Bolthole Index

Greenlee County, Arizona

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

53Index Score / 100
#4 of 15 in Arizona

Unincorporated Greenlee County, Arizona requires a building permit for site-built homes, but the county's own code page says it has adopted no building codes and does not review plans, inspect construction or issue certificates of occupancy12. The Planning Office issues zoning-use, building and floodplain permits; the Health Department issues septic permits and manufactured-home permits34. County zoning covers only unincorporated land, so a parcel inside a city needs that city's answer5.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for site-built homes in unincorporated Greenlee County63
Zoning
County zoning regulates private-property development in unincorporated areas75
Septic permit
Issued by the Greenlee County Health Department4
RV living
Allowed with a use permit in RU and MH districts; permanent RV dwellings are barred in SR, MR and PR districts891011
Tiny home
No separate tiny-home occupancy rule was confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning to classify the unit7
Owner-builder
A state contractor-license exemption may apply, but county permits still apply1213
Private well
File the applicable notice with ADWR before drilling, deepening or modifying a well14

Who to call

Building permits

Greenlee County Planning & Zoning

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

(928) 865-4762

253 Fifth St, Clifton Az.

Online permits →

Septic permits

Greenlee County Health Department

Water, septic and sewage information and county septic permitting

(928) 865-2601

253 Fifth St, Clifton, AZ 85533

Floodplain permits

Greenlee County Floodplain District

Floodplain status and floodplain permits

(928) 865-4762

253 Fifth St, Clifton Az.

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

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

Yes. The Greenlee County Planning Office issues building permits for site-built homes on private property in the county's unincorporated area63. Arizona law also requires a county building permit for construction of a building or addition costing more than $1,000 within county jurisdiction, while cities and towns with their own permit ordinances are outside that requirement15. Greenlee County's building-codes page states it has adopted no building codes (the document is dated 2012), so the county does not review plans, inspect construction or issue a certificate of occupancy; its building permit is issued at no cost when zoning-use and floodplain permits are issued, although the zoning-use permit carries a fee2. A parcel inside an incorporated municipality needs the relevant municipal answer because the county rule applies only in unincorporated Greenlee County5.

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

Greenlee County Planning & Zoning is the first stop for a site-built home in unincorporated Greenlee County; the office issues zoning-use, building and floodplain permits16. Call (928) 865-4762 before visiting the office at 253 Fifth St, Clifton Az., or use the county's linked SmartGov permitting portal16. The county says some permits can be issued by telephone and offers zoning and floodplain status determinations at no cost3. Manufactured-home and septic permits are handled by the Health Department instead3. Because the county has no adopted building codes, Planning & Zoning does not perform plan review or construction inspections for this county building permit2. Ask the office what drawings, zoning-use fee and floodplain materials apply to the specific site because a complete checklist and review schedule were not confirmed3.

Does Greenlee County have zoning, and what does it mean for lots, RVs and homes?

Yes. Greenlee County regulates private-property land use and development in the unincorporated area, and the Planning Office issues zoning-use permits75. Official zoning maps set the parcel's district17. Residential-district standards vary for minimum lot area, setbacks, building height, dwelling size and maximum lot coverage, so confirm the parcel designation before designing1819202122. The newer residential tables are draft public-review material, so ask Planning & Zoning which dimensions are adopted2122. Mobile or manufactured homes are allowed as single-household dwellings in RU rural districts, but occupying an individual unit requires a use permit238. On an RU-2 commercial ranch or farm, up to two non-permanent livable structures such as RVs are allowed if they meet water and septic requirements and each has a quarter acre, though the county's draft density figures for ranch dwellings conflict and need confirming with Planning & Zoning24. In a subdivision, a use permit for construction waits until the plat is approved and recorded25.

How do septic permits work in Greenlee County?

Greenlee County Health Department administers septic permits under authority delegated by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality426. Where sewer service is unavailable, a septic installation still needs county approval and a permit27. The Health Department performs the final inspection while the tank remains visible, trenches are open and disposal pipe is in place, before backfilling28. For a property sale involving a conventional or alternative onsite system, the seller must hire a certified inspector within 6 months before transfer, and the buyer must file a Notice of Transfer within 15 calendar days afterward29. Only 2.9% of Greenlee County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make a parcel-specific site evaluation a purchase condition30. Call the Health Department at (928) 865-2601 before fixing the house site or system layout31.

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

An RV can be occupied as a single-household dwelling in RU rural districts and in MH mobile-home districts, but an individual RV needs a use permit unless it is occupied in a mobile-home or RV park9108. An RV cannot be used as a permanent dwelling in SR, MR or PR districts, although the rule still allows RV parking or storage there11. Because the answer turns on the parcel's district and the proposed use, ask Planning & Zoning for a zoning determination before moving an RV onto the land1617. Greenlee County has not confirmed a distinct tiny-home occupancy category; ask whether the proposed unit will be treated as a site-built dwelling, mobile or manufactured home, RV or another use723. Temporary camping rules also remain unconfirmed, so ask Planning & Zoning about the intended duration and utilities16.

Building a home in Greenlee County, Arizona: what are the steps, in order?

  1. Ask Planning & Zoning to confirm county jurisdiction, the zoning district, allowed use, lot standards and whether a subdivision plat is approved and recorded161725.
  1. Request the county's zoning and floodplain status determination before choosing a building pad332.
  1. Confirm driveway approval. Work in a county public right-of-way has a $45 base permit fee; driveway fees begin at $45, while a site adjoining or within 0.25 mile of a state highway must provide state driveway clearance with its site-plan use permit3334.
  1. Obtain septic approval from the Health Department before installation431.
  1. Apply for zoning-use, building and any floodplain permits through Planning & Zoning or the online portal316.
  1. Keep the septic system uncovered until the county completes its final inspection28.

What should you check before buying land in Greenlee County?

Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated and identify its zoning district, because county standards vary by district and municipal rules may differ3517. For subdivision land, verify that the plat was approved and recorded before planning construction25. Make septic feasibility a contract condition because only 2.9% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field30. Check floodplain status: construction in a Special Flood Hazard Area needs a flood development permit, which carries no fee, and new homes there must raise the lowest floor to the Regulatory Flood Elevation36. Check legal access, including whether the connection enters a county right-of-way or lies near a state highway323334. A new, deepened or modified private well requires an applicable filing with the Arizona Department of Water Resources and work by a licensed well driller14. Greenlee County averages 16.8 inches of precipitation annually and has experienced severe drought in 41.5% of measured years, making water supply planning central to a rural purchase3738.

Watch-outs

  • RV occupancy depends on zoning: RU and MH districts allow it subject to the applicable use-permit rule, while SR, MR and PR districts prohibit RVs as permanent dwellings910811.
  • The Arizona owner-builder exemption concerns contractor licensing; it does not remove Greenlee County building, zoning-use, floodplain or septic permit requirements13.
  • Greenlee County's building permit does not mean county code review: the county says it has adopted no building codes and does not review plans, inspect construction or issue certificates of occupancy2.
  • Manufactured-home permits come from the Health Department, not Planning & Zoning, while Planning issues building permits for site-built homes only31.

Sources

  1. Planning and Zoning – Greenlee County, Arizona, quoted and re-checked
  2. Building Codes And Loading Standards, quoted and re-checked
  3. Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  4. Planning and Zoning – Greenlee County, Arizona (2026 county census)
  5. Planning and Zoning – Greenlee County, Arizona, quoted and re-checked
  6. Planning and Zoning – Greenlee County, Arizona (2026 county census)
  7. Planning and Zoning – Greenlee County, Arizona (2026 county census)
  8. Greenlee County Zoning Regulations, As of August 4, 2025, quoted and re-checked
  9. greenlee.az.gov, quoted and re-checked
  10. Greenlee County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  11. Greenlee County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  12. Persons not required to be licensed; penalties; applicability (2026 county census)
  13. A.R.S. § 32-1121 — Persons not required to be licensed; penalties; applicability, quoted and re-checked
  14. Well Drilling in Arizona, quoted and re-checked
  15. Building permits; issuance; state preemption; utilities; distribution of copies; subsequent owner; limitation; definition (Arizona statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Greenlee County Planning & Zoning (greenlee.az.gov)
  17. Greenlee County Zoning Regulations, as of August 30, 2024, quoted and re-checked
  18. Greenlee Redline Code as of July 11, 2025, quoted and re-checked
  19. Greenlee Redline Code as of July 11, 2025, quoted and re-checked
  20. Greenlee Redline Code as of July 11, 2025, quoted and re-checked
  21. Greenlee Redline Code as of July 11, 2025, quoted and re-checked
  22. Greenlee Redline Code as of July 11, 2025, quoted and re-checked
  23. greenlee.az.gov, quoted and re-checked
  24. Greenlee County Redline Code as of July 11, 2025, Residential Development Standards, quoted and re-checked
  25. Planning and Zoning – Greenlee County, Arizona, quoted and re-checked
  26. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facility | ADEQ (Arizona statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Permit Requirements for the Installation of Septic Systems in Greenlee County, quoted and re-checked
  28. Permit Requirements for the Installation of Septic Systems in Greenlee County, quoted and re-checked
  29. Inspection and Notice of Transfer, quoted and re-checked
  30. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Greenlee County Health Department (greenlee.az.gov)
  32. Greenlee County Floodplain District (greenlee.az.gov)
  33. Greenlee County Right-Of-Way Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  34. Greenlee County Zoning Regulations, as of August 30, 2024, quoted and re-checked
  35. Planning and Zoning – Greenlee County, Arizona, quoted and re-checked
  36. Greenlee County Flood Control Ordinance, Revision 1, quoted and re-checked
  37. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  38. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Greenlee County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleGreenlee CountyGraham CountyCochise CountyGila CountyPinal CountySanta Cruz CountyApache County
Building permitLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedLimited
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Dept. of Health & Human ServicesCounty Health Dept.County Community Development Div.County Air Quality & Env. HealthCounty Env. Health Div.County Public Health Env. Div.

County locator

Greenlee County in Arizona

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

How Greenlee County scores

Seclusion86100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency31100% ev.
Admin Boringness49100% ev.
Durability31100% ev.
Property Autonomy65100% ev.
Carry Cost81100% ev.

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

$159kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$5,515Land / acre
16.8"Annual rain
41.5% of yrsSevere drought
21.1 / yr (+14.5)Mid-century 100°F days
40.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.17" (+7.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.22×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,288Home insurance / yr
4.2% / yrInsurance growth
1.45%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
34,303People within 2 hr
5,876Radius comparison (15 mi)
5.1People / sq mi
77.2%Federal land
50.2%Land at 15% slope or less
2.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
27,916 acWorkable land screen
53.7%Wooded land
14.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
57°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Greenlee County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Town of Clifton · Town of Duncan

Answers from the rulebook for Greenlee County

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

Greenlee County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Site-built homes on private property in the unincorporated areas of Greenlee County.

    • The Planning Office issues building permits for site-built homes.
    • Manufactured home permits are issued by the Health Department.
    • The county states that its Planning Department is the regulatory authority for land-use and development activities on private property within unincorporated areas.
    • The source does not state a broader countywide building-permit requirement for all structures or incorporated municipalities.
    “The Planning Office issues Zoning Use Permits, Building Permits for site built homes, and Floodplain Permits. Some permits can be issued via the telephone. Manufactured Home permits and septic system permits are issued by the Health Department.”
  • Building code adoptedNot adopted (with conditions)

    County building-code adoption and related building review practices described in the official Greenlee County Engineering document.

    • The official document is dated October 19, 2012 and is currently linked from the county's Building Codes And Loading Standards page.
    • The document states that, with some exceptions, Arizona law requires the county to issue a building permit.
    • Building permits are issued at no cost when a Zoning Use Permit and Floodplain Permit are issued.
    • A fee applies to the Zoning Use Permit.
    • The document states that the county does not review plans, inspect construction, or issue a Certificate of Occupancy because it has no building codes.
    • For public buildings, the document states that codes and loading standards are controlled by A.R.S. 34-461 and that the code of the largest municipality should be used.

    building permit fee: 0 USD (issued when a Zoning Use Permit and Floodplain Permit are issued) · zoning use permit fee: required

    “Currently, Greenlee County has adopted no building codes. Because we have no codes, Greenlee County has not determined and does not recommend building loads, does not review plans, does not inspect construction, or issue a Certificate of Occupancy.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning regulations and land-use controls on private property in Greenlee County's unincorporated area.

    • The cited county zoning authority is expressly limited to private property within the unincorporated areas of Greenlee County.
    • Development must conform to the zoning district in which the land or building is located, except as otherwise provided by the regulations.
    • The county planning page states that zoning-use, building, and floodplain permits may be required; manufactured-home and septic permits are issued by the Health Department.
    • The July 11, 2025 redline PDF is labeled on the county page as a draft public-review update, and its effective-date/adoption fields are blank; no formal adoption date for that update was located.
    “The Greenlee County Planning Department is the regulatory authority for all land use and development related activities which occur on private property within the unincorporated areas of the County.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

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

    • The county source states that county planning authority applies within unincorporated areas only.
    • This aggregate claim does not assert that Greenlee County administers zoning inside incorporated municipalities.
    • For unincorporated property, zoning/use permits and the county zoning regulations apply; other permits, including floodplain and septic or manufactured-home permits, may also be required.
    “In order to carry out the purposes of this chapter, the Town of Duncan, Arizona is hereby divided into zones as follows: C – Commercial Zone DR – Duncan Residential Zone I – Industrial Zone P – Public Zone”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Local zoning administration by Greenlee County for private-property land use and development in unincorporated Greenlee County.
      “The Zoning Division is responsible for the issuance of building and use permits (both residential and commercial), the enforcement of the Zoning Regulations; including violations and the abatement of hazards.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    • The cited county document is a redline code dated July 11, 2025; confirm adoption status.
    • Older lots of record may have separate exceptions under Section 316, including a possible maximum lot coverage of 50 percent under stated record-date and subdivision-plat conditions.

    maximum lot coverage: RU-2: 15%; SR-8: 40%; MR: 50%; MH: 40% percent

    “then said lot or parcel of record may be used for any permitted use or use permitted on appeal in the zoning district, provided all use regulations are complied with, however, the minimum yards and distances between principal buildings maybe reduced, and the maximum lot coverage may be increased as shown below:”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

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

    • A permit is required before occupying an individual recreational vehicle.
    • No permit is required for an individual recreational vehicle when occupied in a recreational vehicle park.
    • Each recreational vehicle park requires a permit before park occupancy.
    “A use permit shall be required prior to occupying any individual mobile home or recreational vehicle”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Single-household residential occupancy of recreational vehicles in RU-36, RU-4, and RU-2 Rural Districts.
      “The following uses shall be permitted in RU, rural districts: (a) Single-Household Dwellings, including mobile homes and recreational vehicles;”
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Recreational-vehicle occupancy in MH-72, MH-54, MH-36, and MH-18 Mobile Home Districts, including recreational-vehicle subdivisions and parks.
      “The following uses shall be permitted in MH mobile home districts: [...] (b) Recreational vehicles;”
    • Prohibited — Permanent-dwelling occupancy of recreational vehicles in SR-43, SR-12, SR-8, MR-A, MR-B, MR-C, MR-D, PR-30, PR-40, PR-50, and PR-60 zoning districts.
      “Mobile homes and recreational vehicles shall be prohibited as permanent dwellings within the SR-43, SR-12, SR-8, MR-A, MR-B, MR-C, MR-D, PR-30, PR-40, PR-50, and PR-60 zoning districts, provided however, this prohibition shall not restrict the parking or storing of recreational vehicles in any zoning district.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Single-household residential occupancy of mobile or manufactured homes in RU-36, RU-4, and RU-2 Rural Districts.

    • A use permit is required before occupying an individual mobile home.
    • The source uses the term mobile home rather than manufactured home.
    • The source does not establish that every parcel is zoned RU or that the use is available in incorporated municipalities.
    “The following uses shall be permitted in RU, rural districts: (a) Single-Household Dwellings, including mobile homes and recreational vehicles;”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Septic system permits in Greenlee County, including the county's unincorporated areas.

    • The Greenlee County Health Department administers septic system permits; ADEQ describes the statewide program as delegated to counties.
    “Manufactured Home permits and septic system permits are issued by the Health Department.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Final inspection of newly constructed septic systems in Greenlee County.

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

    watertightness test duration: 24 hours

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

    Off-grid sanitation using onsite septic systems in Greenlee County.

    • A septic system may be installed in an area that is not served by a sewer system.
    • The property must have sufficient lot size to accommodate the wastewater system.
    • A 100% expansion reserve is ideal for the property, not stated as universally mandatory.
    • Conventional septic systems may be installed by the homeowner if certain criteria are met.
    • The site evaluation must be completed by a qualifying professional or other person qualified under applicable ADEQ regulations.
    • Site suitability tests may include soil absorption rate testing, surface and subsurface investigations, separation from groundwater, setback requirements, and a reserve area.
    • A septic permit, construction authorization, final inspection, and discharge authorization are required under the county's stated process.
    “A septic system may be installed in an area that is not served by a sewer system.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Wastewater service for septic-system installations in Greenlee County.

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

    Agricultural-use commercial ranch or farm dwelling density under the residential standards in the county's official redline zoning code.

    • The document states that a commercial ranch or farm agricultural use has a maximum density of one dwelling unit per four acres in the residential standards table footnote.
    • The same document separately states that in an RU-2 District on a commercial ranch or farm, the maximum density is one dwelling unit per two acres.
    • The two provisions are materially inconsistent; the controlling provision was not resolved in this research.
    • Farm structures are excluded from building height maximums.
    • For RU-2, up to two non-permanent livable structures such as RVs are allowed onsite only if they meet required water and septic requirements and provide at least one-quarter acre for each structure.

    commercial ranch or farm density in residential standards footnote: per 1 dwelling unit per 4 acres (commercial ranch or farm agricultural use) · RU-2 commercial ranch or farm density: per 1 dwelling unit per 2 acres (RU-2 District) · RU-2 non-permanent livable structures: <= 2 structures (must meet water and septic requirements and have at least 1/4 acre per structure)

    “A commercial ranch or farm (an agricultural use), the maximum dwelling unit density shall be one dwelling unit per four acres. [...] In an RU-2 District on a commercial ranch or farm (an agriculture use), the maximum dwelling unit density shall be one dwelling unit per two (2) acres.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision activity in unincorporated Greenlee County.

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

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

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

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

    “When a site adjoins or is within 1/4 mile of a state highway provide driveway clearance from Arizona Department of Transportation.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction or development, including placement of manufactured homes, within any Special Flood Hazard Area established by the Greenlee County Flood Control Ordinance, within the jurisdiction of the Greenlee County Flood Control District.

    • The ordinance applies to all special flood hazard areas within Greenlee County except incorporated cities and towns that have adopted a resolution under A.R.S. §48-3610.
    • The Special Flood Hazard Areas are based on FEMA Flood Insurance Study Number 04011CV000A for Greenlee County, Arizona and Incorporated Areas, dated September 28, 2007, and all subsequent amendments or revisions; the FIS and attendant mapping date is the minimum area of applicability and may be supplemented by additional studies.
    • All development of land, construction of residential, commercial, or industrial structures, and future development within delineated floodplain areas is subject to the ordinance and other applicable regulations; where another ordinance, easement, covenant, or deed restriction conflicts or overlaps, the more stringent restriction prevails.
    • The application may require plans drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions, and elevation of the area, existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials, drainage facilities, and related locations.
    • Required application information includes lowest-floor elevations, nonresidential floodproofing elevation, professional certification of nonresidential floodproofing, 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 watercourse alteration or relocation.
    • Residential new construction or substantial improvement must elevate the lowest floor, including basement, to or above the Regulatory Flood Elevation; nonresidential construction may alternatively be floodproofed under the ordinance's stated standards and requires professional certification.
    • All new construction and substantial improvements must be anchored, use flood-resistant materials and methods, and comply with additional drainage, elevation, flood-opening, utility, manufactured-home, recreational-vehicle, water-supply, waste-disposal, subdivision, and other flood-hazard-reduction requirements applicable to the site.
    • Existing legal uses and certain reasonable repairs or alterations are subject to the statutory exceptions in Section 3.7; a nonconforming use discontinued for 12 months or a structure destroyed to 50 percent of market value must comply with the ordinance for further use.
    • No fee is charged for a Development Permit.

    development permit fee: 0 USD (Section 7.2 states that no fee shall be charged for a Development Permit.) · large subdivision or other development threshold: greater than 50 lots or 5 acres, whichever is the lesser (Base Flood Elevation data is required for proposals exceeding this threshold.)

    “This ordinance shall apply to all special flood hazard areas within the boundaries of Greenlee County except those incorporated cities and towns which have adopted a resolution in accordance with A.R.S. §48-3610. [...] A Development Permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins, including placement of manufactured homes, within any Special Flood Hazard Area established in Section 3.2.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and other development within designated floodways inside the Special Flood Hazard Areas governed by the Greenlee County Flood Control Ordinance.
      “Prohibit encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements and other development, unless certification by a registered professional engineer or architect is provided demonstrating that encroachments shall not result in any increase in flood levels during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arizona rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An owner who improves property or builds or improves structures or appurtenances and performs the work personally, through the owner's employees, or through duly licensed contractors, when the property is intended solely for the owner's occupancy and is not intended for public occupancy, sale, or rent.

    • The exemption is from Arizona contractor-licensing requirements under A.R.S. § 32-1121; it does not itself eliminate any local building-permit requirement.
    • The structure or appurtenance must be intended for occupancy solely by the owner.
    • The structure or appurtenance must not be intended for occupancy by members of the public as the owner's employees or business visitors.
    • The structure or appurtenance must not be intended for sale or rent.
    • Sale, rent, or an arrangement by which the owner receives compensation from occupancy or transfer is included in the statutory definition of sale or rent.
    • Sale or rent, or an offer of sale or rent, within one year after completion or issuance of a certificate of occupancy is prima facie evidence that the project was undertaken for sale or rent.

    one-year post-completion evidence period: 1 year (Applies to the statutory prima facie evidence rule concerning sale or rent.)

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

    Construction inspections for Arizona public buildings and regularly scheduled fire-safety inspections for state-owned and county-owned public buildings and public and private school buildings.

    • Public buildings are subject to inspection during construction under the applicable building, plumbing, electrical, fire, and mechanical codes.
    • An intergovernmental agreement may allow a city, town, county, or fire district to conduct regularly scheduled fire-safety inspections for school-district or charter-school buildings.
    • The state fire marshal must establish a regularly scheduled fire-safety inspection program for all state- and county-owned public buildings and all public and private school buildings statewide, except private-school buildings in cities with populations of 100,000 or more.
    • The state fire marshal inspects other occupancies as necessary, except family dwellings with fewer than five residential dwelling units and occupancies in cities with populations of 100,000 or more.
    • State-owned buildings are exempt from § 34-461(A) and (B) except for the applicable fire code; the fire-code inspection authority remains applicable as stated by law.
    • State Department of Corrections facilities are exempt from local fire code absent an intergovernmental agreement.
    • A school district or charter school with an applicable intergovernmental agreement may choose the state fire marshal or the local government for plan review, permitting, related inspections, or regularly scheduled fire-safety inspections.

    private-school city population exception: >= 100000 persons (Private school buildings in cities with populations of 100,000 or more are excluded from the state fire marshal's regularly scheduled fire-safety inspection program.) · family-dwelling exception: < 5 residential dwelling units (Family dwellings having fewer than five residential dwelling units are excluded from the state fire marshal's necessary-inspection authority for other occupancies.)

    “Establish a regularly scheduled fire safety inspection program for all state and county owned public buildings and all public and private school buildings”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Public school district construction projects statewide when the particular project requires a certificate of occupancy.

    • The architect of record is responsible for signing the certificate of occupancy for public school district projects in counties with populations greater than 750,000 and less than 2,000,000.
    • The certificate-of-occupancy requirement remains subject to the applicable project code and local-government requirements; Arizona law does not impose a universal certificate-of-occupancy requirement for every building project.
    ““when such a certificate is required for that particular project””
  • 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.”
  • Well permitLimited

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

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

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

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

    The Arizona Recreational Vehicle Long-Term Rental Space Act applies to a recreational-vehicle space rented in a recreational-vehicle park or mobile-home park by the same tenant for more than 180 consecutive days, and to park-model or park-trailer spaces rented by the same tenant for more than 180 consecutive days.

    • For an ordinary recreational-vehicle space, the space must be rented under a rental agreement.
    • For a park model or park trailer, the chapter applies without regard to whether a rental agreement is executed.
    • The chapter does not apply to mobile homes, manufactured homes or factory-built buildings.
    • The chapter does not apply to a property with one or two recreational-vehicle rental spaces.

    occupancy duration: > 180 consecutive days · same tenant: required · property recreational-vehicle rental spaces: <= 2 spaces (The chapter does not apply to a property with one or two recreational-vehicle rental spaces.)

    “This chapter applies to, regulates and determines rights, obligations and remedies for a recreational vehicle space that is rented in a recreational vehicle park or”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy or use of a mobile home brought into Arizona, or movement of a mobile home from one Arizona mobile-home park to another Arizona mobile-home park.
      “unless it meets the standards adopted pursuant to this chapter and displays the proper state certificate.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Arizona county boards of supervisors adopting zoning for the county area outside incorporated municipalities, including unincorporated land.

    • The statutory definition of county area of jurisdiction is the part of the county outside the corporate limits of any municipality.
    • The zoning ordinance and rezonings and zoning-regulation amendments must be consistent with and conform to the adopted comprehensive plan.
    • The board must consider individual property rights and personal liberties before adopting a zoning ordinance.
    • The statute does not authorize dedications, exactions, fees, or other requirements not otherwise authorized by law.
    • The statute does not authorize regulation or restriction of railroad, mining, metallurgical, grazing, or general agricultural uses on tracts of five or more contiguous commercial acres, subject to the statutory cannabis and marijuana qualification.
    “Pursuant to this article, the board of supervisors may adopt a zoning ordinance in order to conserve and promote the public health, safety, convenience and general welfare.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Arizona county boards of supervisors requiring building permits and adopting building, related, and fire-prevention codes for construction in unincorporated areas, including residential construction.

    • Except in cities and towns with an ordinance relating to building permits, the board of supervisors shall require a permit for construction or additions exceeding $1,000 within its jurisdiction.
    • A county building code under section 11-861 applies to unincorporated areas of the county so zoned, and the board may exempt areas zoned rural or unclassified.
    • Building codes may be adopted by reference only after notice and hearings before the county planning and zoning commission and board of supervisors.
    • Authorized building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical codes must be adopted by a qualifying national code organization or by the largest city in the county; if a city code is adopted, the county must adopt notified changes within 90 days or terminate the adopted city code.
    • A fire-prevention code may be adopted in unincorporated areas where a fire district has not adopted a nationally recognized fire code; it remains effective until a fire district is established and adopts an applicable code.
    • The board may adopt a current wildland-urban interface code using written public-participation procedures.
    • Certain single-family and two-family residential sprinkler requirements are restricted, subject to the statutory exception for codes adopted before December 31, 2009.
    • A county may not deny a building permit based on the proposed capable and authorized utility provider, and may not require a transaction privilege tax or business license as a permit condition.
    • A county may recover reasonable costs associated with reviewing and issuing a building permit.

    building permit construction-cost threshold: > 1000 USD (The requirement does not apply in cities and towns that have an ordinance relating to issuance of building permits.) · city-code change adoption deadline: 90 days (If the county adopts a city code and does not adopt the same notified change within 90 days, it must terminate the adopted city code.) · preexisting sprinkler-code exception date: 2009-12-31 (The statutory sprinkler restriction does not apply to a code or ordinance requiring sprinklers in a residence that was adopted before December 31, 2009.)

    “In any county that has adopted zoning pursuant to this chapter, the board of supervisors may adopt and enforce, for the unincorporated areas of the county so zoned, a building code and other related codes to regulate the quality, type of material and workmanship of all aspects of construction of buildings or structures, except that the board may authorize that areas zoned rural or unclassified may be exempt from the provisions of the code adopted.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Tiny homes — Occupancy of a tiny home on private land in unincorporated Greenlee County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units or accessory living quarters on private property in unincorporated Greenlee County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Greenlee County, including unincorporated areas.

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

Living off-grid in Greenlee County, Arizona

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

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

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

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Greenlee County, Arizona?

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

What is the water situation in Greenlee County?

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

How remote is Greenlee County?

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

How Greenlee compares in Arizona

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