Coconino County, AZ: Owner-Builder Allowed

Unincorporated Coconino County, Arizona requires a building permit for most residential construction, with approvals from Planning and Zoning, Environmental Quality, Engineering and the Building Division before issuance¹². The county administers zoning only in unincorporated territory, allowed uses and development standards vary by district³⁴. Conventional septic permits come from the county rather than the cities, through Community Development's Environmental Quality Division and generally must be issued before the building permit⁵⁶.

At a glance

Building permit: Required for most construction; sheds up to 200 sq ft, fences up to 7 ft and a few other small structures are exempt¹⁷
Zoning: Yes in unincorporated areas; uses and dimensional standards vary by district³⁴
Septic permit: Environmental Quality handles conventional septic systems; septic approval generally precedes a building permit⁵⁶
RV living: Permit options include 120 consecutive days, 180 days with a building permit, or permanent placement and occupancy⁸
Tiny or manufactured home: Tiny homes need an eligible zoning district, permanent foundation and code compliance; manufactured homes are allowed in the RMH zone⁹¹⁰
Owner-builder: Contractor-license exemption for qualifying work intended solely for owner occupancy, not sale or rent¹¹
Wells: Domestic wells pumping 35 gallons a minute or less are generally exempt from Active Management Area rights¹²

Who to call

Building permits

Coconino County Community Development, Building Division

Building permits, inspections, certificates of occupancy and the list of small structures that don't need a permit, for unincorporated Coconino County

(928) 679-8850

Online permits →

Zoning

Coconino County Community Development, Planning & Zoning Division

Zoning questions, RV and camping permits, ingress/egress and easement questions, and certificates of occupancy (including for RVs)

(928) 679-8850

Septic permits

Coconino County Community Development, Environmental Quality Division

Septic (onsite wastewater) permits, repairs and inspections for unincorporated Coconino County

(928) 679-8764

Zoning

Coconino County Community Development, Planning & Zoning Division

Online zoning applications, including temporary and permanent RV or travel-trailer permit options

Floodplain permits

Coconino County Community Development, Engineering Division (Floodplain Administrator)

Floodplain development permits, elevation certificates, and driveway/culvert encroachment permits for county-maintained roads

(928) 679-8850

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Coconino 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 Coconino County, Arizona?

Yes. Unincorporated Coconino County requires a building permit for residential construction, and the applicant must receive approvals from Planning and Zoning, Environmental Quality, Engineering and the Building Division before the permit is issued¹². A short list of small structures does not need a building permit: one-story detached sheds and playhouses no larger than 200 square feet with no more than an 8-foot wall height and 15-foot overall height, fences no more than 7 feet tall, retaining walls no more than 4 feet high, grade-supported water tanks up to 5,000 gallons with height-to-diameter or width ratios no greater than 2 to 1, and sidewalks and driveways⁷. Arizona separately exempts a hoophouse or polyhouse used only to grow and store live plants from the county building-permit requirement, provided it isn't anchored permanently, stores no chemicals, and meets width and covering limits¹³. Once a permit is issued, inspections are a condition of it, and the Environmental Quality Division must sign off on any septic system before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued¹⁴¹⁵.

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

Building, zoning, environmental quality and engineering permits in Coconino County all run through Community Development, and the fastest way to reach any of them is the department's main line, (928) 679-8850⁷. You are allowed to build your own home yourself: submit an application and a set of construction documents to the Building Division for review, and once the plans are approved and fees are paid you can start construction and call for routine inspections⁷. Inside Flagstaff, Page, Williams, Town of Tusayan, municipal offices issue building permits¹⁶¹⁷¹⁸¹⁹. Conventional septic authority stays with Coconino County Environmental Quality, while ADEQ regulates larger systems²⁰.

Does Coconino County have zoning?

Coconino County administers zoning in unincorporated territory under its adopted Zoning Ordinance²¹³⁴. In the General zone, the minimum parcel is 10 acres, the front setback is 30 feet and maximum height is 40 feet; Agricultural-Residential and Rural-Residential generally require at least 1 acre, a 25-foot front setback and a 35-foot maximum height, though the zoning map may require larger lots²²²³²⁴. Side-interior setbacks are 20 feet in General and 10 feet in Agricultural-Residential and Rural-Residential, and rear setbacks are 30 feet in General and 20 feet in the other two.²³ Maximum lot coverage is 30% in General and 35% in Agricultural-Residential and Rural-Residential.²⁵ Residential Single-Family districts have minimum parcels from 6,000 to 36,000 square feet, district-specific setbacks, maximum coverage of 35% or 40%, and a 35-foot height limit²²²³²⁵²⁴. Setbacks account for access easements: a boundary easement is measured from its interior edge, and a bisecting easement is treated as a street²³. Coconino County regulates subdivisions and accepts subdivision applications through its online portal²⁶. Inside Flagstaff, Page, Williams, Town of Fredonia, municipal offices set zoning²⁷²⁸²⁹³⁰. Conventional septic authority stays with Coconino County Environmental Quality, while ADEQ regulates larger systems²⁰.

How do septic permits work in Coconino County?

Septic systems are permitted at the county level here. Arizona's Department of Environmental Quality holds statewide authority but delegates onsite wastewater permitting to counties, including Coconino County³¹³². Coconino County handles conventional systems and some alternative systems up to 3,000 gallons per day; larger systems in Flagstaff, Williams, Page, Kachina Village and Pinewood are regulated directly by ADEQ²⁰. Environmental Quality reviews the application, authorizes construction, inspects the finished system and issues the discharge authorization needed for a Certificate of Occupancy³³³⁴⁶. The septic permit generally must come before the building permit, while the completed system must be approved before occupancy⁶. Properties using community sewer may instead need proof that service is available in Pinewood or Kachina Village; other community sewer systems may not require that approval³⁵. Only about 11% of mapped soils avoid a 'very limited' rating for conventional drain fields, so budget for site evaluation and a possible engineered or alternative system³⁶. On a sale, Arizona requires a certified inspection within six months before transfer and buyer notice within 15 calendar days after closing³⁷.

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

Coconino County requires the right zoning permit for RV occupancy rather than imposing one answer for every stay. Planning and Zoning lists an option for up to 120 consecutive days per calendar year, a renewable 180-day option tied to a building permit, and permanent placement and occupancy of one RV or travel trailer⁸. For the 120-day option, no residence may already be on the property³⁸. Tent camping on private land is prohibited outside permitted campgrounds³⁸. An RV is not an accessory dwelling unit, so it cannot be rented separately beside a primary home, and an owner cannot occupy the RV while renting the home³⁸. A tiny home on a permanent foundation must meet the building code and be in a district where the county's use table permits it⁹. Manufactured homes are permitted in General, Agricultural-Residential, Residential and Manufactured Home, and Manufactured Home Park districts, but not Rural-Residential or the listed single-family districts³⁹. Establishing a manufactured home in a park requires a building permit, and park development requires Board of Supervisors approval of plans and maps⁴⁰. We could not confirm the current minimum dwelling floor area; ask Planning and Zoning before designing a small home³⁸.

What are the steps to build a home in Coconino County?

Confirm that the parcel is in unincorporated Coconino County, then ask Planning and Zoning for its district, allowed use, minimum lot size and setbacks⁴³⁸.
Submit the building application and PDF construction documents online; if a complete plan set is not received within 10 working days, the county cancels the application⁴¹.
Apply through Environmental Quality for septic approval, or document community-sewer availability where the county requires it⁶³⁵.
If the site is in a mapped floodplain, obtain a Floodplain Development Permit before work starts⁴².
Obtain a county Encroachment Permit for access to a county-maintained road or an ADOT permit for access to a state highway; the county does not require one for a private road⁴³.
Build to the codes applicable on the submittal date and schedule each required inspection⁴⁴¹⁴.
Obtain septic Authorization to Discharge, complete division approvals and pass final inspections before the Certificate of Occupancy¹⁵.

What should you check before buying land in Coconino County?

Coconino County average annual precipitation is 12.7 inches, and the county has spent about 30.3% of recent years in severe drought⁴⁵⁴⁶. About 39.6% of the county is federal land, so confirm legal access with Planning and Zoning before making an offer⁴⁷³⁸. Check floodplain status with Community Development Engineering: construction inside a Regulatory Floodplain requires a Floodplain Development Permit⁴²⁴³. Typical home value runs about $633,105, with a median property tax bill of $2,008 a year at an effective rate around 0.5%, and typical homeowner's insurance costs about $1,198 a year⁴⁸⁴⁹⁵⁰⁵¹. Before you drill, know that a domestic well pumping 35 gallons a minute or less is generally exempt from Active Management Area groundwater rights, but you still must file a Notice of Intent to Drill with ADWR and use a licensed well-drilling contractor¹². Confirm road access before you close: a driveway connecting to a county-maintained road needs a county Encroachment Permit, and one connecting to a state highway needs an ADOT Encroachment Permit instead⁵²⁵³. If you're weighing short-term rental income, Coconino County requires its own permit, an annual $250 renewal fee and a background check before it will issue one, and only in the unincorporated area⁵⁴.

Watch-outs

Coconino County's newly adopted building codes took effect June 2, 2026; the county will keep accepting plans designed to the prior codes through December 31, 2026, and new permit fees take effect January 1, 2027⁴⁴⁵⁵.
Within the Sedona Fire District, including Oak Creek Canyon, Coconino County's Wildland and Urban Interface Codes apply on top of the standard building code, fire suppression systems are required, and the Sedona Fire Marshal does a concurrent plan review with the county⁴⁴.
Larger wastewater systems in Flagstaff, Williams, Page, Kachina Village and Pinewood are regulated by ADEQ; conventional septic systems remain under county delegated authority²⁰.
A Coconino County Certificate of Agricultural Exemption is not a blanket exemption from zoning or building rules; the documented exemption only covers qualifying agricultural vehicles under the ordinance's commercial-vehicle restriction⁵⁶.

Sources

Written October 12, 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

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Coconino County has countywide zoning.

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

How Coconino County scores

Seclusion85100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency29100% ev.

Admin Boringness49100% ev.

Durability26100% ev.

Property Autonomy65100% ev.

Carry Cost74100% 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 →

$633kTypical home

0.5%Property tax

$344Land / acre

12.7"Annual rain

30.3% of yrsSevere drought

13 / yr (+9.9)Mid-century 100°F days

40.3 daysMid-century dry spell

0.93" (+8.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.15×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,198Home insurance / yr

2.4% / yrInsurance growth

1.86%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

553Radius comparison (15 mi)

7.8People / sq mi

39.6%Federal land

76.7%Land at 15% slope or less

11%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)

1,018,689 acWorkable land screen

24%Wooded land

21 tonsBiomass / forest ac

53.4°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Coconino County

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

Coconino County rules

Building permitRequired
Residential building projects subject to Coconino County's conventional building-permit process.
- The applicant must receive approvals from Planning and Zoning, Environmental Quality, Engineering, and the Building Division before the Building Permit will be issued.
- The source document is a county residential-project procedure and does not establish that incorporated municipalities use the same permitting authority or process.
“This document is intended to provide procedures for developing a complete residential building permit application with minimum plan requirements for submittal. PLEASE NOTE: The Applicant must receive approvals from Planning and Zoning, Environmental Quality, Engineering, and the Building Division before a Building Permit will be issued.”
Minimum Building Plan Requirements, Building Permit Procedures, and Minimum Plan Requirements for Residential Projects ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Building-code requirements administered by the Coconino County Building Division for applicable construction in Coconino County.
- The newly adopted codes are effective June 2, 2026.
- The adopted codes include the 2024 International Residential, Building, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Plumbing, Existing Building, and Swimming Pool and Spa Codes; the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code; the 2023 National Electrical Code; and the 2017 International Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities Code.
- The Building Division will accept fully submitted permit applications with plan sets designed to the listed previously adopted codes through December 31, 2026.
- Newly adopted building permit fees take effect January 1, 2027.
- Owner-builders may seek an exemption from building codes for alternative methods and materials under certain circumstances.
- Within the Sedona Fire District, including Oak Creek Canyon, the 2018 Wildland and Urban Interface Codes apply and fire suppression systems are required in addition to compliance with those codes; the Sedona Fire Marshal conducts concurrent plan reviews with Coconino County.
“Current and newly-adopted codes (per this Ordinance), effective June 2, 2026, include:”
Building Codes, Ordinances, Design Criteria ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
InspectionsRequired
Construction performed under an issued and approved Coconino County building permit.
- Inspections are required as a condition of the issued permit.
- The contractor or owner is responsible for calling for inspections and follow-up inspections if corrections are required.
- Inspection requests should be scheduled before 3:00 p.m. the day before the desired inspection.
- A $120 re-inspection fee may apply for work not ready at inspection or a third or subsequent re-inspection.
- The approved building plans must be available at the job site; otherwise there will be no inspection.
- Before a Certificate of Occupancy, the Environmental Quality Division must obtain Authorization To Discharge for any installed septic systems.
inspection request deadline: 3:00 p.m. the day before the desired inspection · re-inspection fee: 120 USD (Applies to work not ready at inspection or a third or subsequent re-inspection)
“An issued and approved building permit constitutes consent to allow building inspectors the right of access to the property during the course of construction. No further consent or notice shall be required before Coconino County Building Inspectors enter for inspection purposes. Inspections are required as a condition of the issued permit.”
Plan Attachment Sheet ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Certificate of occupancyRequired
Residential homes constructed through Coconino County's conventional building-permit process.
- The Certificate of Occupancy is issued after passing all required inspections.
- Conditions of approval must be met before a Certificate of Occupancy, as applicable.
- For any installed septic system, the Environmental Quality Division must obtain Authorization To Discharge before issuance.
- The county's Alternative Methods and Materials Permit Program is an exception: no Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion is issued under that program.
“After passing all required inspections, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.”
Building a House in Coconino County ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
Zoning regulation administered by Coconino County in the county's unincorporated territory.
- The county zoning ordinance governs development and uses within the corporate limits of Coconino County.
- Any use not described as permitted, conditional, or subject to a use permit in a specific zoning district is prohibited unless the Community Development Director determines it is substantially similar to another permitted use.
- No building, structure, or land may be used, occupied, or developed, and no permit, certificate, or license may be issued, unless it conforms to applicable ordinance provisions, except as limited by A.R.S. § 11-321(E) and except for a building or structure with a valid building permit issued under an earlier county ordinance.
- The ordinance is subject to the Coconino County Floodplain Regulations.
“This Ordinance designates zoning districts that classify and regulate land uses within the zoning districts for the purpose of: 1. Implementing the Comprehensive Plan; 2. Designating the appropriate use of land throughout the County and regulating new development to ensure logical and orderly growth and development that improves the County’s overall quality of life;”
Coconino County Zoning Ordinance ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
County-administered zoning districts, permitted uses, conditional uses, and development standards in Coconino County.
- Permitted uses must be listed for the applicable zoning district and remain subject to applicable ordinance standards.
- Conditional uses require submission, review, and approval of the required use permit.
- Uses not listed or designated as prohibited are prohibited unless otherwise determined under the ordinance.
- The ordinance applies to buildings, structures, and land within the corporate limits of Coconino County.
- The ordinance is effective January 15, 2026.
“In accordance with the authority granted under A.R.S. § 11-811 et seq., the County is divided into the following zoning districts and overlay districts (Table 1-1):”
Coconino County Zoning Ordinance effective January 15, 2026 ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Varies (with conditions) — Countywide aggregate of local zoning: Coconino County zoning applies in unincorporated territory, while incorporated cities and towns administer permitting and land-use matters within their own jurisdictions.
  “Permitted Uses shall only be those uses listed as permitted (“P”) by right within the specific zoning district as listed in the various Permitted and Conditional Use Tables in the following chapters herein.”
  Is My Parcel Located within the Unincorporated County? ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)
Zoning districts and related county zoning controls within Coconino County's county-administered zoning jurisdiction.
- The county publishes an adopted Zoning Ordinance.
- The ordinance page states that the current adopted ordinance is effective January 15, 2026.
- Incorporated municipalities and other areas governed by separate authorities may have separate zoning rules; this claim is limited to the county-administered zoning jurisdiction.
“Click to view the adopted Zoning Ordinance effective January 15, 2026.”
Zoning Ordinance ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)
Minimum parcel or lot size in county-administered zoning districts, primarily in unincorporated Coconino County.
- For G, AR, and RR zones, Table 2-1 lists minimum net parcel sizes of 10 acres, 1 acre, and 1 acre, respectively.
- For AR and RR zones, larger minimum lot sizes may be designated on the Official Zoning Map in 1/2-acre increments.
- For RS zones, minimum parcel sizes are 6,000, 10,000, 18,000, and 36,000 square feet for RS-6,000, RS-10,000, RS-18,000, and RS-36,000; larger RS lot sizes may be designated on the Official Zoning Map.
- Lots on an approved and recorded subdivision map or covered by a qualifying prior deed may be used as building sites for not more than one primary dwelling.
G minimum parcel size: 10 acres · AR minimum parcel size: 1 acre (larger sizes may be designated in 1/2-acre increments) · RR minimum parcel size: 1 acre (larger sizes may be designated in 1/2-acre increments) · RS minimum parcel size: 6,000; 10,000; 18,000; 36,000 square feet (by RS district)
“Minimum parcel size, net area in acres (or subject to the provisions of Section 2.2.D) 10 1 1 [...] Minimum parcel size net area, in square feet (or subject to the provisions of Section 2.3.C.3) 6,000 10,000 18,000 36,000”
Coconino County Zoning Ordinance, effective January 15, 2026 ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- District specific (with conditions) — Minimum parcel size in the unincorporated County G, AR, and RR zoning districts.
  “TABLE 2-1: PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS No. Description G AR RR [...] 2. Minimum parcel size, net area in acres (or subject to the provisions of Section 2.2.D) 10 1 1 [...] In the AR and RR Zones, the minimum Lot Size shall be 1 acre. However, larger minimum Lot Sizes may be specified and designated on the Official Zoning Map by attaching a number designation following the zone classification; such number shall be in increments of ½ acre.”
  Coconino County Zoning Ordinance ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)
Required setbacks in county-administered G, AR, RR, and RS zoning districts.
- For G, AR, and RR zones, front setbacks are 30, 25, and 25 feet; interior side setbacks are 20, 10, and 10 feet; street-side setbacks are 30, 15, and 15 feet; rear setbacks are 30, 20, and 20 feet.
- For RS-6,000, RS-10,000, RS-18,000, and RS-36,000 zones, front setbacks are 20, 20, 25, and 25 feet; interior side setbacks are 5, 10, 10, and 20 feet; street-side setbacks are 10, 10, 15, and 20 feet; rear setbacks are 20, 20, 25, and 25 feet.
- All setbacks are measured from property lines; an access easement along a property line is measured from its interior edge, and an easement bisecting a parcel is treated as a street for setback purposes.
“Front Setback, in feet 30 25 25 [...] Side Interior Setback, in feet 20 10 10 [...] Side Street Side Setback, in feet 30 15 15 [...] Rear Setback, in feet 30 20 20”
Coconino County Zoning Ordinance, effective January 15, 2026 ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- District specific (with conditions) — Required setbacks in the unincorporated County G, AR, and RR zoning districts.
  “TABLE 2-1: PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS No. Description G AR RR [...] 6. Front Setback, in feet 30 25 25 7. Side Interior Setback, in feet 20 10 10 8. Side Street Side Setback, in feet 30 15 15 9. Rear Setback, in feet 30 20 20 [...] All Setbacks shall be measured from property lines. In situations where an Access Easement is located along a property line, the Setback shall be measured from the interior edge of the Access Easement line. Where an Access Easement bisects any parcel of land, said Easement shall be considered a Street for Setback purposes and Street Side Setbacks shall apply.”
  Coconino County Zoning Ordinance ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)
Maximum lot coverage in county-administered G, AR, RR, and RS zoning districts.
- G, AR, and RR maximum lot coverage is 30%, 35%, and 35%, respectively.
- RS-6,000 and RS-10,000 maximum lot coverage is 40%; RS-18,000 and RS-36,000 maximum lot coverage is 35%.
- Alternate RS zoning designations use the standards of the next lower minimum parcel-size classification except for minimum parcel size.
G lot coverage maximum: 30 percent · AR/RR lot coverage maximum: 35 percent · RS-6,000/RS-10,000 lot coverage maximum: 40 percent · RS-18,000/RS-36,000 lot coverage maximum: 35 percent
“Lot Coverage, maximum 30% 35% 35% [...] Lot Coverage, maximum 40% 40% 35% 35%”
Coconino County Zoning Ordinance, effective January 15, 2026 ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- District specific (with conditions) — Maximum lot coverage in the unincorporated County G, AR, and RR zoning districts.
  “TABLE 2-1: PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS No. Description G AR RR [...] 10. Lot Coverage, maximum 30% 35% 35%”
  Coconino County Zoning Ordinance ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)
Maximum structure height in county-administered G, AR, RR, and RS zoning districts.
- G maximum structure height is 40 feet; AR and RR maximum structure height is 35 feet.
- RS-6,000, RS-10,000, RS-18,000, and RS-36,000 maximum structure height is 35 feet.
- Other zoning districts may have different standards; the cited tables apply only to the listed districts.
G maximum structure height: 40 feet · AR/RR maximum structure height: 35 feet · RS zones maximum structure height: 35 feet
“Structure Height, maximum, in feet 40 35 35 [...] Structure Height, maximum, in feet 35 35 35 35”
Coconino County Zoning Ordinance, effective January 15, 2026 ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- District specific (with conditions) — Maximum structure height in the unincorporated County G, AR, and RR zoning districts.
  “TABLE 2-1: PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS No. Description G AR RR [...] 11. Structure Height, maximum, in feet 40 35 35”
  Coconino County Zoning Ordinance ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
Tiny homesLimited
Tiny homes built to applicable building-code standards in Coconino County residential zoning districts.
- The residential land-use table lists manufactured homes, including tiny homes built to building-code standards, as permitted only in the listed zoning districts; uses not listed are prohibited.
- A single-family dwelling or tiny house on a permanent foundation is listed as a permitted residential use, subject to the table's zoning columns.
- Applicable building, environmental-quality, engineering, wastewater, and other permits remain required.
- Municipal zoning rules may differ.
“Tiny Homes built to building code standards”
Coconino County Zoning Ordinance, effective January 15, 2026 ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Manufactured homesLimited
Manufactured-home occupancy in the county's listed residential zoning districts: General (G), Agricultural Residential (AR), and Residential and Manufactured Home (RMH); Table 2-6 does not permit the listed Manufactured Home use in the intervening RR and single-family residential columns.
- The table identifies the use as permitted in G, AR, RMH, and MHP, while the intervening columns are marked prohibited.
- Manufactured homes must comply with applicable building-code, zoning, permit, subdivision, wastewater, and site-development requirements.
“building code standards P P — — — — — — — P P”
Coconino County Zoning Ordinance ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Allowed — Manufactured-home occupancy in Coconino County's RMH—Residential and Manufactured Home Zone.
  “Manufactured Homes may be located within the same subdivision”
  Coconino County Zoning Ordinance, effective January 15, 2026 ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
- Allowed — Manufactured-home occupancy in the Coconino County Manufactured Home Park (MHP) zoning district in unincorporated county areas.
  “MHP – Manufactured Home Park Zone [...] development of Manufactured Homes.”
  Coconino County Zoning Ordinance ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)
Conventional septic systems and some alternative onsite wastewater systems in Coconino County.
- Coconino County has delegated authority for all conventional septic systems and some alternative onsite wastewater systems up to 3,000 gallons per day.
- Larger systems in Flagstaff, Williams, Page, Kachina Village, and Pinewood are regulated by ADEQ.
design capacity: <= 3000 gallons per day (County delegation covers conventional systems and some alternative systems; larger systems are regulated by ADEQ.)
“Authority for the wastewater program is delegated by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to Coconino County Community Development, Environmental Quality division (CCCDEQ). Coconino County has delegation for all conventional (septic systems) and some alternative onsite wastewater systems up to a capacity of 3,000 gallons per day (gpd). Larger systems such as Flagstaff, Williams, Page, Kachina Village, and Pinewood are regulated by ADEQ.”
Environmental Quality ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Construction of conventional septic systems and some alternative onsite wastewater systems within Coconino County's delegated jurisdiction.
- Coconino County Environmental Quality reviews permit applications and issues construction authorizations.
- County delegation covers conventional systems and some alternative systems up to 3,000 gallons per day.
- Larger systems such as Flagstaff, Williams, Page, Kachina Village, and Pinewood are regulated by ADEQ.
design capacity: <= 3000 gallons per day (Larger systems are regulated by ADEQ.)
“The Environmental Quality division is responsible for: Site investigations Reviewing applications for permits Issuing construction authorizations Inspecting newly constructed systems Issuing authorizations for discharge from wastewater systems Recording transfers of septic systems to new property owners”
Environmental Quality ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
Newly constructed onsite wastewater systems within Coconino County's delegated jurisdiction.
- Coconino County Environmental Quality is responsible for inspecting newly constructed systems.
- County delegation limits and ADEQ-regulated larger systems apply.
“The Environmental Quality division is responsible for: Site investigations Reviewing applications for permits Issuing construction authorizations Inspecting newly constructed systems Issuing authorizations for discharge from wastewater systems Recording transfers of septic systems to new property owners”
Environmental Quality ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Residential building permit approvals involving community sewer in Coconino County.
- Some areas with community sewer require proof of available sewer, including Pinewood and Kachina Village.
- Other community sewer systems may not require approvals.
- Environmental Quality approval and sewer availability or septic permit review may be required before a building permit is issued.
“Some areas with community sewer require proof of available sewer such as Pinewood, and Kachina Village, Other community sewer systems may not require approvals.”
Minimum Building Plan Requirements, Building Permit Procedures, and Minimum Plan Requirements for Residential Projects ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Exempt agricultural purposes under the Coconino County Zoning Ordinance, specifically storage or parking of qualifying commercial vehicles on parcels with an owner-held Certificate of Agricultural Exemption.
- The exemption applies only to vehicles used for Exempt Agricultural purposes.
- The parcel owner must have a Certificate of Agricultural Exemption.
- The exemption is from the commercial-vehicle restriction in the cited section; it is not a blanket exemption from all zoning, subdivision, building, wastewater, or other requirements.
- Coconino County agricultural classification separately requires qualifying agricultural use and production conditions.
commercial vehicle threshold: > 26000 lbs GVW (vehicles used for Exempt Agricultural purposes on a parcel with a Certificate of Agricultural Exemption)
“Vehicles used for Exempt Agricultural purposes that are stored or parked on a parcel for which the owner has a Certificate of Agricultural Exemption are exempt from this Section.”
Coconino County Zoning Ordinance ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision applications in Coconino County, including preliminary plats, minor subdivisions, final plats, replats, and plat amendments.
- The county page identifies a May 2019 adopted Subdivision Ordinance.
- The ordinance addresses integrated conservation design, conservation areas, environmentally sensitive features, plat amendments and adjustments, phased development, financial assurances, and vested rights.
- Subdivision applications are accepted through the county online portal; the county publishes subtype information sheets, process materials, checklists, and a subdivision type matrix indicating whether public hearings are required.
“Click here to view the May 2019 adopted version of the Subdivision Ordinance. [...] Subdivision applications are accepted using the online portal.”
Subdivision Ordinance ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Regulated (with conditions) — Land divisions, minor subdivisions, and subdivisions in the unincorporated territory of Coconino County.
  “These regulations shall apply to all land divisions, minor subdivisions, and all subdivision of land within the unincorporated territory of Coconino County.”
  Coconino County Subdivision Ordinance ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
Driveway accessLimited
Driveways and culverts accessing property in Coconino County, differentiated by the road authority.
- A driveway connecting to a county-maintained road requires a county Encroachment Permit.
- The county does not require an encroachment permit to access private roads.
- A driveway accessing a state road requires an ADOT Encroachment Permit.
“If your driveway will connect to a county-maintained road, then yes you will need an Encroachment Permit. (The county will not require encroachment permits to access private roads.) If your driveway accesses a state road, you will need an ADOT Encroachment Permit.”
Coconino County FAQs ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
Construction or development, including placement of manufactured homes, within a Regulatory Floodplain in Coconino County.
- A development permit must be obtained before construction or development begins within a Regulatory Floodplain established in Section 3.2.
- Applications use forms furnished by the Floodplain Administrator.
- Applications may include plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions, and elevation of the area, existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials, drainage facilities, and their locations.
- Required information includes lowest-floor elevations, applicable floodproofing elevations and certification, Base Flood Elevation data for subdivision proposals or other development greater than 50 lots or 5 acres (whichever is lesser), and a description of any proposed watercourse alteration or relocation.
large-development threshold: more than 50 lots or 5 acres, whichever is the lesser (Base Flood Elevation data is required for subdivision proposals or other development exceeding this threshold.)
“A Floodplain Development Permit is required when your project is within a FEMA Floodplain.”
Coconino County Floodplain Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Short-term rentalsLimited
Short-term rental use regulated by Coconino County in its unincorporated area.
- A county permit application and fee are required.
- Operators must notify neighbors, meet building codes, prevent rentals for special events, and verify that the owner has not been convicted of particular felonies.
- Permit suspension and fines may apply depending on verified violations.
- Renewal requires a new application and payment of an annual $250 fee.
annual renewal fee: 250 USD (The source states this fee for renewal; it does not expressly state whether the same fee applies to an initial application.)
“If you are renewing an STR Permit, please note that it requires a NEW Application be filled out and that the annual $250 fee be paid.”
Short Term Rental Information ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Coconino County building permit fees administered by Community Development.
- The county publishes fee tables and lists through its Building Codes, Ordinances, Design Criteria page.
- The newly adopted building permit fees take effect on January 1, 2027; the source does not state that date is the effective date of all currently applicable fees.
“The newly-adopted building permit fees will take effect 1/1/27. Click here to view the fee tables and lists.”
Building Codes, Ordinances, Design Criteria ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
County building permit applications submitted through Coconino County's online portal.
- Only PDF files are accepted.
- Applicants must include calculations, engineering, and specifications as applicable.
- A Permit Technician reviews the application and may identify plan deficiencies.
- If all required plan sets are not received within ten working days of submission, the permit is canceled and the applicant must reapply with a complete set of plans.
- The department recommends a geotechnical report before submission for new structures; otherwise, a soils analysis may be required during inspection.
complete required plan sets deadline: 10 working days (If not received, the permit will be canceled and the applicant must reapply.)
“Once received, a Permit Technician will review your application and be in touch with further information. This may include a list of submitted plan deficiencies.”
Online Permit Applications ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026

Arizona rules that apply here

Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
An owner who improves property or builds or improves structures or appurtenances and performs the work personally, through the owner's employees, or through duly licensed contractors, when the property is intended solely for the owner's occupancy and is not intended for public occupancy, sale, or rent.
- The exemption is from Arizona contractor-licensing requirements under A.R.S. § 32-1121; it does not itself eliminate any local building-permit requirement.
- The structure or appurtenance must be intended for occupancy solely by the owner.
- The structure or appurtenance must not be intended for occupancy by members of the public as the owner's employees or business visitors.
- The structure or appurtenance must not be intended for sale or rent.
- Sale, rent, or an arrangement by which the owner receives compensation from occupancy or transfer is included in the statutory definition of sale or rent.
- Sale or rent, or an offer of sale or rent, within one year after completion or issuance of a certificate of occupancy is prima facie evidence that the project was undertaken for sale or rent.
one-year post-completion evidence period: 1 year (Applies to the statutory prima facie evidence rule concerning sale or rent.)
“who do the work themselves, with their own employees or with duly licensed contractors”
Persons not required to be licensed; penalties; applicability ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Available (with conditions) — Owners of property performing work themselves, through their own employees, or with duly licensed contractors, where the structures or improvements are intended solely for the owner's occupancy and are not intended for public occupancy, 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.”
  A.R.S. § 32-1121: Persons not required to be licensed; penalties; applicability ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 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 permitLimited
Groundwater well drilling, deepening, or modification in Coconino County under Arizona statewide rules.
- Before drilling a new well or deepening or modifying an existing well, a Notice of Intent to Drill must be filed with ADWR and accompanied by the appropriate filing fee.
- Authorization 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.
- An exempt well is typically domestic, has a maximum pumping capacity of 35 gallons per minute or less, and may be constructed in many areas of Arizona.
- Non-exempt wells have pump capacity greater than 35 gallons per minute; in Active Management Areas, specified groundwater withdrawal rights or permits are required.
- Well-spacing criteria do not apply to wells drilled outside Active Management Areas except the listed statutory exceptions, or to exempt wells within AMAs and other listed categories.
exempt well maximum pumping capacity: <= 35 gallons per minute (Non-exempt wells exceed 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.”
Permitting and Wells Overview ↗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

Still unanswered

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

Minimum dwelling size — Minimum floor area or dwelling-size requirements for residential dwellings in Coconino County zoning districts.
Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Coconino County.

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

Living off-grid in Coconino County, Arizona

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

Coconino County scores 49/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 553 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure and weak self-sufficiency basics: only 12.7″ of rain a year, in severe drought 30.3% of years.

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

Coconino County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Coconino County Community Development, Environmental Quality 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 Coconino County, Arizona?

Land in Coconino County runs about $344 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Coconino County?

Coconino County gets about 12.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 30.3% of years.

How remote is Coconino County?

A typical private-land location has about 553 people within 15 miles and 372,030 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

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

Does Coconino County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Coconino County?

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

What are the steps to build a home in Coconino County?

What should you check before buying land in Coconino County?

Watch-outs

Sources

Compared with neighboring counties

Coconino County in Arizona

How Coconino County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Cities and towns in Coconino County

Answers from the rulebook for Coconino County

Coconino County rules

Arizona rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Coconino County, Arizona

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

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

How much does land cost in Coconino County, Arizona?

What is the water situation in Coconino County?

How remote is Coconino County?

How Coconino compares in Arizona