence of intent to subdivide.
    • If located in an active management area, the notice generally requires a certificate of assured water supply and proof of applicable fees, unless an applicable written water-service commitment or statutory exemption applies.
    • Outside active management areas, additional adequate-water-supply reporting or disclosure requirements may apply depending on county or municipal adoption and water-supply findings.
    • A person or group acting in concert may not evade the subdivision laws by using a series of owners or conveyances.

    lots or parcels: >= 6 lots or parcels (Subject to statutory exceptions.) · minimum excluded lot area: >= 36 acres per lot or parcel (Partition basis, including contiguous dedicated roads or easements.)

    “Before offering subdivided lands for sale or lease, the subdivider shall notify the commissioner in writing of the subdivider's intention. [...] A creation of six or more lots, parcels or fractional interests in improved or unimproved land, lots or parcels of any size is subject to this article except when:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Land in Arizona divided or proposed to be divided for sale or lease into six or more lots, parcels, or fractional interests, together with qualifying county land-division reviews.
      “Before offering subdivided lands for sale or lease, the subdivider shall notify the commissioner in writing of the subdivider's intention.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    The Arizona Recreational Vehicle Long-Term Rental Space Act applies to a recreational-vehicle space rented in a recreational-vehicle park or mobile-home park by the same tenant for more than 180 consecutive days, and to park-model or park-trailer spaces rented by the same tenant for more than 180 consecutive days.

    • For an ordinary recreational-vehicle space, the space must be rented under a rental agreement.
    • For a park model or park trailer, the chapter applies without regard to whether a rental agreement is executed.
    • The chapter does not apply to mobile homes, manufactured homes or factory-built buildings.
    • The chapter does not apply to a property with one or two recreational-vehicle rental spaces.

    occupancy duration: > 180 consecutive days · same tenant: required · property recreational-vehicle rental spaces: <= 2 spaces (The chapter does not apply to a property with one or two recreational-vehicle rental spaces.)

    “This chapter applies to, regulates and determines rights, obligations and remedies for a recreational vehicle space that is rented in a recreational vehicle park or”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy or use of a mobile home brought into Arizona, or movement of a mobile home from one Arizona mobile-home park to another Arizona mobile-home park.
      “unless it meets the standards adopted pursuant to this chapter and displays the proper state certificate.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Arizona county boards of supervisors adopting zoning for the county area outside incorporated municipalities, including unincorporated land.

    • The statutory definition of county area of jurisdiction is the part of the county outside the corporate limits of any municipality.
    • The zoning ordinance and rezonings and zoning-regulation amendments must be consistent with and conform to the adopted comprehensive plan.
    • The board must consider individual property rights and personal liberties before adopting a zoning ordinance.
    • The statute does not authorize dedications, exactions, fees, or other requirements not otherwise authorized by law.
    • The statute does not authorize regulation or restriction of railroad, mining, metallurgical, grazing, or general agricultural uses on tracts of five or more contiguous commercial acres, subject to the statutory cannabis and marijuana qualification.
    “Pursuant to this article, the board of supervisors may adopt a zoning ordinance in order to conserve and promote the public health, safety, convenience and general welfare.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Arizona county boards of supervisors requiring building permits and adopting building, related, and fire-prevention codes for construction in unincorporated areas, including residential construction.

    • Except in cities and towns with an ordinance relating to building permits, the board of supervisors shall require a permit for construction or additions exceeding $1,000 within its jurisdiction.
    • A county building code under section 11-861 applies to unincorporated areas of the county so zoned, and the board may exempt areas zoned rural or unclassified.
    • Building codes may be adopted by reference only after notice and hearings before the county planning and zoning commission and board of supervisors.
    • Authorized building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical codes must be adopted by a qualifying national code organization or by the largest city in the county; if a city code is adopted, the county must adopt notified changes within 90 days or terminate the adopted city code.
    • A fire-prevention code may be adopted in unincorporated areas where a fire district has not adopted a nationally recognized fire code; it remains effective until a fire district is established and adopts an applicable code.
    • The board may adopt a current wildland-urban interface code using written public-participation procedures.
    • Certain single-family and two-family residential sprinkler requirements are restricted, subject to the statutory exception for codes adopted before December 31, 2009.
    • A county may not deny a building permit based on the proposed capable and authorized utility provider, and may not require a transaction privilege tax or business license as a permit condition.
    • A county may recover reasonable costs associated with reviewing and issuing a building permit.

    building permit construction-cost threshold: > 1000 USD (The requirement does not apply in cities and towns that have an ordinance relating to issuance of building permits.) · city-code change adoption deadline: 90 days (If the county adopts a city code and does not adopt the same notified change within 90 days, it must terminate the adopted city code.) · preexisting sprinkler-code exception date: 2009-12-31 (The statutory sprinkler restriction does not apply to a code or ordinance requiring sprinklers in a residence that was adopted before December 31, 2009.)

    “In any county that has adopted zoning pursuant to this chapter, the board of supervisors may adopt and enforce, for the unincorporated areas of the county so zoned, a building code and other related codes to regulate the quality, type of material and workmanship of all aspects of construction of buildings or structures, except that the board may authorize that areas zoned rural or unclassified may be exempt from the provisions of the code adopted.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum floor area for dwellings in unincorporated Apache County

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Apache County, Arizona

Is Apache County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Apache County scores 60/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 3,060 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 11.8″ of rain a year, in severe drought 43.1% of years.

Do you need a building permit in Apache County, Arizona?

Apache County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Apache County Public Health Environmental Division. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Apache County, Arizona?

Land in Apache County runs about $329 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Apache County?

Apache County gets about 11.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 43.1% of years.

How remote is Apache County?

A typical private-land location has about 3,060 people within 15 miles and 209,975 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Apache County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

How Apache compares in Arizona

Compare side-by-side →See all 15 Arizona counties ranked →