Bolthole Index

Greenlee County, Arizona

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

53Index Score / 100
#4 of 15 in Arizona

Unincorporated Greenlee County, Arizona requires building permits for site-built homes, and the county Planning Office also issues zoning-use and floodplain permits12. County zoning governs private-property development outside incorporated municipalities34. Septic permits go through the Greenlee County Health Department5.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for site-built homes in unincorporated Greenlee County12
Zoning
County zoning applies outside incorporated municipalities34
Septic permit
Issued by the Greenlee County Health Department5
RV living
A use permit is required to occupy an individual RV outside an RV park6
Tiny home
No separate tiny-home occupancy rule was confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning to classify the unit3
Owner-builder
A state contractor-license exemption may apply, but county permits still apply78
Private well
File the applicable notice with ADWR before drilling, deepening or modifying a well9

Who to call

Building permits

Greenlee County Planning & Zoning

Zoning-use permits, building permits for site-built homes, floodplain permits and development questions in unincorporated Greenlee County

(928) 865-4762

253 Fifth St, Clifton Az.

Online permits →

Septic permits

Greenlee County Health Department

Water, septic and sewage information and county septic permitting

(928) 865-2601

253 Fifth St, Clifton, AZ 85533

Floodplain permits

Greenlee County Floodplain District

Floodplain status and floodplain permits

(928) 865-4762

253 Fifth St, Clifton Az.

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

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

Yes. The Greenlee County Planning Office issues building permits for site-built homes on private property in the county's unincorporated area12. Arizona law also requires a county building permit for construction of a building or addition costing more than $1,000 within county jurisdiction, while cities and towns with their own permit ordinances are outside that requirement10. A project may also need a zoning-use permit and a floodplain permit from the Planning Office2. Incorporated Clifton and Duncan are not governed by the county's unincorporated-area zoning rules, so a parcel inside a municipality needs the relevant municipal answer11.

Who is the Greenlee County building department, and how do you reach it?

Greenlee County Planning & Zoning is the first stop for a site-built home in unincorporated Greenlee County; the office issues zoning-use, building and floodplain permits12. Call (928) 865-4762 before visiting the office at 253 Fifth St, Clifton Az., or use the county's linked SmartGov permitting portal12. The county says some permits can be issued by telephone and offers zoning and floodplain status determinations at no cost2. Manufactured-home and septic permits are handled by the Health Department instead2. The county does not publish a complete application checklist, review time or full fee schedule in the reviewed permitting material, so ask Planning & Zoning what plans, site drawings and current fees apply to the specific project2.

Does Greenlee County have zoning?

Yes. Greenlee County zoning applies to development in the unincorporated area, and official zoning maps set the parcel's district3413. District standards control matters such as permitted uses, minimum lot area, setbacks and building height, so the parcel designation matters more than a countywide generalization141516. The county's newer residential-district tables are identified as draft public-review material, so confirm the currently adopted dimensional standards with Planning & Zoning before relying on a design17. Incorporated municipalities may administer their own zoning rather than the county rules11.

How do septic permits work in Greenlee County?

Greenlee County Health Department administers septic permits under authority delegated by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality518. A septic system may be installed where sewer service is unavailable, but county approval and a septic permit are still required19. The Health Department performs the final inspection after the tank is installed and visible, the trenches are open and the disposal pipe is placed; inspection must occur before backfilling20. Only 2.9% of Greenlee County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make a parcel-specific site evaluation a purchase condition21. Call the Health Department at (928) 865-2601 before fixing the house site or system layout22.

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

Occupying an individual RV as a residence or dwelling in unincorporated Greenlee County requires a use permit; the rule makes an exception for an RV occupied in an RV park6. The county's reviewed rules did not confirm a separate rule for temporary camping on private land, so ask Planning & Zoning how a proposed stay is classified before moving onto the parcel312. The county's reviewed material also did not establish a distinct tiny-home occupancy category3. Ask Planning & Zoning whether the proposed tiny home will be treated as a site-built dwelling, manufactured home, recreational vehicle or another use, because that classification and the parcel's zoning district determine the permits and dimensional rules1312.

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

  1. Ask Planning & Zoning to confirm county jurisdiction, the zoning district, allowed use, lot standards and setbacks1213.
  1. Request the county's zoning and floodplain status determination before choosing a building pad223.
  1. Confirm driveway approval: a site adjoining or within 0.25 mile of a state highway must provide Arizona Department of Transportation driveway clearance with its site-plan use permit24.
  1. Have the Health Department address onsite wastewater and obtain septic approval before installation522.
  1. Apply for the zoning-use, building and any floodplain permits through Planning & Zoning or the linked online portal212.
  1. Keep the septic system uncovered until the county completes its final inspection20.

What should you check before buying land in Greenlee County?

Start by confirming whether the parcel is unincorporated and identifying its zoning district, because county standards vary by district and municipal rules may differ1113. Make septic feasibility a contract condition because only 2.9% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field21. Check floodplain status with the county before selecting a pad23. Verify legal access and ask which agency controls the connecting road; access near a state highway can require Arizona Department of Transportation clearance24. A new, deepened or modified private well requires an applicable filing with the Arizona Department of Water Resources and work by a licensed well driller9. Greenlee County averages 16.8 inches of precipitation annually and has experienced severe drought in 41.5% of measured years, making water supply planning central to a rural purchase2526.

Watch-outs

  • An individual RV used as a residence in unincorporated Greenlee County needs a use permit unless it is occupied in an RV park6.
  • The Arizona owner-builder exemption concerns contractor licensing; it does not remove Greenlee County building, zoning-use, floodplain or septic permit requirements8.
  • Published newer residential zoning tables are draft public-review material, so confirm the adopted lot, setback, height and dwelling-size rules with Planning & Zoning before designing17141516.

Sources

  1. Greenlee County - Planning and Zoning (2026 county census)
  2. Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  3. Planning and Zoning – Greenlee County, Arizona (2026 county census)
  4. Planning and Zoning – Greenlee County, Arizona, quoted and re-checked
  5. Greenlee County - Planning and Zoning (2026 county census)
  6. Greenlee County Zoning Regulations, As of August 4, 2025, quoted and re-checked
  7. Persons not required to be licensed; penalties; applicability (2026 county census)
  8. A.R.S. § 32-1121 — Persons not required to be licensed; penalties; applicability, quoted and re-checked
  9. Well Drilling in Arizona, quoted and re-checked
  10. Building permits; issuance; state preemption; utilities; distribution of copies; subsequent owner; limitation; definition (Arizona statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Planning and Zoning – Greenlee County, Arizona, quoted and re-checked
  12. Greenlee County Planning & Zoning (greenlee.az.gov)
  13. Greenlee County Zoning Regulations, as of August 30, 2024, quoted and re-checked
  14. Greenlee Redline Code as of July 11, 2025, quoted and re-checked
  15. Greenlee Redline Code as of July 11, 2025, quoted and re-checked
  16. Greenlee Redline Code as of July 11, 2025, quoted and re-checked
  17. Greenlee Redline Code as of July 11, 2025, quoted and re-checked
  18. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facility | ADEQ (Arizona statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Permit Requirements for the Installation of Septic Systems in Greenlee County, quoted and re-checked
  20. Permit Requirements for the Installation of Septic Systems in Greenlee County, quoted and re-checked
  21. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  22. Greenlee County Health Department (greenlee.az.gov)
  23. Greenlee County Floodplain District (greenlee.az.gov)
  24. Greenlee County Zoning Regulations, as of August 30, 2024, quoted and re-checked
  25. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 27, 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.

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County locator

Greenlee County in Arizona

53
County map
Greenlee County highlighted among the Arizona counties · colored by Index score

How Greenlee County scores

Seclusion86100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency31100% ev.
Admin Boringness49100% ev.
Durability31100% 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 →

$159kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$5,515Land / acre
16.8"Annual rain
41.5% of yrsSevere drought
21.1 / yr (+14.5)Mid-century 100°F days
40.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.17" (+7.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.22×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,288Home insurance / yr
4.2% / yrInsurance growth
1.45%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
34,303People within 2 hr
5,876Radius comparison (15 mi)
5.1People / sq mi
77.2%Federal land
50.2%Land at 15% slope or less
2.9%Septic soil without severe limits
27,916 acWorkable land screen
53.7%Wooded land
14.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
57°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Greenlee County

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

Greenlee County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Greenlee County zoning regulation in the area outside incorporated municipalities.

    • The source expressly limits the regulations to development within the unincorporated area of the county.
    • The 2025 regulations establish zoning districts and require permits for covered construction, movement, alteration, or changes of use.
    • The regulations state that a permit is required before erecting, constructing, moving, altering, or changing the use of a building or structure within the area of jurisdiction.
    • The source is marked As of August 4, 2025; no separate effective date is stated.
    “These Planning and Zoning Regulations are hereby approved and adopted for the purpose of promoting and protecting the public health, safety, convenience and general welfare of the citizens of Greenlee County by guiding development within the unincorporated area of the county.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    County-level aggregate of local zoning: Greenlee County regulates the unincorporated area, while incorporated municipalities are outside the county zoning jurisdiction and may administer their own local rules.

    • The county source states that county planning authority applies within unincorporated areas only.
    • This aggregate claim does not assert that Greenlee County administers zoning inside incorporated municipalities.
    • For unincorporated property, zoning/use permits and the county zoning regulations apply; other permits, including floodplain and septic or manufactured-home permits, may also be required.
    “In order to carry out the purposes of this chapter, the Town of Duncan, Arizona is hereby divided into zones as follows: C – Commercial Zone DR – Duncan Residential Zone I – Industrial Zone P – Public Zone”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts and official zoning maps governing development in the unincorporated area of Greenlee County.

    • The regulations guide development within the unincorporated area of the county.
    • District boundaries are those shown on the Official Greenlee County Zoning District Maps.
    • The regulations identify the official zoning map as an official record and part of the zoning regulations.
    • Specific use, dimensional, and approval requirements vary by district.
    “The boundaries of the zoning districts established by these Zoning Regulations shall be those shown on the maps entitled the Official Greenlee County Zoning District Maps.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential zoning districts RU-2, SR-8, MR, and MH in unincorporated Greenlee County.

    • The cited county document is a redline code dated July 11, 2025; the county planning page labels the zoning update as draft public review material.
    • The table states a 1,500-square-foot minimum per dwelling unit for MR and dashes for RU-2, SR-8, and MH; the dash is not treated as proof of no requirement for the entire county.

    minimum square feet per dwelling unit: RU-2: none stated; SR-8: none stated; MR: 1,500; MH: none stated square feet

    “RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS RU-2 SR-8 MR MH Minimum Square Feet (sf) Per Dwelling Unit - - 1,500-ft -”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential zoning districts RU-2, SR-8, MR, and MH in unincorporated Greenlee County.

    • The county zoning regulations also restrict post-effective-date lot reductions below the applicable minimum lot area or lot width.
    • The cited county document is a redline code dated July 11, 2025; confirm adoption status with Greenlee County before relying on it.

    minimum lot area: RU-2: 2 acres; SR-8: 8,000; MR: 6,000; MH: 1,800 acres or square feet by district · minimum lot width: RU-2: 100; SR-8: 60; MR: 60; MH: 25 feet

    “Minimum Lot Area 2-acres 8,000-sf 6,000-sf 1,800 -sf Minimum Lot Width 100-ft 60-ft 60-ft 25-ft”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Primary building setbacks in residential zoning districts RU-2, SR-8, MR, and MH in unincorporated Greenlee County.

    • The standards apply by zoning district.
    • For MR side yards, the cited table footnote states that the side yard is 10 feet for multi-family adjacent to single-family residences.
    • The cited county document is a redline code dated July 11, 2025; confirm adoption status.

    front yard: RU-2: 10; SR-8: 10; MR: 20; MH: 10 feet · side yard: RU-2: 10; SR-8: 10; MR: 7; MH: 5 feet (MR side yard is 10 feet for multi-family adjacent to single-family residences) · street side yard: RU-2: 10; SR-8: 10; MR: 10; MH: 5 feet · rear yard: RU-2: 10; SR-8: 10; MR: 25; MH: 10 feet · between buildings: RU-2: 10; SR-8: 5; MR: 10; MH: 15 feet

    “Front Yard 10-ft 10-ft 20-ft 10-ft Side Yard 10-ft 10-ft 7-ft3 5-ft Street Side Yard 10-ft 10-ft 10-ft 5-ft Rear Yard 10-ft 10-ft 25-ft 10-ft Between Buildings 10-ft 5-ft 10-ft 15-ft”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Maximum building height in residential zoning districts RU-2, SR-8, MR, and MH in unincorporated Greenlee County.

    • The table footnote states that farm structures are excluded from the building-height maximums.
    • The cited county document is a redline code dated July 11, 2025; confirm adoption status.

    maximum building height: RU-2: 35; SR-8: 30; MR: 40; MH: 30 feet (Farm structures are excluded from building height maximums)

    “Maximum Building Height 35-ft2 30-ft 40-ft 30-ft [...] Farm Structures are excluded from building height maximums.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Occupancy of an individual recreational vehicle as a residence or dwelling within the county zoning jurisdiction.

    • A permit is required before occupying an individual recreational vehicle.
    • No permit is required for an individual recreational vehicle when occupied in a recreational vehicle park.
    • Each recreational vehicle park requires a permit before park occupancy.
    “A use permit shall be required prior to occupying any individual mobile home or recreational vehicle”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Final inspection of newly constructed septic systems in Greenlee County.

    • The Health Department must perform the final inspection upon completion of construction.
    • Inspection occurs when the septic tank is installed and visible, the trenches are excavated, and the disposal pipe is installed.
    • Final inspection must occur before backfilling over the system.
    • A 24-hour watertightness test must be performed by a certified individual.
    • After successful inspection, the county creates and issues a final septic-system record/discharge authorization.

    watertightness test duration: 24 hours

    “Final inspection must occur before backfilling over the system. Upon successful completion of the final inspection, a final septic system record will be created and issued to the owner (discharge authorization).”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Wastewater service for septic-system installations in Greenlee County.

    • The county septic guidance allows installation of a septic system in an area that is not served by a sewer system; the source does not establish a general countywide requirement to connect to public water or sewer.
    • A septic permit and county Health Department approval remain required.
    “Availability of sewer – A septic system may be installed in an area that is not served by a sewer system.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision activity in unincorporated Greenlee County.

    • The county Planning Division processes subdivisions.
    • The zoning regulations state that no use permit may be issued for construction in a subdivision until the subdivision plat has been approved by the Board of Supervisors and recorded with the Greenlee County Recorder.
    “No use permit shall be issued for the erection, construction, reconstruction, movement, alteration, or change of use of any building in any subdivision until such time as the plat of the subdivision has been duly approved by the Board of Supervisors and recorded in the office of the Greenlee County Recorder.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    A site-plan use permit in unincorporated Greenlee County when the site adjoins or is within one-quarter mile of a state highway.

    • The requirement is to provide driveway clearance from the Arizona Department of Transportation.
    • The ordinance provision is located in the site-plan approval requirements.

    distance from state highway: <= 0.25 mile (Applies when the site adjoins or is within this distance of a state highway.)

    “When a site adjoins or is within 1/4 mile of a state highway provide driveway clearance from Arizona Department of Transportation.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Greenlee County public right-of-way improvement permits, including driveway installations and repairs, in the unincorporated area.

    • The schedule applies to work in the public right-of-way.
    • A five percent construction inspection fee is additionally required for transportation or flood-control improvements within a public right-of-way.
    • The construction inspection fee does not apply to utility and telecommunications systems work when the stated inspection condition is satisfied.
    • Additional inspections or complex plan review are charged at $35.00 per hour.

    base permit fee for work in public right-of-way: 45 USD · driveway installation or repair fee, up to 200 lineal feet: 45 USD · driveway installation or repair fee, 201 to 300 lineal feet: 60 USD · driveway installation or repair fee, 301 to 500 lineal feet: 80 USD · driveway installation or repair fee, 501 to 2500 lineal feet: 80 plus 14 for each additional 100 lineal feet or fraction above 500 USD · construction inspection fee: 5 percent of total construction cost (Applies to transportation or flood-control improvements in a public right-of-way.)

    “Base permit fee for work in the public right of way: $45.00”
  • Permit processPartial

    Land-use, zoning-use, site-built residential building, and floodplain permitting in unincorporated Greenlee County.

    • Manufactured-home permits and septic-system permits are issued by the Health Department.
    • Some permits can be issued by telephone.
    • The County provides zoning and floodplain status determinations at no cost.
    • The Planning and Zoning Commission meets on the fourth Monday of the month when it has business.
    • The page does not publish a complete application checklist, review timeline, or all permit fees.
    “The Planning Office issues Zoning Use Permits, Building Permits for site built homes, and Floodplain Permits.”

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”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Property owners performing construction or improvements themselves, with their own employees, or with duly licensed contractors in Greenlee County, under Arizona contractor-licensing law.
      “Owners of property who improve such property or who build or improve structures or appurtenances on such property and who do the work themselves”
  • 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
  • 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”
  • 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””
  • 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”
  • 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 permitLimited

    New wells and existing wells in Greenlee County that are deepened or modified, under Arizona groundwater law.

    • Before drilling a new well or deepening or modifying an existing well, a Notice of Intent to Drill must be filed with ADWR and the applicable filing fee submitted.
    • The authority to deepen or drill is valid for one year; after that, a new Notice of Intent must be filed.
    • A licensed well-drilling contractor must perform the work.
    • Exempt wells generally have a pump capacity of 35 gallons per minute or less; non-exempt wells have a pump capacity greater than 35 gallons per minute.
    • For non-exempt wells in Active Management Areas, groundwater rights or withdrawal permits are required; the source does not establish that Greenlee County is within an AMA.

    exempt-well maximum pump capacity: <= 35 gallons per minute · NOI authorization validity: 1 year (After one year, a new Notice of Intent must be filed.)

    “Prior to drilling a new well, or deepening or modifying an existing well, a Notice of Intent to Drill must be filed with ADWR. Forms are available on this site and must be submitted to ADWR accompanied by the appropriate filing fee. Authority to deepen an existing well or drill a new well will be valid for one year. After that, a new Notice of Intent must be filed. A licensed well-drilling contractor must perform the work.”
  • 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”
    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.”
    • 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”
    • 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.”
  • 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.

  • Tiny homes — Occupancy of a tiny home on private land in unincorporated Greenlee County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Greenlee County, including unincorporated areas.

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 Greenlee County, Arizona

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

Greenlee County scores 53/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 5,876 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure and thin water margin (16.8″/yr rainfall).

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

Greenlee County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Greenlee County Health Department (Community Environmental Health). 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 Greenlee County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Greenlee County is limited to specific cases: Occupancy of an individual recreational vehicle as a residence or dwelling within the county zoning jurisdiction. A permit is required before occupying an individual recreational vehicle. No permit is required for an individual recreational vehicle when occupied in a recreational vehicle park. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Greenlee County, Arizona?

Land in Greenlee County runs about $5,515 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Greenlee County?

Greenlee County gets about 16.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 41.5% of years.

How remote is Greenlee County?

A typical private-land location has about 5,876 people within 15 miles and 207,240 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Greenlee compares in Arizona

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