Gila County, AZ Building Permits, Zoning & Septic Rules

Unincorporated Gila County, Arizona requires a building permit for a new home, and the county's Building Safety Division issues it out of offices in Globe and Payson¹². The unincorporated county has been zoned since 1959, so a zoning permit comes before the building permit almost everywhere outside the cities and towns³⁴. Septic systems need a permit from the county's own Wastewater Division, which issues them under authority delegated by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality⁵⁶.

At a glance

Building permit: Required in unincorporated Gila County; Building Safety issues it from Globe or Payson¹²
Zoning: Yes, countywide in unincorporated areas, since 1959³⁴
Septic: County-issued: Gila County Wastewater Division, under ADEQ delegation⁵⁶
RV living: In the RR Rural Residential district, storage of one RV is allowed but living in it as a dwelling is not⁷
Owner-builder: Arizona lets an owner build or improve their own home without a licensed contractor, but this doesn't waive local permits⁸⁹
Well permit: A Notice of Intention to Drill is required outside an Active Management Area; a domestic well on 5 acres or less needs county or local health review first¹⁰
Short-term rental: An annual county permit ($250) has been required since May 31, 2024¹¹
Floodplain: A Floodplain Use Permit is required for development the county's floodplain maps or watercourse rule reach¹²¹³

Who to call

Building permits

Gila County Community Development, Building Safety Division (Globe Office)

Building plan review, permits and inspections for unincorporated Gila County, from the Globe office

928-402-4224

745 N. Rose Mofford Way, Globe, AZ 85501

Building permits

Gila County Community Development, Building Safety Division (Payson Office)

Building plan review, permits and inspections for unincorporated Gila County, from the Payson office

928-474-7110

608 E. Hwy 260, Payson, AZ 85541

Building permits

Gila County Community Development: Residential Permitting Timeline

The county's stated goal for how fast it completes the first residential plan review

Zoning

Gila County Community Development, Planning and Zoning Division

Zoning regulations, variances, rezoning and land divisions for unincorporated Gila County

928-402-4224

745 N. Rose Mofford Way, Globe, AZ 85501

Zoning

Gila County Planning and Zoning: Zoning Applications Forms and Process

How zoning applications are reviewed: administrative, Board of Adjustment, or Planning & Zoning Commission/Board of Supervisors

Septic permits

Gila County Wastewater Division

Septic system plan review, permits, inspections and soils testing in unincorporated Gila County

928-474-9276

Septic permits

Gila County Wastewater Division: Setback Requirements

Required setback distances between a septic system and wells, property lines, streams and other features

Floodplain permits

Gila County Flood Control District (Floodplain Administrator)

Floodplain use permits, flood hazard determinations and floodplain maps for Gila County

928-474-7116

610 E State Hwy 260, Payson, AZ 85541

Roads & driveways

Gila County Public Works, Engineering & Survey

Grading, drainage and right-of-way (driveway) permits on the county-maintained road system

928-402-4381

745 N Rose Mofford Way, Globe, AZ 85501

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

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

Yes. Gila County's Building Safety Division regulates construction, demolition and occupancy of all buildings in the unincorporated county, and it issues the permit before you start¹². Arizona law backs this up: a county board of supervisors must require a permit for construction or additions over $1,000 in any area it has zoned, unless that specific area is zoned rural or unclassified and the board has exempted it¹⁴. Gila County adopted its current building code under Ordinance No. 2017-02, which replaced the 2014 ordinance, and the Building Safety Division enforces it through plan review, permits and inspections¹⁵.

Once a project is finished and every required inspection, permit and fee is satisfied, the county issues either a Certificate of Occupancy or final construction approval¹⁶. A hoophouse or polyhouse used only to grow and store live plants is exempt from the county building permit statewide, as long as it is not anchored permanently, stores no chemicals or fuel, and meets width, exit-path and covering limits set by state law¹⁷. Manufactured and factory-built homes still get a Building Safety inspection to confirm they meet federal and state installation standards².

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

Gila County Community Development runs Building Safety out of two offices: Globe, at 745 N. Rose Mofford Way, phone 928-402-4224, and Payson, at 608 E. Hwy 260, phone 928-474-7110²¹⁸. Submit plans as PDFs by email or deliver them to either office; Building Safety reviews the plans, issues the permit and inspects the work¹⁹. A credit or debit card payment made by phone carries a 3% service fee, but the county page does not state the underlying permit amounts²⁰. The county's goal is to complete the first plan review within 15 days²¹.

Schedule inspections by calling the county rather than bringing an inspection request to the office¹⁹. Planning and Zoning and Wastewater are also within Community Development, making the Globe or Payson office the practical starting point when a project needs several county reviews²².

Does Gila County have zoning?

Yes, and it has since the county's zoning ordinance was first adopted in September 1959; the current version was last updated March 15, 2022³²³. Zoning in Gila County is district-specific: Arizona law lets each county set its own lot sizes, setbacks, lot coverage and building heights by zoning district, so the answer to any of those questions depends on which district a parcel sits in²⁴²⁵²⁶²⁷. In the R3 Residence Three District, for example, multifamily lots need at least 6,000 square feet plus 1,000 square feet per unit, lot coverage cannot exceed 50%, and a building over 36 feet or three stories needs a Conditional Use Permit²⁸²⁹³⁰.

In the RR Rural Residential Use District, a home lot must be at least 1 acre⁷. The county's MHS Mobile/Manufactured Home Subdivision District allows one manufactured home per lot on at least 6,000 square feet and 60 feet of lot width, with front, side and rear setbacks of 10, 8 and 10 feet³¹. One accessory dwelling unit is allowed by right on an individual lot in every single-family residential district, as long as it does not exceed the primary home's floor area, the lot is at least 5,000 square feet, and the owner lives in one of the two units³². Ask Planning and Zoning which district covers your parcel before you assume any of these numbers apply²².

How do septic permits work in Gila County?

Gila County's Wastewater Division reviews septic plans, issues permits and performs soils testing and inspections under authority delegated by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality⁵⁶³³. Going off grid does not avoid sanitation review: an onsite wastewater system remains subject to county permitting and applicable ADEQ rules, and the available county material does not confirm that every composting toilet, graywater system, cesspool or other alternative is allowed³⁴. Ask the Wastewater Division about the proposed system before buying equipment⁶.

A septic system and reserve area must keep required separation from wells, property lines and driveways, while steep downslopes or cut banks trigger additional spacing³⁵. Site conditions are consequential in Gila County: only 1.8% of its soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, and 36% of its land is at a 15% slope or less, so allow for a site evaluation and the possibility of an engineered system³⁶³⁷. On a home sale, Arizona requires a certified inspection within six months before transfer, and the buyer must file a Notice of Transfer within 15 days after closing³⁸.

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

Not as a permanent dwelling in the RR Rural Residential Use District: that district allows storage of one recreational vehicle on a lot of at least 1 acre, but an RV cannot be occupied as a dwelling unit there⁷. Other zoning districts may treat RV occupancy differently, so confirm the parcel's district with Planning and Zoning²². Arizona's rule for camping beside open roads in certain state-designated closed areas concerns public-land access, not permission to live on a private parcel³⁹.

We could not confirm a countywide minimum dwelling size or a rule that specifically allows or prohibits tiny homes; ask Planning and Zoning whether the proposed structure and use fit the parcel's district²². A manufactured home is allowed as a residence in the MHS district, one per lot, with district-specific size and height standards³¹. Any off-grid sanitation proposal still requires county wastewater review, and the available rules do not establish blanket approval for composting toilets, graywater systems or other alternatives³⁴.

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

Confirm the parcel's zoning district with Planning and Zoning before designing; lot size, setbacks and height limits depend on the district²²²⁴.
If the project needs a variance, rezoning, conditional use permit or land division, start with the county's zoning planner; most zoning applications require a pre-application meeting⁴⁰.
Arrange the soil evaluation and septic design with the Wastewater Division, including county review of any off-grid sanitation proposal⁶³⁴.
If a well is needed, file a Notice of Intention to Drill with the Arizona Department of Water Resources; a parcel of 5 acres or less needs county or local health review first¹⁰.
Check floodplain and regulated-watercourse status with the Flood Control District and obtain a Floodplain Use Permit when required¹³¹².
Clear driveway placement with Public Works before fixing the site plan: sight distance and spacing near guardrails, bridges, arterial intersections and some property lines can restrict a new or changed access⁴¹⁴².
Submit PDF plans to Building Safety by email or deliver them in Globe or Payson; the county's first-review goal is 15 days¹⁹²¹.
Schedule inspections by phone, then obtain the Certificate of Occupancy or final construction approval after all required inspections¹⁹¹⁶.

What should you check before you buy land in Gila County?

Water and wastewater feasibility come first: confirm whether the parcel has a well or needs a Notice of Intention to Drill, and remember that a parcel of 5 acres or less needs county or local health review before state approval of a domestic well¹⁰. Only 1.8% of Gila County soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, while 36% of county land is at a 15% slope or less, so price the site evaluation before assuming a standard septic system will work³⁶³⁷.

Ask the Flood Control District whether the parcel is in a mapped floodplain or along a regulated watercourse¹³¹². Verify legal, buildable access before closing: Gila County can restrict a new or changed driveway for inadequate sight distance or spacing near guardrails, bridges, arterial intersections and certain property lines⁴¹. Public Works issues county grading, drainage and right-of-way permits, while access onto a state highway requires an ADOT permit that does not transfer to a new owner⁴²⁴³.

Gila County averages 18.6 inches of precipitation, and 27.9% of years bring severe drought⁴⁴⁴⁵. The median property-tax bill is $1,331 at an effective rate of 0.5%, and a typical home-insurance premium is $1,099 a year⁴⁶⁴⁷⁴⁸.

Watch-outs

Zoning district matters more than county averages in Gila County: lot size, setbacks, building height and RV occupancy are all set district by district, so confirm your parcel's zoning district with Planning and Zoning before relying on any single district's numbers²⁴²².
A septic drain field faces long odds on most Gila County soil: only 1.8% rates free of severe limits, and only 36% of the county's land is gentle enough (15% slope or less) to avoid the ordinance's larger downslope setback, so plan for a site evaluation and likely an engineered system³⁶³⁷³⁵.
Occupying a recreational vehicle as a dwelling is prohibited in the RR Rural Residential Use District, which only allows storing one RV on a lot of at least 1 acre; other districts may differ, so check with Planning and Zoning before living in an RV on your land⁷.
A driveway location that looks workable on a listing can still fail county sight-distance or spacing standards, so clear new or changed access with Public Works before fixing the house site⁴¹⁴².
Gila County's own zoning materials do not establish a countywide minimum dwelling size, an agricultural zoning exemption, a general camping rule, a tiny-home rule, or a mandatory water/sewer utility-connection rule; treat these as unconfirmed and ask Planning and Zoning directly²².

Sources

Written September 29, 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.

How Gila County scores

Seclusion57100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency32100% ev.

Admin Boringness49100% ev.

Durability21100% ev.

Property Autonomy65100% ev.

Carry Cost81100% 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 →

$392kTypical home

0.5%Property tax

$356Land / acre

18.6"Annual rain

27.9% of yrsSevere drought

31.3 / yr (+19.6)Mid-century 100°F days

42.5 daysMid-century dry spell

1.54" (+7.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.17×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,099Home insurance / yr

3.3% / yrInsurance growth

2.04%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

16,642Radius comparison (15 mi)

11.4People / sq mi

58%Federal land

36%Land at 15% slope or less

1.8%Septic soil without severe limits

42,612 acWorkable land screen

56.7%Wooded land

13.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac

60.4°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Gila County

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

Gila County rules

Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Construction, demolition, occupancy, additions, alterations, and related building activity in the unincorporated areas of Gila County.
- The adopted codes are implemented through permitting, inspections, and enforcement.
- Ordinance No. 2017-02 replaced the prior 2014 ordinance in its entirety and applies to unincorporated areas.
- The Building Safety Division performs plan review, issues permits, and inspects construction under the adopted codes.
“The Building Safety Division regulates the construction, demolition, and occupancy of all buildings within the unincorporated areas of Gila County. We provide plan review, issue building permits and inspect new construction, additions, and alterations of buildings and structures per the adopted Building Codes.”
Gila County Building Codes discussion, January 27, 2026 ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Certificate of occupancyLimited
Approved building projects in the unincorporated areas of Gila County after completion of all required inspections.
- The County permitting guide states that final construction approval may be issued as a Certificate of Occupancy or as final construction approval.
- All required inspections must be completed before the Certificate of Occupancy or final construction approval is issued.
- All required permits, reviews, approvals, and fees applicable to the project must be satisfied.
“Certificate of Occupancy or final construction approval is issued upon completion of all required inspections”
Community Development Department Permitting Guide ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
Zoning regulation in the unincorporated areas of Gila County, Arizona.
- The cited ordinance applies to unincorporated areas of Gila County; incorporated municipalities are outside this county ordinance's stated scope.
- Ordinance No. 2018-05 amended Section 103.1; the ordinance was previously amended in its entirety by Ordinance No. 2014-04.
- The county zoning ordinance was first adopted in September 1959.
“Ordinance No. 2018-05 which amends Section 103.1 of the Zoning Ordinance for Unincorporated Areas of Gila County Arizona (last amended in its entirety as Ordinance No. 2014-04) regarding Structures and Uses - Compliance to District Requirements.”
Gila County Board of Supervisors agenda, December 18, 2018 ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)
The Gila County Zoning Ordinance for unincorporated areas, including use, density, residential, multifamily, and related zoning districts.
- The cited official agenda identifies the ordinance sections and confirms adoption of text amendments; district-specific standards remain subject to the ordinance and zoning map.
- Incorporated municipalities may administer their own zoning rules.
“Gila County Zoning Ordinance (Last updated 03-15-2022)”
Community Development Department ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Multifamily dwellings confined to a single lot in the R3 Residence Three District in unincorporated Gila County
- The ordinance also states a minimum lot area of 1,000 square feet per dwelling unit.
- Other zoning districts may have different density-district requirements.
minimum lot area: >= 6000 square feet (Where multi-family dwelling units are confined to a single lot) · minimum lot area per dwelling unit: >= 1000 square feet
“Where multi-family dwelling units are confined to a single lot, There shall be a lot area of no less than six thousand (6,000) square feet. There shall be a minimum lot area of one thousand (1,000) square feet per dwelling unit.”
Gila County zoning ordinance agenda packet ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Lot coverageSpecified
Multifamily dwellings in the R3 Residence Three District in unincorporated Gila County
- The cited ordinance provision limits lot coverage in the R3 district; other districts may have different limits.
maximum lot coverage: <= 50 percent
“Lot coverage shall not exceed fifty percent (50%).”
Gila County zoning ordinance agenda packet ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Building heightSpecified
Buildings in the R3 Residence Three District in unincorporated Gila County
- A Conditional Use Permit is required for buildings exceeding three stories or 36 feet in height.
maximum height without conditional use permit: <= 36 feet (Buildings exceeding three stories or thirty-six feet require a Conditional Use Permit) · maximum stories without conditional use permit: <= 3 stories (Buildings exceeding three stories or thirty-six feet require a Conditional Use Permit)
“A Conditional Use Permit shall be required for buildings exceeding three (3) stories or thirty-six (36) feet in height.”
Gila County zoning ordinance agenda packet ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Living in an RVProhibited
Occupancy of a recreational vehicle as a dwelling unit in the Gila County RR Rural Residential Use District in unincorporated Gila County.
- The cited rule is district-specific; other Gila County zoning districts may have different recreational-vehicle provisions.
- The RR district permits storage of one recreational vehicle, but not occupancy as a dwelling unit.
- The RR district requires a lot area of at least one acre.
- The cited ordinance text does not state an effective date.
stored recreational vehicles: 1 vehicle (Storage is allowed, but occupancy as a dwelling unit is prohibited.) · minimum lot area: >= 1 acre
“No recreational vehicle may be occupied as a dwelling unit. [...] Storage of one (1) recreational vehicle. [...] There shall be a lot area of not less than one (1) acre.”
Gila County Zoning Ordinance text amendments and ordinance text ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)
Residential placement and occupancy of mobile/manufactured homes in the Gila County MHS Mobile/Manufactured Home Subdivision District in unincorporated Gila County.
- The MHS district is for individually owned lots and is subject to district development standards.
- Minimum mobile/manufactured-home lot area is 6,000 square feet and minimum lot width is 60 feet.
- There may be no more than one mobile/manufactured home per lot.
- Maximum height is one story or 14 feet.
- Front, side, rear, and subdivision-boundary setbacks are 10 feet, 8 feet, 10 feet, and 20 feet respectively, subject to the stated canopy and inter-home exceptions.
- Each lot must have utilities; two 8-by-20-foot parking spaces are required per lot, plus one guest space per five homes.
- The cited ordinance text does not state an effective date.
minimum lot area: >= 6000 square feet · minimum lot width: >= 60 feet · mobile/manufactured homes per lot: 1 home · maximum height: <= 14 feet (One story maximum.) · front setback: >= 10 feet · side setback: >= 8 feet (Five feet to a canopy open on three sides, but no closer than 16 feet from another mobile/manufactured home within the subdivision.) · rear setback: >= 10 feet · exterior subdivision-boundary setback: >= 20 feet
“This District provides for the exclusive placement and occupancy of mobile/manufactured homes for residential purposes on individually owned lots. The district standards promote developments of single-family residential character oriented toward permanent occupancy of medium density, five and one-half (5.5) units per acre or less.”
Gila County Zoning Ordinance text amendments and ordinance text ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)
Accessory dwelling units in all single-family residential districts in unincorporated Gila County under Ordinance No. 2015-04.
- One accessory dwelling unit is permitted by right on an individual lot in all single-family residential districts.
- The ADU may not exceed the primary dwelling's floor area.
- Minimum lot area is 5,000 square feet.
- The primary use must already be established before permitting the ADU.
- The property owner must reside in the primary or accessory unit.
- The Planning and Zoning Commission may approve deviations through a conditional use permit if the applicant demonstrates no adverse effect on the character of the single-family district.
- The ADU must comply with applicable setback and lot-occupancy regulations; a detached ADU must be at least 10 feet from the principal building unless attached.
- Adequate off-street parking and wastewater facilities are required; maximum detached-ADU height is 30 feet; floodplain requirements apply.
- Park models are not permitted in single-family districts that do not allow manufactured homes. In other qualifying districts, park models must meet the listed installation, skirting, wastewater, permitting, setback, floodplain, smoke-detector, and design requirements; a park model may be an ADU only and cannot be a primary residence.
- The cited ordinance materials do not state an effective date.
ADUs per individual lot: 1 unit · ADU floor area: not greater than primary dwelling · minimum lot area: >= 5000 square feet · minimum detached-ADU separation: >= 10 feet (Unless attached to the principal building.) · maximum detached-ADU height: <= 30 feet
“Information/Discussion/Action to adopt Ordinance No. 2015-04, an amendment to the Gila County Planning and Zoning Ordinance, to allow for the establishment of accessory dwelling units in all single family residential districts and to delete references to guest houses. (Bob Gould) Adopted”
Accessory Dwelling Units Final Staff Report and proposed ordinance text ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Septic permitRequired
On-site wastewater treatment facilities and septic systems in Gila County.
- Applications must be submitted to the county where the property is located.
- Gila County issues permits under delegated ADEQ authority.
- Specific permit requirements, system type, design, and applicable exceptions were not fully established from the pages opened.
“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. Please submit your permit application to the county in which your property is located.”
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facility ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Off-grid sanitation using an onsite wastewater treatment facility or septic system in Gila County.
- Off-grid sanitation is subject to onsite wastewater permitting and applicable ADEQ rules.
- Gila County administers delegated onsite wastewater rules and provides septic-system permits.
- The official sources opened do not establish that every type of composting toilet, graywater system, cesspool, or other alternative sanitation method is allowed.
“Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facilities (OWTFs) are commonly known as septic systems and are widespread throughout Arizona. Today, there are estimated to be more than 600,000 systems in the State providing wastewater treatment for locations that do not have a sewer connection.”
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facility ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Driveway accessLimited
New driveways or driveways with changed access governed by the Gila County Roadway Design Standards Manual.
- A new driveway or driveway with changed access is restricted within ten feet of a commercial property line, except for an eligible joint-use driveway with recorded access agreements.
- Restricted within 25 feet of a guardrail ending.
- Restricted within 100 feet of a bridge or other structure.
- Restricted within the minimum spacing established in Table 5.1.
- Restricted within 150 feet of the right-of-way line of an intersecting arterial street.
- Restricted within 100 feet of an approved median opening location.
- Restricted when adequate sight distance cannot be provided.
- The nearest edge of a driveway flare or radius must be at least two feet from specified fire hydrants, utility poles, drop inlets or appurtenances, and traffic signal or light standards.
- Parking or loading areas requiring backing maneuvers in a public right-of-way are restricted, except for single-family or duplex residential uses on local roads.
- The County may designate access points if no point meets the standards, but designation is not a guarantee of access.
- Residential variances may be made by the County Engineering Division for undue hardship if good traffic engineering practice can be maintained; commercial and industrial variances must be made by the Board of Supervisors.
minimum distance from intersecting arterial right-of-way: >= 150 feet · minimum distance from bridge or other structure: >= 100 feet · minimum distance from guardrail ending: >= 25 feet · minimum distance from commercial property line: >= 10 feet (Except eligible joint-use driveways)
“Within 25 feet of a guardrail ending; Within 100 feet of a bridge or other structure;”
Driveway variance request, Fossil Creek Farm ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
Development requiring a building permit on a parcel subject to Gila County floodplain requirements, including the cited compliance case.
- The cited case required both a Floodplain Use Permit and an Arizona registrant surveyor-stamped elevation certificate.
- The requirement was stated as part of bringing a property into compliance with the Gila County Zoning Ordinance.
- The cited excerpt is parcel-specific and does not establish that every parcel in Gila County requires a Floodplain Use Permit.
“This includes applying for and obtaining a Floodplain Use Permit and providing Gila County Floodplain Department with an Arizona registrant surveyor stamped elevation certificate.”
Gila County Hearing Officer compliance matter ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Short-term rentalsLimited
Vacation rental and short-term rental use in unincorporated Gila County.
- An annual County permit is required; operation without a County-issued permit is unlawful effective May 31, 2024.
- A new permit costs $250 and renewal costs $250 annually.
- A separate application and all fees are required for each property or unit.
- Permits expire one year from approval.
- Permitted examples include single-family houses, one-to-four-unit houses, condominiums, townhouses, cooperatives, individual rooms, guest houses, casitas, and mother-in-law quarters.
- Structures not approved as dwelling units, unsafe structures, apartment complexes of five or more units, recreational vehicles, travel trailers, motorhomes, and temporary structures such as tents are excluded.
- The use must comply with the underlying residential zoning district, applicable building, health, fire, wastewater, and other County rules.
- HOA rules and deed restrictions may limit or prohibit the use.
new permit fee: 250 USD · annual renewal fee: 250 USD · rental duration threshold: < 30 consecutive days
“This Ordinance requires owners of Vacation Rentals and Short-Term Rentals within unincorporated Gila County to obtain an annual permit for their rental property”
Vacation Rental and Short-Term Rental Information FAQs ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
County permitting payments handled by Gila County Community Development, including building-related submissions.
- The cited page states a 3% service fee for credit/debit card payments by phone.
- The page does not state the underlying permit-fee amounts.
credit/debit card service fee: 3 percent (Applies to payments made by credit/debit card by phone)
“a 3% service fee is added to cover credit/debit card fees”
Building Safety ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Building plan review, permitting, and inspections in unincorporated Gila County.
- Plans may be submitted by PDF email or in person at the Payson or Globe office.
- Inspections are scheduled by calling the County; applicants are asked not to come into the office with an inspection request.
- The Building Safety Division regulates construction, demolition, and occupancy of buildings within unincorporated areas.
“We provide plan review, issue building permits and inspect new construction”
Building Safety ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026

Arizona rules that apply here

Building permitRequired
New construction, remodeling, alterations and additions for Arizona state, county, and public school buildings and grounds, and public buildings built in whole or in part with public monies.
- Plans and specifications must be submitted to the state forester for review and approval before construction, except as provided in Arizona Revised Statutes § 37-1383(G).
- For a one-phase permit application, construction may not commence until plans are approved and a permit is issued, unless the state forester has not acted within 60 days after receiving a valid application.
- For a two-phase application, construction beyond phase-one constraints may not commence until plans are approved and a permit is issued, unless the state forester has not acted on phase two within 60 days after receiving a valid application.
- Under § 34-461(D), subsections A and B do not apply to state-owned buildings except for the fire code in effect where the building is located.
- Under § 34-461(D), the permitting process and fees do not apply to public-school-district-owned buildings in counties with populations greater than 750,000 and less than 2,000,000, except for the design and permitting process and any fee required by the applicable fire code.
- State Department of Corrections facilities are exempt from the local fire code absent an intergovernmental agreement.
- Buildings and properties owned by the Arizona Board of Regents or a university under its jurisdiction are exempt from city, town, county, or fire-district fire codes absent an intergovernmental agreement.
one-phase application decision period: <= 60 days (Construction may commence if the state forester has not acted within 60 days after receiving a valid application.) · two-phase application final decision period: <= 60 days (Construction beyond phase-one constraints may commence if the state forester has not acted on phase two within 60 days after receiving a valid application.)
“Construction may not commence until the plans have been approved and a permit has been issued”
37-1383 - Powers and duties; construction plans and specifications; permit applications; arson investigators ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Required — Construction of a building or an addition to a building within a county's jurisdiction when the construction cost exceeds $1,000, subject to the statutory exception for cities and towns that have their own building-permit ordinance.
  “shall require a building permit for any construction of a building or an addition to a building exceeding a cost of $1,000 within its jurisdiction.”
  Building permits; issuance; state preemption; utilities; distribution of copies; subsequent owner; limitation; definition ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Limited — Public buildings constructed in Arizona, including buildings or appurtenances built in whole or in part with public monies, subject to the statutory state-owned-building and public-school-district exceptions.
  “the permitting process and fees do not apply to a public school district owned building”
  34-461 - Applicability of local codes; exceptions; definition ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
An owner who improves property or builds or improves structures or appurtenances and performs the work personally, through the owner's employees, or through duly licensed contractors, when the property is intended solely for the owner's occupancy and is not intended for public occupancy, sale, or rent.
- The exemption is from Arizona contractor-licensing requirements under A.R.S. § 32-1121; it does not itself eliminate any local building-permit requirement.
- The structure or appurtenance must be intended for occupancy solely by the owner.
- The structure or appurtenance must not be intended for occupancy by members of the public as the owner's employees or business visitors.
- The structure or appurtenance must not be intended for sale or rent.
- Sale, rent, or an arrangement by which the owner receives compensation from occupancy or transfer is included in the statutory definition of sale or rent.
- Sale or rent, or an offer of sale or rent, within one year after completion or issuance of a certificate of occupancy is prima facie evidence that the project was undertaken for sale or rent.
one-year post-completion evidence period: 1 year (Applies to the statutory prima facie evidence rule concerning sale or rent.)
“who do the work themselves, with their own employees or with duly licensed contractors”
Persons not required to be licensed; penalties; applicability ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
InspectionsRequired
Construction inspections for Arizona public buildings and regularly scheduled fire-safety inspections for state-owned and county-owned public buildings and public and private school buildings.
- Public buildings are subject to inspection during construction under the applicable building, plumbing, electrical, fire, and mechanical codes.
- An intergovernmental agreement may allow a city, town, county, or fire district to conduct regularly scheduled fire-safety inspections for school-district or charter-school buildings.
- The state fire marshal must establish a regularly scheduled fire-safety inspection program for all state- and county-owned public buildings and all public and private school buildings statewide, except private-school buildings in cities with populations of 100,000 or more.
- The state fire marshal inspects other occupancies as necessary, except family dwellings with fewer than five residential dwelling units and occupancies in cities with populations of 100,000 or more.
- State-owned buildings are exempt from § 34-461(A) and (B) except for the applicable fire code; the fire-code inspection authority remains applicable as stated by law.
- State Department of Corrections facilities are exempt from local fire code absent an intergovernmental agreement.
- A school district or charter school with an applicable intergovernmental agreement may choose the state fire marshal or the local government for plan review, permitting, related inspections, or regularly scheduled fire-safety inspections.
private-school city population exception: >= 100000 persons (Private school buildings in cities with populations of 100,000 or more are excluded from the state fire marshal's regularly scheduled fire-safety inspection program.) · family-dwelling exception: < 5 residential dwelling units (Family dwellings having fewer than five residential dwelling units are excluded from the state fire marshal's necessary-inspection authority for other occupancies.)
“Establish a regularly scheduled fire safety inspection program for all state and county owned public buildings and all public and private school buildings”
34-461 - Applicability of local codes; exceptions; definition ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)
County zoning regulations in Arizona's unincorporated county zoning districts.
- A county board of supervisors may establish setback lines through its zoning ordinance.
- The applicable setback distance depends on the county zoning ordinance and district; this record does not supply a universal numeric setback.
setback lines: established by applicable county zoning ordinance
“shall provide for the establishment of setback lines”
11-811 - Zoning ordinance; zoning districts; definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
A.R.S. § 17-455 — Exceptions ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facility | ADEQ ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
Property served by a conventional septic system or alternative onsite wastewater system when ownership of a home is transferred in Arizona, including Gila County.
- The inspection program is triggered by resale of a home by an owner or with the assistance of a real estate professional.
- The seller must retain a certified inspector.
- The inspection must occur within six months from the inspection date to the property transfer date.
- The buyer must submit a completed Notice of Transfer and pay the applicable fee within 15 calendar days after transfer.
- For Gila County, the Notice of Transfer is submitted online through ADEQ's Onsite Wastewater Notice of Transfer portal because Gila County is not among the specifically listed counties using the alternate form.
inspection timing: within six months before transfer · notice of transfer deadline: <= 15 calendar days
“The seller of a property served by a conventional septic system or alternative system shall retain a certified inspector to perform the transfer of ownership inspection within six months from the date of the inspection to the date of when the property is transferred.”
Inspection and Notice of Transfer ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Well permitLimited
Water-production wells in Gila County under Arizona Department of Water Resources rules.
- A Notice of Intention to Drill is required for any water-production well outside an Active Management Area.
- An exempt water-production well in an Active Management Area may be authorized through the online NOI process.
- A new non-exempt water-production well within an Active Management Area requires a well permit or groundwater withdrawal permit.
- Modification, deepening, replacement, or abandonment generally requires a paper NOI.
- A domestic well on a parcel of five or fewer acres must first be reviewed by the applicable county or local health authority before submission to ADWR.
- ADWR approval does not override other local requirements or ordinances.
exempt well maximum pump capacity: <= 35 gallons per minute · small-parcel domestic-well health review threshold: <= 5 acres
“This site may be used to obtain online authorization to drill an exempt water production well that is located within an Active Management Area (AMA) or to drill any type of water production well in an area located outside an AMA.”
NOI Drill Card Application ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Construction of a hoophouse or polyhouse used exclusively for producing and storing live plants in Arizona counties.
- The structure must not have a permanent anchoring system.
- No temporary or permanent storage of solvents, fertilizers, gases, chemicals, or flammable materials is allowed.
- The structure must not be wider than thirty-one feet and must have an unobstructed path of not more than one hundred fifty feet from any point to a door or fully accessible wall.
- The covering must be no greater than twelve mils thick, comply with NFPA 701, and provide approximately four pounds of maximum impact resistance for egress.
- Electrical or mechanical devices subject to county codes and backflow-prevention devices connected to potable water still require permits.
- The structure must comply with county height, setback, and lot-coverage requirements for detached accessory buildings or structures.
- A county may establish an administrative review process.
maximum width: <= 31 feet · maximum unobstructed path to exit: <= 150 feet · maximum covering thickness: <= 12 mils
“construction of a hoophouse or polyhouse is exempt from county building permit requirements”
11-324 - Building permits; hoophouses; polyhouses; exemption; existing zoning regulations; compliance; administrative review; definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Conditional — County zoning ordinances authorized under A.R.S. chapter 11; use or occupation of land or improvements for general agricultural purposes on tracts of five or more contiguous commercial acres.
  “Prevent, restrict or otherwise regulate the use or occupation of land or improvements for [...] general agricultural purposes, if the tract concerned is five or more contiguous commercial acres.”
  A.R.S. § 11-812 — Restriction on regulation; exceptions; aggregate mining regulation; definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Conditional — Construction or operation incidental to irrigation and drainage ditches, farming, dairying, agriculture, viticulture, horticulture, stock or poultry raising, and specified rural fire-prevention work under the building-code article referenced by A.R.S. § 11-865.
  “This article does not apply to: 1. Construction or operation incidental to [...] farming, dairying, agriculture, viticulture, horticulture or stock or poultry raising”
  A.R.S. § 11-865 — Exemptions; exception ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Available (with conditions) — Leasing agricultural lands under Arizona's statutory definition of subdivision or subdivided lands.
  “(c) Does not include: [...] (iii) The leasing of agricultural lands or apartments, offices, stores, hotels, motels, pads or similar space within an apartment building, industrial building, rental recreational vehicle community, rental manufactured home community, rental mobile home park or commercial building.”
  32-2101 - Definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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:”
32-2181 - Notice to commissioner of intention to subdivide lands; unlawful acting in concert; exceptions; deed restrictions; definition ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
  32-2101 - Definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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”
33-2101 - Application; duration of stay; exclusions; notice and pleading requirements ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
  41-4048 - Violation; classification; penalty ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
11-801 - Definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
11-321 - Building permits; issuance; state preemption; utilities; distribution of copies; subsequent owner; limitation; definition ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Gila County
Tiny homes — Occupancy of a tiny home on private land in Gila County, including unincorporated areas.
Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer utility connection requirements for development in Gila 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 Gila County, Arizona

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

Gila County scores 44/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure and thin water margin (18.6″/yr rainfall).

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

Gila County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Gila County Community Development 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.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Gila County is prohibited: Occupancy of a recreational vehicle as a dwelling unit in the Gila County RR Rural Residential Use District in unincorporated Gila County. The cited rule is district-specific; other Gila County zoning districts may have different recreational-vehicle provisions. The RR district permits storage of one recreational vehicle, but not occupancy as a dwelling unit. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Gila County, Arizona?

Land in Gila County runs about $356 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Gila County?

Gila County gets about 18.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 27.9% of years.

How remote is Gila County?

A typical private-land location has about 16,642 people within 15 miles and 6,042,062 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

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

Does Gila County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Gila County?

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

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

What should you check before you buy land in Gila County?

Watch-outs

Sources

Gila County in Arizona

How Gila County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Gila County

Gila County rules

Arizona rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Gila County, Arizona

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Gila County, Arizona?

What is the water situation in Gila County?

How remote is Gila County?

How Gila compares in Arizona