Apache County, AZ: Limited Building Permits

Unincorporated Apache County, Arizona requires a building permit for living quarters, solar electric systems and outbuildings over 200 square feet, even off-grid.¹² Apache County also administers zoning in unincorporated areas, while incorporated and specially regulated communities may follow their own local zoning and building rules.³⁴ Septic permits come from the county Public Health Environmental Division for the technologies the state has delegated to it, and from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality for all others.⁵⁶

At a glance

Building permit: Required for living quarters, solar systems, and outbuildings over 200 sq ft; pre-built sheds under 200 sq ft with no utilities are exempt²
Zoning: County-administered in unincorporated areas; incorporated and specially regulated communities may differ³⁴
Septic permit: Apache County's Environmental Division permits only the technologies the state delegated to it; ADEQ permits all others⁷⁸
RV living: Allowed; connecting an RV to electric utility service requires an approved septic system on the property first⁹
Manufactured home: Permit required; must be 15 years old or newer (older needs a Conditional Use Permit) and set by a licensed installer; mobile homes banned¹⁰
Tiny home: Tiny house of 200 to under 600 sq ft needs a permit; certificate of occupancy only on a permanent foundation¹¹
Owner-builder: You or your own employees can build your home; a hired builder must be licensed by the state¹²¹³
Agricultural zoning exemption: A genuine farm/ranch of 5+ contiguous commercial acres can apply to be exempt from county zoning regulation¹⁴
Septic soils: 28.8% of the county's soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field¹⁵

Who to call

Building permits

Apache County Building Safety (Community Development)

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

(928) 337-7527

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

Building permits

Apache County Building Safety FAQ

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

Roads & driveways

Apache County Engineering (911 Addressing)

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

928-337-7528

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

Septic permits

Apache County Public Health Environmental Division

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

928-337-7607

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 16, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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

Yes, for most residential projects: Apache County requires a permit for living quarters, solar electric systems and outbuildings over 200 square feet, and off-grid status does not remove that requirement². A pre-built shed is exempt only when it is under 200 square feet, is not used for living and has no utility connection¹². Apache County applies the 2015 International Residential Code to residential construction and the listed 2015 building and plumbing codes plus the 2011 electrical code to other construction¹⁶. Once all required submittals are in, plan review may take up to 15 business days, although the county says typical and smaller projects are often completed sooner¹⁶.

Who issues building permits in Apache County, and how do you reach them?

Apache County Building Safety is part of Community Development at 75 W. Cleveland, PO Box 238, St Johns, and its direct number is (928) 337-7527⁹. Community Development publishes its fee schedule and forms for administrative variances, conditional use permits, plats, subdivisions, temporary uses, variances and zone changes¹⁷¹⁸. The Planning and Zoning Commission reviews subdivision, zone-change and conditional-use applications, so those requests involve a different process from a routine building permit¹⁸. The county's building permit form includes a Building Final checklist and a certificate of occupancy or completion that takes effect once the building official validates it.¹⁹ After a building permit is issued, work must start within 180 days and at least one inspection must pass every six months to keep the permit open²⁰. Inside Springerville, the town issues its own building permits and sets its own zoning²¹²²; Eagar sets its own zoning²³, and we could not confirm who issues building permits there, so ask the town. The county rules on this page apply to unincorporated Apache County.

Does Apache County have zoning, and who zones inside cities and communities?

Apache County administers zoning districts in unincorporated areas; Springerville and Eagar set their own zoning inside town limits²²²³. Other incorporated places and specially regulated communities may have different local ordinances, so identify the parcel's jurisdiction and district before relying on county standards³⁴. In the Agricultural General zone, a single-story building has a minimum 10-foot side setback; taller buildings add side clearance, and front and rear setbacks equal the building height plus 10 feet²⁴. A newly installed manufactured home must be 15 years old or newer, while an older unit requires a Conditional Use Permit in a zone that allows manufactured homes; mobile homes are prohibited in every zone¹⁰. We could not confirm a general minimum dwelling floor area for conventional homes, so ask Community Development what the parcel's district requires; the county does set a 200-square-foot minimum for a tiny house.²⁵²⁶ In the county residential districts, maximum building height is 30 or 35 feet depending on the district (for example 35 feet in R-5 and RF-2, 30 feet in RF-1, RE-1 and SF-10), measured from the first finished floor to the highest gable end²⁷. Dividing land is regulated too: before recording a deed and survey map that splits land into five or fewer parcels, any of which is 10 acres or smaller, you must file a minor land division application with Planning and Zoning, and lots under 1 acre must use a common sewerage system approved by ADEQ²⁸. Septic permits are not part of zoning approval: they come from the Environmental Division or ADEQ in every jurisdiction.⁵

Who issues septic permits in Apache County, and how do they work?

Apache County's Public Health Environmental Division holds delegated state authority to permit only certain on-site wastewater technologies⁷. Every other technology must be permitted through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, and each is evaluated case by case⁸. The same split applies inside Springerville²⁹. Most rural areas lack sewer service, and a parcel without sewer needs an approved septic system or other treatment process³⁰. The permit process starts with a Notice of Intent to Discharge, plans, drawings, site-evaluation data and the applicable fee, followed by a Request to Discharge after satisfactory construction⁶. Only 28.8% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so obtain a parcel-specific evaluation before fixing the house site¹⁵. The county conducts a minimum of 2 inspections during construction, and the applicant then submits a Request to Discharge for approval.³¹ Every on-site wastewater treatment facility needs a permit, even a temporary or stopgap one, and the county says short-term use of a parcel without a septic system is acceptable only if it creates no environmental health hazard; ask Community Development about temporary-use ordinances and check deed restrictions.³²³³ Selling later matters too: Arizona's statewide program requires a certified septic inspection when a home with a conventional or alternative onsite system is resold³⁴. Call the Environmental Division at 928-337-7607 to begin³⁵.

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

Apache County's Building Safety FAQ says a person may live in an RV on their land¹⁶. An RV may connect to electric utility service only after an approved septic system is installed on the property¹⁶. Apache County defines a tiny house as a dwelling smaller than 600 square feet and no smaller than 200 square feet, and requires it to follow the 2015 International Residential Code with listed modifications; it needs a building permit even when off-grid.¹¹² A tiny house on wheels brought in as a dwelling needs plan review and special inspection by the county building inspector, and the county issues a certificate of occupancy only for tiny houses set on a permanent foundation.¹¹ Zoning setbacks, drainage, 911 addressing and floodplain rules still apply, and wastewater goes through the Health Department.¹¹ A newly installed manufactured home must be 15 years old or newer unless it receives a Conditional Use Permit in a zone that allows manufactured homes, and installation must be done by a state-licensed installer¹⁰¹⁶. Because zoning varies by jurisdiction and district, confirm the parcel's rules with Community Development before buying an RV, tiny home or manufactured home⁴.

How do you build a home in Apache County, step by step?

Ask Community Development to confirm the parcel's jurisdiction, zoning district, allowed use and setbacks because rules vary by district and some communities have separate local ordinances⁴³⁶.
If sewer is unavailable, call the Public Health Environmental Division at 928-337-7607 for a site evaluation and the on-site wastewater permit process³⁵³⁰⁶.
Plan access, then request a 911 address from Engineering with the parcel ID and either an established driveway or a drawing marked with the proposed driveway location³⁷³⁸.
Submit the building-permit package to Building Safety; complete applications may take up to 15 business days for plan review⁹¹⁶.
An owner-builder may perform the work or use employees, but a hired builder must be properly licensed¹³.
Start within 180 days and pass at least one inspection every six months to keep the permit open²⁰.

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

Septic and soils: only 28.8% of Apache County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so arrange the site evaluation before choosing a house location¹⁵. Water: a new, deepened or modified well requires a Notice of Intent to Drill with the Arizona Department of Water Resources and work by a licensed well driller; a domestic well on a parcel of 5 acres or fewer also needs local health-authority review before filing³⁹. Access: Apache County requires an established driveway or a parcel drawing showing the proposed driveway before issuing a 911 address, but that rule does not establish a universal driveway-construction permit³⁷. Agriculture: at least 5 contiguous commercial acres used and capable of normal-profit agricultural production may qualify for a county zoning exemption, while hobby or primarily residential property does not¹⁴. Taxes: the effective property-tax rate is about 0.8%, and the median annual bill is $574⁴⁰⁴¹.

Watch-outs

Apache County's own Building Safety FAQ confirms you can live in an RV, but connecting it to electric utility service requires an approved septic system on the property first; plan and budget for septic before you count on RV power hookup¹⁶.
Apache County sets a 200-square-foot minimum for tiny houses and issues a certificate of occupancy only for tiny houses on a permanent foundation; a tiny house on wheels placed without a foundation gets none.²⁶¹¹
An established driveway or a drawing showing the proposed driveway is required for a county 911 address, but the cited rule does not create a universal driveway-construction permit³⁷.

Sources

Written October 16, 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.

Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 5 of its 6 neighbors, Apache County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

Rule	Apache County	Navajo County	Gila County	Greenlee County	Coconino County	Graham County	Yavapai County
Building permit	Limited	Required	Required	Limited	Required	Required	Required
County zoning	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Septic permits	County Public Health Env. Div.	County Planning & Development Services	County Community Development Div.	County Health Dept.	County Community Development	County Dept. of Health & Human Services	County Development Services

How Apache County scores

Seclusion87100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency26100% ev.

Admin Boringness62100% ev.

Durability51100% ev.

Property Autonomy65100% ev.

Carry Cost83100% ev.

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

$323kTypical home

0.8%Property tax

$329Land / acre

11.8"Annual rain

43.1% of yrsSevere drought

6.2 / yr (+5.6)Mid-century 100°F days

38 daysMid-century dry spell

0.88" (+6%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.19×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,283Home insurance / yr

2.2% / yrInsurance growth

1.63%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

3,060Radius comparison (15 mi)

5.8People / sq mi

9.9%Federal land

78.7%Land at 15% slope or less

28.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)

1,717,604 acWorkable land screen

24%Wooded land

20.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac

51.1°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Apache County

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

Apache County rules

Building permitLimited
Residential construction and related work regulated by Apache County Building Safety.
- A pre-built shed under 200 square feet does not require a permit if it will not be used for living or connected to utilities.
- A shed over 200 square feet or connected to electricity or other utilities requires a permit.
- Living in a shed requires a permit regardless of size.
- Living quarters, solar electric systems, and outbuildings over 200 square feet require a permit.
- Off-grid status does not eliminate the permit requirement.
exempt pre-built shed floor area: < 200 square feet (Only if not used for living and not connected to utilities) · permit threshold for outbuildings: > 200 square feet
“If the shed is under 200 square feet and you will not be living in it or connecting it to utilities, then you don’t need a permit.”
FAQ Building Safety ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
An owner-builder constructing or improving a structure in Apache County for the owner's sole occupancy.
- The owner may do the work personally or use employees.
- If the owner contracts with a builder, the builder must be properly licensed through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
- The structure must be intended solely for the owner's occupancy.
- The structure must not be intended for occupancy by members of the public as the owner's employees or business visitors.
- The structure must not be intended for sale or rent.
- Sale or rent within one year after completion or issuance of a certificate of occupancy is prima facie evidence the project was undertaken for sale or rent.
- The owner-builder exemption does not eliminate applicable county building-permit or safety-code requirements.
sale or rent evidentiary period: 1 year after completion or certificate of occupancy (Prima facie evidence of sale or rent)
“Owners of property who improve such property or who build or improve structures or appurtenances on such property and who do the work themselves, with their own employees or with duly licensed contractors, if the structure, group of structures or appurtenances, including the improvements thereto, are intended for occupancy solely by the owner and are not intended for occupancy by members of the public as the owner's employees or business visitors and the structures or appurtenances are not intended for sale or for rent.”
FAQ Building Safety ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
InspectionsRequired
Apache County building-permit projects.
- Building safety inspections are scheduled through Apache County Building Safety.
- A permit must be started within 180 days and must pass at least one inspection every six months to remain open.
- The requirement applies to permitted projects; work exempt from a building permit is not covered by this claim.
inspection frequency to keep permit open: per 6 months (At least one passed inspection) · permit commencement deadline: 180 days
“Yes, you need to start the building project within 180 days (6 months) and pass at least one inspection every 6 months to keep the permit open.”
FAQ Building Safety ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Certificate of occupancyLimited
County-issued building permit projects documented on the Apache County Building Safety permit form.
- The form includes an inspection and completion checklist, including Building Final.
- The certificate becomes effective when the certificate section is validated below by the building official.
- The source does not state that every building or every occupancy in Apache County requires a certificate of occupancy, nor does it specify applicability to incorporated municipalities.
“Certificate of Occupancy/Completion When validated below this becomes a certificate of occupancy/completion”
April 2025 Building Safety Permits ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
Apache County zoning ordinance applicable in the unincorporated area of Apache County.
- The ordinance establishes zoning districts, regulates land uses, and adopts a zoning-district map.
- The ordinance is scoped to the unincorporated area of Apache County.
“AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF APACHE COUNTY, ARIZONA”
Zoning Ordinance of Apache County, Arizona ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate local zoning in Apache County; the county administers zoning in unincorporated areas, while separate local ordinances may apply in incorporated or specially regulated communities.
- The county ordinance expressly applies to the unincorporated area.
- Apache County separately lists Article 6 as the Greer Zoning Ordinance and identifies additional specialized zoning ordinances and districts.
- Specific applicability depends on the parcel's jurisdiction and zoning district.
“Apache County Zoning Ordinance amended 12/03/19 Article 6 – Greer Zoning Ordinance Article 20 – Master Planned Community Zone”
Community Development | Apache County ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Zoning districtsPublished
Zoning districts and district regulations established by Apache County in non-reservation, unincorporated areas.
- The ordinance was adopted in 1985 and lists amendments through March 1, 2022.
- The Agricultural General Zone comprises non-reservation/unincorporated portions of Apache County not classified as other zoning districts.
- The ordinance identifies rural, rural farmstead, rural estate, single-family, commercial, industrial, Greer, reserve overlay, and other districts and contains district-specific uses and standards.
- Lands previously zoned by another jurisdiction retain that zoning until further action; reservations and incorporated jurisdictions are outside this county-unincorporated scope.
“AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF APACHE COUNTY, ARIZONA;”
Zoning Ordinance of Apache County, Arizona ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified
Tiny houses under the Apache County Building Code Requirements for Tiny Houses in unincorporated Apache County.
- The 200-square-foot minimum applies to a structure defined as a tiny house, namely a house smaller than 600 square feet and site built only.
- Minimum room dimensions are 6’6”, with no room smaller than 65 square feet, excluding storage areas and bathrooms.
- The document also requires compliance with the 2015 International Residential Code except for the listed tiny-house modifications.
- A certificate of occupancy requires a permanent foundation, and zoning, setback, wastewater, drainage, addressing, road-encroachment, and floodplain requirements remain applicable.
minimum tiny-house floor area: >= 200 square feet · minimum room dimension: >= 6’6” (storage areas and bathrooms excluded) · minimum room area: >= 65 square feet (storage areas and bathrooms excluded)
“A tiny house shall not be smaller than 200 square feet.”
Building Code Requirements for Tiny Houses ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
SetbacksSpecified
Buildings in Apache County's Agricultural General Zone
- Side-yard setbacks are measured from property lines to the roof overhang or end of porches or decks, whichever protrudes more.
- For buildings exceeding 14 feet in height, one additional foot of side-yard setback is required for each additional foot of building height.
- Front and rear setbacks equal total building height plus 10 feet.
- Agricultural pens, buildings, and corrals have additional separation requirements from residential property lines, residences, or residential districts.
side-yard setback for single-story building: >= 10 feet · front and rear setback: building height + 10 feet · additional side-yard setback above 14 feet height: per 1 foot per additional foot of height
“All building side yard setbacks shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet for a single-story building. Buildings exceeding fourteen (14) feet in height, as measured from the first finished floor to the highest gable end, shall have additional foot of side yard setback for each additional one (1) foot of building height. [...] All buildings shall have a minimum front and rear yard setback equal to the total height of said building as measured from the first finished floor to the highest gable end plus ten (10) feet.”
Zoning Ordinance of Apache County, Arizona ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)
Maximum building heights in Apache County residential zoning districts R-18, R-9, R-5, RF-2, RF-1, RE-2, RE-1, SF-36, SF-18, and SF-10.
- The cited maximums vary by residential district.
- The ordinance states that height is measured from the first finished floor above ground to the highest gable end.
R-18 maximum height: 35 feet · R-9 maximum height: 35 feet · R-5 maximum height: 35 feet · RF-2 maximum height: 35 feet · RF-1 maximum height: 30 feet · RE-2 maximum height: 35 feet · RE-1 maximum height: 30 feet · SF-36 maximum height: 30 feet · SF-18 maximum height: 30 feet · SF-10 maximum height: 30 feet
“SF-10 10,000 ft 60 ft 30% 20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 30 ft”
Apache County Zoning Ordinance amended 12/3/2019 ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Tiny homesLimited
Tiny houses used as dwelling units in unincorporated Apache County, including site-built houses and off-site tiny houses on wheels brought into the county.
- A tiny house is defined as a house smaller than 600 square feet and must not be smaller than 200 square feet.
- Other than the listed modifications, the house must comply with the 2015 International Residential Code.
- An off-site-built house must be inspected and approved by a recognized agency approved by the building official.
- An off-site-built tiny house on wheels brought into Apache County as a dwelling unit requires plan review and special inspection by the Apache County building inspector.
- Sleeping and living areas must have egress; a bathroom and kitchen are required; ladders may replace stairways to loft areas if stair or ladder details are provided on plans.
- A certificate of occupancy is issued only for tiny houses set on and anchored to a permanent foundation. Tiny homes on wheels do not receive a certificate of occupancy unless set on a foundation.
- Wastewater requirements are administered through the Apache County Health Department.
- Tiny houses must meet zoning requirements, including setbacks, and engineering requirements including drainage, 911 addressing, road encroachments, and floodplain requirements.
maximum tiny-house area: < 600 square feet · minimum tiny-house area: >= 200 square feet · minimum open livable-area ceiling height: 6’4” · minimum electrical service: >= 125 amp
“A certificate of occupancy will only be issued for tiny houses set on a permanent foundation.”
Building Code Requirements for Tiny Houses ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
Manufactured homesLimited
Newly installed manufactured homes in Apache County, in zones that allow manufactured homes.
- A newly installed manufactured home must be 15 years old or newer.
- A manufactured home more than 15 years old may be permitted through the Conditional Use Permit process only in zones that allow manufactured homes.
- Mobile homes are prohibited in all zones.
- Commercial uses in a manufactured home are prohibited.
- Each entrance must have a landing meeting the applicable International Residential Code before final inspection.
- Connecting two individual or stand-alone units is prohibited.
- Where roof snow-load requirements exceed 20 pounds per square foot, a manufactured home built after January 1, 2009 must meet the applicable area requirement or have a separate approved engineered roof structure installed over it.
- A manufactured home built before January 1, 2009 is exempt from the snow-load requirement if the installer and owner agree in writing to accept all risks; the county Release of Responsibility form must be completed, submitted with the installation-permit application, and recorded with the County Recorder's Office.
maximum age for newly installed manufactured home: <= 15 years (An older manufactured home may be permitted through the Conditional Use Permit process in zones that allow manufactured homes.) · federal HUD Arizona roof snow-load standard: 20 pounds per square foot (County area requirements may exceed this standard.)
“All newly installed manufactured homes shall be 15 years old or newer, and mobile homes shall be prohibited in all zones. i. Exception – A manufactured home more than 15 years old may be permitted through the Conditional Use Permit process in the zones that allow manufactured homes.”
Apache County Zoning Ordinance amended 12/03/19 ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)
On-site wastewater treatment technologies in Apache County that fall within the Apache County Public Health Environmental Division's delegated authority.
- Apache County has jurisdiction to permit only certain types of on-site wastewater treatment technologies.
- All other technologies must be permitted through ADEQ.
- Each technology has its own regulations and limitations and must be evaluated case-by-case.
- The county page directs applicants to contact Apache County Public Health Environmental Division at 928-337-7607 for more information.
“Apache County Public Health Environmental Division has delegated authority from the State of Arizona, granting the county jurisdiction to permit only certain types of on-site wastewater treatment technologies.”
Environmental Services | Apache County ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Mixed (with conditions) — On-site wastewater treatment facilities in Apache County.
  “All on-site wastewater treatment facilities being installed require a permit. Apache County Public Health Environmental Division has delegated authority from the State of Arizona, granting the county jurisdiction to permit only certain types of on-site wastewater treatment technologies. All other technologies must be permitted through ADEQ.”
  Environmental Services | Apache County ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Septic permitRequired
All on-site wastewater treatment facilities installed on property in Apache County, including septic systems, compost toilets, privies, temporary systems, and stopgap technologies.
- Apache County states that all on-site wastewater treatment facilities require a permit.
- County jurisdiction covers only certain technologies; all other technologies must be permitted through ADEQ.
- For a valid septic permit and construction authorization, submit a Notice of Intent to Discharge, thorough plans, detailed drawings, site evaluation data, and the appropriate fee payment.
- Upon satisfactory completion, submit a Request to Discharge for approval.
“requires a permit for all on-site wastewater treatment facilities”
Environmental Services | Apache County ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
Construction of permitted on-site wastewater systems in Apache County.
- A valid septic permit and construction authorization require a Notice of Intent to Discharge, thorough plans, detailed drawings, site evaluation data, and the appropriate fee payment.
- Apache County states that it conducts a minimum of two inspections during construction.
- After satisfactory completion of construction, the applicant must submit a Request to Discharge for approval.
minimum construction inspections: >= 2 inspections
“We will conduct a minimum of two inspections during construction. Upon satisfactory completion of construction, the applicant must submit a Request to Discharge for approval.”
Environmental Services | Apache County — Wastewater Applications ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Installation of septic systems, compost toilets, privies, and other on-site wastewater treatment facilities on property in Apache County.
- Apache County requires a permit for all on-site wastewater treatment facilities installed on property in the county.
- The requirement applies even when the technology is temporary or a stopgap technology.
- The county's broader FAQ states that all on-site wastewater treatment facilities being installed require a permit.
- Certain alternative technologies may instead require ADEQ permitting.
- The county page states that each technology has its own regulations and limitations and must be evaluated case-by-case.
“Yes. Apache County requires a permit for all on-site wastewater treatment facilities installed on a property in Apache County, even when used as a temporary or stopgap technology.”
Environmental Services | Apache County — Septic, Compost Toilet, and Privy Permits ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Temporary use of property without a septic system in Apache County.
  “Maybe. The State of Arizona and the Apache County Public Health Environmental Division do not have any restrictions on temporary use of a property as long as you are not creating an environmental health hazard on your property.”
  Environmental Services | Apache County — Temporary Use Without Septic ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Residential wastewater service in rural areas of Apache County.
- Sewer service is not available in most rural areas.
- Where sewer service is unavailable, an approved septic system or other treatment process is required.
- The cited county page does not establish a countywide mandatory connection-to-public-sewer rule.
“If sewer service is not available, you will need an approved septic system or other treatment process.”
Living in Apache County — Utility Services ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Exemption from Apache County zoning regulation for property used for grazing or general agricultural purposes.
- The property must be at least five contiguous commercial acres; one commercial acre is 36,000 square feet.
- The primary use and investment must be directed toward agricultural production through agronomy, horticulture, or animal husbandry.
- The property must be intended for and reasonably capable of producing a normal profit through exempt purposes.
- The County Assessor must find the property qualifying agricultural property under the Arizona Department of Revenue Agricultural Manual.
- Primarily residential, commercial, or recreational property, including hobby farms or ranches, horse acres, cabin sites, forestry tracts, and generally economically self-insufficient mini-farms or gardens, does not qualify.
- Application is made through Community Development; the Director evaluates compliance, may cancel the exemption when standards are no longer met, may grant a provisional exemption for property not previously used for an exempt purpose, and denials may be appealed to the Board of Supervisors.
minimum contiguous commercial acreage: >= 5 commercial acres (one commercial acre is 36,000 square feet)
“In order to qualify for an exemption from zoning regulation as property used for "grazing or general agricultural purposes" the property must meet each of the following standards: 1. The property is at least five (5) contiguous commercial acres in size. (A commercial acre is 36,000 square feet). 2. The primary use and investment in the property is directed toward production of agricultural products through agronomy, horticulture or animal husbandry. 3. The property is intended for, and is reasonably capable of, producing a normal profit through exempt purposes.”
Agricultural Zoning Exemption Application ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Division of parcels within Apache County's planning jurisdiction, excluding municipal planning jurisdictions and federal lands; minor land divisions are expressly limited to unincorporated territory excluding Tribal Authority lands and lands outside Apache County authority.
- The ordinance requires County Planning and Zoning Department certification of deeds, survey maps, or subdivision plats before recording.
- No conveyance of an interest in subdivided land may occur before final plat approval and recording.
- Before recording a deed and survey map dividing land into five or fewer parcels, any of which is ten acres or smaller, for sale, lease, or transfer, a minor land division application must be submitted.
- The processing fee is set by the Apache County Board of Supervisors.
- Lots of at least one acre (43,560 square feet) may use individual septic disposal if supported by acceptable percolation or other test results.
- Lots under one acre must use a common single sewerage system approved by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
- All lots on the final plat must comply with the zoning ordinance or obtain a zoning ordinance/map amendment before final-plat approval.
- The ordinance does not apply within municipal planning jurisdictions or on federal lands; minor land-division provisions exclude Tribal Authority lands and lands outside Apache County authority.
minor land division parcel count: <= 5 parcels (any parcel is ten acres or smaller) · minor land division parcel-size threshold: <= 10 acres (applies to any of the five or fewer parcels) · individual septic threshold: >= 1 acre (acceptable percolation or other test results required) · common sewer threshold: < 1 acre (common single sewerage system approved by ADEQ)
“The Apache County Planning and Zoning Department shall certify all deeds, survey maps, or subdivision plats”
Apache County Subdivision Ordinance ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Obtaining a county 911 address for property in Apache County.
- The applicant must provide a parcel ID.
- The applicant must have an established driveway or provide a parcel drawing marked with an “X” showing the proposed driveway.
- The county does not address vacant land; the applicant must plan on living on the property or building.
- This source establishes a driveway-related prerequisite for 911 addressing, not a universal driveway construction permit requirement.
“You will need your parcel ID number of the property and must have an established driveway or a drawing of your parcel and an “X” where your driveway is going to be.”
Engineering | Apache County ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Apache County Community Development planning and zoning applications and fees.
- The county publishes a Fee Schedule under Planning and Zoning Permit Applications & Fees.
- The reviewed page identifies the fee schedule but does not provide the individual fee amounts in its page text; amounts may vary by application type.
“Apache County Community Development New Fee Schedule Planning and Zoning Department Fee Schedule”
Community Development | Apache County ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
County planning and zoning applications, including subdivision, zone-change, and conditional-use-permit applications.
- The Planning and Zoning Commission develops and amends land-use, zoning, subdivision, and construction-permitting regulations.
- The Commission reviews applications for subdivisions, zone changes, and conditional use permits.
- The Community Development page lists application forms for administrative variances, conditional use permits, plats, subdivisions, temporary use permits, variances, and zone changes.
“Reviewing applications for subdivisions, zone changes, and conditional use permits”
Community Development | Apache County ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026

Arizona rules that apply here

Building code adoptedPartial
Arizona residential construction in unincorporated county areas that are zoned and for which the county has adopted a building code; the statute authorizes, but does not establish universal statewide county adoption.
- The county must have adopted zoning under the chapter.
- The code applies to unincorporated areas so zoned.
- Rural or unclassified areas may be exempted by county authorization.
- Adoption requires notice and hearings before the county planning and zoning commission and board of supervisors.
- Authorized building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical codes are limited to qualifying national codes or the largest city's code.
- Within a zoning district covered by a county zoning ordinance, construction, reconstruction, alteration or use generally requires a building permit after the zoning-inspector position is established.
- Repairs or improvements valued at five hundred dollars or less do not require the building permit described in section 11-815(B).
permit exemption threshold for repairs or improvements: <= 500 USD (Section 11-815(B) states a permit is not required for repairs or improvements of a value not exceeding five hundred dollars.)
“In any county that has adopted zoning pursuant to this chapter, the board of supervisors may adopt and enforce”
11-861. Adoption of codes by reference; limitations; method of adoption; fire sprinklers; fire apparatus access roads or approved routes; intent; state preemption; fire watch requirements; pool barrier gates; refrigerants ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Adopted (with conditions) — The Arizona state fire code component of the statewide building-code framework.
  “Enforce compliance with the fire code adopted pursuant to this subsection throughout this state”
  37-1383. Powers and duties; construction plans and specifications; permit applications; arson investigators ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)
Land divisions reviewed under Arizona Revised Statutes § 11-831 and subject to applicable county zoning designations.
- Each resulting lot, parcel, or fractional interest must meet the minimum applicable county zoning requirements of the applicable zoning designation.
- The statute defines those minimum applicable county zoning requirements as the minimum acreage and dimensions required by the county zoning ordinance.
- The actual acreage and dimensions vary by county and zoning district and are not established by this statewide record.
resulting lot area and dimensions: minimum applicable county zoning requirements
“The lots, parcels or fractional interests each meet the minimum applicable county zoning requirements of the applicable zoning designation.”
11-831 - Review of land divisions; definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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”
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
Well permitRequired
Drilling a new groundwater well, or deepening or modifying an existing well, in Apache County.
- ADWR regulates groundwater wells statewide.
- Before drilling a new well or deepening or modifying an existing well, file a Notice of Intent to Drill with ADWR and pay the applicable filing fee.
- Authority to deepen an existing well or drill a new well is valid for one year; after that, a new Notice of Intent must be filed.
- A licensed well-drilling contractor must perform the work.
- For domestic use on a parcel of 5 or fewer acres, the applicable county or local health authority must review the application before ADWR submission.
- ADWR approval does not override other local requirements or ordinances restricting well drilling.
domestic parcel health-review threshold: <= 5 acres (Applicable county or local health authority review required before ADWR submission.)
“Prior to drilling a new well, or deepening or modifying an existing well, a person must file a Notice of Intent to Drill”
Permitting and Wells Overview | Arizona Department of Water Resources ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 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.”
  azleg.gov ↗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

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

Living off-grid in Apache County, Arizona

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

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Apache County, Arizona?

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

What is the water situation in Apache County?

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

How remote is Apache County?

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

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who issues building permits in Apache County, and how do you reach them?

Does Apache County have zoning, and who zones inside cities and communities?

Who issues septic permits in Apache County, and how do they work?

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

How do you build a home in Apache County, step by step?

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

Watch-outs

Sources

Compared with neighboring counties

Apache County in Arizona

How Apache County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Cities and towns in Apache County

Answers from the rulebook for Apache County

Apache County rules

Arizona rules that apply here

Living off-grid in Apache County, Arizona

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

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

How much does land cost in Apache County, Arizona?

What is the water situation in Apache County?

How remote is Apache County?

How Apache compares in Arizona