Bolthole Index

Apache County, Arizona

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Springerville, Arizona

The Town of Springerville, Arizona (Apache County) runs its own zoning and requires a building permit and inspections for most residential projects inside town limits.12 Septic permits do not come from the town: Apache County's Environmental Division permits certain technologies and ADEQ permits the rest.3 Land outside town limits falls under Apache County's rules instead.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for most residential projects inside town limits; inspections follow2
Zoning
Town maintains and enforces its own zoning map and codes1
Septic
Permit required; Apache County or ADEQ issues it, depending on technology43
Sewer connection
Required for new homes within 400 feet of a town sewer line5
RV living
Prohibited outside an approved RV park except for listed exceptions6
Wells
Notice of Intent to Drill filed with ADWR7
Minimum dwelling size
800 square feet in AR-208

Who to call

Building permits

Town of Springerville Building Department

Building permits and inspections inside Springerville town limits

928-333-2656

418 E Main Street, Springerville, AZ 85938

Planning & zoning

Town of Springerville Planning & Zoning Department

Zoning map and codes, zoning applications, subdivisions and minor land divisions inside town limits

928-333-2656

418 E Main Street, Springerville, AZ 85938

Septic permits

Apache County Public Health Environmental Division

Septic permits and inspections for the technologies the county is authorized to permit; ADEQ permits the others

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 Town of Springerville means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Does Springerville have zoning, and what does it mean for RVs, lot size and setbacks?

Yes. The Town of Springerville maintains and enforces its own zoning map and zoning codes inside town limits, run by the Planning & Zoning Department.19 Rules differ by district, so check which one your lot is in.

In the R1-7 single-family district, the minimum lot area is 7,500 square feet, front yards are 20 feet, side and rear yards are 10 feet, and lot coverage tops out at 40 percent.101112 In the AR-20 agricultural-residential district, the minimum lot area is 20,000 square feet, every yard is 20 feet, lot coverage can reach 75 percent, and a dwelling must be at least 800 square feet.1314158 Both districts cap building height at 25 feet unless a conditional use permit allows more.1617

Subdivisions and minor land divisions go through the town as well.18

Do you need a building permit in Springerville, and who issues it?

Yes, for most residential work. The Town of Springerville's Building Department requires an application resulting in a building permit and inspections for most residential projects inside town limits.219 That includes new residential buildings and structural, electrical, plumbing, foundation, addition, garage and demolition work.2

The Building Department has 10 working days from submission to approve, conditionally approve or deny a plan, and an approved plan becomes void after 6 months if no permit has been issued.20 Work done without a permit can be permitted afterward, but the town may charge double the original permit fee.2 The town links a Building and PZ fee schedule on its Building Department page; we did not confirm current amounts, so ask the department.21

Schedule inspections at least 24 hours ahead.2219 We could not confirm whether the town has an owner-builder exemption, so ask the Building Department before you start.

How do septic permits work inside Springerville?

Springerville does not issue septic permits. Every on-site wastewater system serving land inside town needs a permit, issued by Apache County's Public Health Environmental Division for the technologies the county is authorized to permit and by ADEQ for all others.4323 The county conducts a minimum of 2 inspections during construction, and the applicant then submits a Request to Discharge.24

The bigger hurdle is the sewer rule. Any new residence or business within 400 feet of a town sewer line must connect to the town system, though the public works director can grant an exception.5 Elsewhere the town makes privies, septic tanks and cesspools unlawful except as its sewer chapter provides, and a private system may be used only where public sewer is unavailable.25 Before you plan a septic system, confirm with the town how far the nearest sewer line is from your lot.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Springerville?

Mostly no, outside an RV park. Springerville prohibits living in an RV or travel trailer outside an approved RV park, with listed exceptions.6 One exception allows a construction-site RV for up to 12 months with a conditional use permit and active construction permits. Another allows guest quarters on a residential lot for up to 15 consecutive days and no more than 45 days a year.6

The town's code also adopts a separate Tiny Houses Requirements document, but we could not confirm its occupancy standards, so call the Planning & Zoning Department before buying for a tiny home.9

Building a home in Springerville: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm your lot's zoning district and its lot size, setback and height rules with the Planning & Zoning Department.19
  2. Ask the town how far the nearest sewer line is; a line within 400 feet means connecting to it.5
  3. If sewer is unavailable, apply for a septic permit through Apache County's Environmental Division or ADEQ.323
  4. If you need a well, the state requires a Notice of Intent to Drill filed with ADWR before drilling.7
  5. Apply for a building permit with the town's Building Department.219
  6. Call the Building Department at least 24 hours before each inspection.22

What stays with Apache County, and what to check before you buy

Septic permits and well notices sit with Apache County or the state, not the town.37 Land outside town limits is under the county's own rules, which differ, so see the Apache County page if the parcel is not inside town.

If the lot is in a flood-hazard area, an RV must either stay fewer than 180 consecutive days and be ready for highway use, or meet the town's permit and elevation requirements.26 Apache County's farmland is valued at about $329 per acre, its effective property tax rate is 0.8 percent and the median tax bill is $574 a year (all county-level figures).272829

Watch-outs

  • We could not confirm Springerville rules on accessory dwellings, short-term rentals, agricultural exemptions or general residential driveway access; ask the Planning & Zoning Department.9
  • Town code makes septic systems unlawful inside town except as the sewer chapter provides, so a septic permit does not guarantee you can skip the sewer connection.25
  • The town did not state when a certificate of occupancy is required; the Building Department offers the form, so ask when you apply.19

Sources

  1. Planning & Zoning Department (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  2. Building Department (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  3. Environmental Services Division (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  4. Environmental Services Division (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  5. Title 13, Section 13.16.010, Installation of sewer connection (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  6. Title 17, Section 17.28.170, Travel trailers and recreational vehicles (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  7. Well Drilling in Arizona (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  8. library.municode.com (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  9. Town of Springerville Planning & Zoning Department (springervilleaz.gov)
  10. library.municode.com (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  11. library.municode.com (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  12. library.municode.com (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  13. library.municode.com (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  14. library.municode.com (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  15. library.municode.com (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  16. library.municode.com (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  17. library.municode.com (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  18. Planning & Zoning Department (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  19. Town of Springerville Building Department (springervilleaz.gov)
  20. Building Department (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  21. Building Department (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  22. Building Department (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  23. Apache County Public Health Environmental Division (apachecountyaz.gov)
  24. Environmental Services Division (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  25. Title 13, Section 13.16.030, Private sewage systems (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  26. Title 15, Section 15.26.060, Standards for recreational vehicles (Town of Springerville), quoted and re-checked
  27. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  28. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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.

Answers from the rulebook for Town of Springerville

Town of Springerville’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Most residential projects inside Springerville town, including all new residential buildings and structural, electrical, plumbing, foundation, addition, garage, and demolition work listed by the town.

    • The town page says the requirement applies to most residential projects.
    • Commercial rental units require a commercial licensed contractor.
    • Work completed without a permit may be permitted retroactively, but the town may charge double the original permit fee.
    “An application resulting in a building permit and inspections is required for most residential projects.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Building projects inside Springerville town requiring town building permits.

    • The town describes a review and inspection process.
    • Applicants must contact the Building Department at least 24 hours before scheduling an inspection.
    “Please contact the Building Department a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours in advance to schedule an inspection for your project.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Springerville town; the town maintains and enforces its own zoning map and zoning codes.

    “Maintaining and updating the Town Zoning Map. Maintaining and updating the Town Zoning Codes.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    AR-20 Agricultural-Residential district inside Springerville town.

    • The district requires a minimum dwelling size of 800 square feet.

    minimum dwelling size: >= 800 square feet

    “Minimum dwelling size: eight hundred (800) square feet.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    AR-20 Agricultural-Residential district inside Springerville town.

    • Minimum average lot width and frontage are each 100 feet.

    minimum lot area: >= 20000 square feet

    “Minimum lot area: twenty thousand (20,000) square feet. Minimum average lot width: one hundred (100) feet. Minimum lot frontage: one hundred (100) feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — R1-7 Single-Family Residential district inside Springerville town.
      “Minimum lot area: seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square feet. Minimum average lot width: seventy (70) feet. Minimum lot frontage: thirty (30) feet.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    AR-20 Agricultural-Residential district inside Springerville town.

    • Front, side, and rear yards are each 20 feet.
    “Minimum front yard: twenty (20) feet. Minimum side yard: twenty (20) feet. Minimum rear yard: twenty (20) feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — R1-7 Single-Family Residential district inside Springerville town.
      “Minimum front yard: twenty (20) feet. Minimum side yard: ten feet, except on a corner lot there shall be a street side yard equal to the front yard. Minimum rear yard: ten feet.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    AR-20 Agricultural-Residential district inside Springerville town.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 75 percent

    “Maximum lot coverage: seventy-five (75) percent.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — R1-7 Single-Family Residential district inside Springerville town.
      “Maximum lot coverage: forty (40) percent.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    AR-20 Agricultural-Residential district inside Springerville town.

    • Heights over 25 feet may be allowed with a conditional use permit.

    maximum building height: <= 25 feet (Conditional use permit may allow greater height.)

    “Maximum building height: twenty-five (25) feet, except that heights over twenty-five (25) feet may be allowed with a conditional use permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — R1-7 Single-Family Residential district inside Springerville town.
      “Maximum building height: twenty-five (25) feet, except that heights over twenty-five (25) feet may be allowed with a conditional use permit.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Travel-trailer and recreational-vehicle occupancy inside Springerville town.

    • RV dwelling use is prohibited outside an approved RV park except for listed exceptions.
    • A construction-site RV or travel trailer may be used for up to 12 months by conditional use permit when active construction permits exist.
    • Guest-quarter use is limited to 15 consecutive days, no more than 45 days per calendar year, with at least 15 days between uses.
    • No more than two visiting RVs or travel trailers may be present per half-acre simultaneously.

    construction-site temporary residence: 12 months (Conditional use permit and active construction permits required) · guest-quarter duration: <= 15 consecutive days (No more than 45 days per calendar year) · visiting RV density: <= 2 RVs per half-acre (Simultaneously)

    “a travel trailer or recreational vehicle may be used as guest quarters on a residential lot for up to fifteen (15) consecutive days, not to exceed forty-five (45) days per calendar year, with a minimum of fifteen (15) days in between uses as guest quarters.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private sewage disposal, septic, privy, or similar off-grid sanitation inside Springerville town.

    • Such facilities are unlawful except as provided in the sewer chapter.
    • Where public sewer is unavailable, a private sewage disposal system may be used if it complies with Arizona Department of Public Health provisions and is maintained in a sanitary manner.
    • If a system within 400 feet of a sewer line fails, connection to town sewer is required.

    sewer availability threshold: <= 400 feet (Private sewage systems may apply where public sewer is not available.)

    “Except as provided in this chapter, it is unlawful to construct or maintain within the town any privy, privy vault, septic tank, cesspool, or other facility intended or used for the disposal of sewage.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Any new residence or business inside Springerville town with a sewer line within 400 feet of the property line.

    • A public works director exception may apply if connection is unreasonable or costs more than double a septic system at the same location.
    • Existing residences or businesses sold or exchanged after the ordinance effective date must connect if a line is within 400 feet.
    • A one-time capacity charge applies to each new sewer connection and is set by the town fee schedule.

    sewer-line distance: <= 400 feet (Measured from the property line; exceptions may be made by the public works director.)

    “Any new residence or business located within four hundred (400) feet from the property line to a sewer line must be connected to the town sewer system.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and minor land division applications inside Springerville town.

    • The town provides a Subdivision Application and Minor Land Division Application.
    • Applications requiring a Planning and Zoning Commission decision or recommendation must be submitted 20 calendar days before the meeting by 4:00 PM on the deadline day.

    application deadline: 20 calendar days before meeting (Submit by 4:00 PM on deadline day.)

    “Deadline for applications requiring a decision, or recommendation to the Council, by the Planning and Zoning Commission is twenty (20) calendar days in advance of the meeting date.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development and placement of recreational vehicles and manufactured homes in flood-hazard areas inside Springerville town.

    • A recreational vehicle must either remain on site fewer than 180 consecutive days and be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or meet the permit requirements of Section 15.25.040 and elevation and anchoring requirements for manufactured homes in Section 15.26.050.
    • Manufactured homes must be elevated to or above the regulatory flood elevation and securely anchored.

    temporary RV duration: < 180 consecutive days (RV must be fully licensed and ready for highway use.)

    “All recreational vehicles placed on site will either: Be on site for fewer than one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days, and be fully licensed and ready for highway use”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Town building and planning/zoning permits inside Springerville town.

    • The town page links a Building and PZ Fee Schedule.
    • The specific fee schedule document was not opened, so individual current fee amounts are not reported here.
    “fee schedule building and pz fee schedule.pdf”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Town building permit review inside Springerville town.

    • The building department may consult the Planning and Zoning Commission.
    • If it does so, a decision must be rendered within five days of Commission review.
    • An approved plan becomes void after six months if a permit has not been issued; an extension may be granted if requested before expiration.

    initial review period: 10 working days (Based on compliance with applicable requirements) · commission-review decision period: 5 days (Only when the Building Department obtains the Commission's opinion) · plan approval expiration: 6 months (Unless an extension is granted before expiration)

    “The building department shall have ten (10) working days from submission of the plan to application to approve, conditionally approve, or deny said plan or application based on its compliance.”

Rules another office applies inside Town of Springerville

Town of Springerville does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    On-site wastewater systems serving land inside Springerville town.

    • Apache County Public Health Environmental Division has delegated authority for certain on-site wastewater technologies.
    • All other technologies must be permitted through ADEQ.
    • The town separately prohibits private sewage facilities except as provided by its sewer chapter.
    “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.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    All on-site wastewater treatment facilities installed on property inside Springerville town.

    • Apache County requires a permit even for temporary or stopgap technologies.
    • Certain technologies are permitted by Apache County; other technologies are permitted through ADEQ.
    • The town requires connection to sewer when a sewer line is within 400 feet, subject to the town exception.
    “all on-site wastewater treatment facilities being installed require a permit.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Construction of on-site wastewater systems inside Springerville town.

    • Apache County conducts a minimum of two inspections during construction.
    • Upon satisfactory completion, the applicant must submit a Request to Discharge for approval.
    “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.”
  • Well permitRequired

    New, deepened, replaced, or modified groundwater wells serving land inside Springerville town.

    • A Notice of Intent to Drill must be filed with ADWR before the work.
    • The filing requires the appropriate fee.
    • The authority is valid for one year; after that a new Notice of Intent is required.
    • A licensed well-drilling contractor must perform the work.

    authorization validity: 1 year (A new Notice of Intent is required after one year.)

    “Prior to drilling a new well, or deepening or modifying an existing well, a Notice of Intent to Drill must be filed with ADWR.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Town of Springerville or Apache County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder construction inside Springerville town.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Occupancy inside Springerville town.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Springerville town.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units inside Springerville town.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural construction or land use inside Springerville town.
2 more unanswered
  • Driveway access
  • Short-term rentals

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Town of Springerville publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Apache County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Apache County: county rules, score and offices