Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Due to scheduling and unforeseen events, it is not possible to determine the inspectors time of arrival for any given inspection. Calls received 24hrs before inspection date will be done the following day

Select the inspection that most closely matches the inspection you need.   If in doubt, choose 3645 (Site Investigation) or press 0 to speak to the receptionist.

This inspection would use 1305 – Grounding Electrode, 1387– Mobile Electric and 4001 – Building Final.

Cell phones may temporarily disconnect from the IVR system due to reception.   IVR users are encouraged to use a land line when calling or recall the IVR system to verify the inspection was scheduled

Currently, there is no way to schedule an inspection for other than the next business day.   However, we are constantly improving the system and this may become a feature in the future.

A grading permit may be required if you are moving more than 50 cubic yards of earth (30′x12′x2′ area for example).  A grading permit may also be required by the flood department.  All grading permits require a site plan showing existing and proposed contour lines at 2ft increments as well as cut and fill amounts and finished floor or pad elevations.  Where required by the flood department or when moving over 2000 cubic yards of earth, a grading permit prepared and sealed by a civil engineer registered in Arizona is required.  Please refer to the Yavapai County Grading Ordinance 2007-9.

Yes, however, these plans are typically lacking what Yavapai County requires for plan submittal.   Missing foundation plans, too many options, no roof framing plan, and not being able to legally alter plans are just a few of the issues which arise from some of the plans submitted that are obtained from online plan shops.

The site plan travels with your set of plans and must be on minimum 18×24 inch paper while the plot plan remains with the record technician.   The site plan also contains contour lines (proposed and existing) at 2ft increments, building and lot dimensions, utility line locations, pad elevations at all corners and drainage flow directions.  Enlarged plot plans are not acceptable to use as a site plan.

Our adopted code permits conventional balloon and platform design and construction without an engineered design, provided it complies with the prescriptive codes therein.  Any portion of your project which does not meet the prescriptive codes will require a design sealed and stamped by an Arizona registrant.

Fire sprinkler requirements are under the jurisdiction of your local fire district or the State Fire Marshall.  Generally, fire sprinklers are not required, however, certain subdivisions and most fire districts do have requirements and any questions regarding your specific site and project should be directed to your fire district.

State law prohibits changing, copying, or otherwise altering plans sealed by an Arizona registrant.   Any changes to plans reviewed and sealed by a registrant must be done by the registrant

County policy does not allow us to design any portion of the structure for any applicant.   Building Safety staff review plans for code compliance and safety.   If you require assistance with code interpretations feel free to speak to a plans examiner.  If you require assistance designing your project please seek the help of a design professional.

Yavapai County has adopted a frost line of 6 inches for elevations up to 4500 ft and a frost line of 12 inches for elevations above 4500 ft.  This requires the bottom of the footing to be at 12 or 18 inches below grade respectively.  Snow loads are based on area and elevation, and can be obtained from the Residential Design Criteria.

A restraining wall can be built without an engineered design and has lateral support at the top (floor or roof system for example).  A retaining wall must be designed by an engineer and does not have lateral support at the top

Building Safety policy defines a bedroom as any room with a closet and area framed for a door to provide a level of privacy.  Other departments (environmental, for example) are governed by different codes and state laws and may have different definitions and requirements.

Building Safety staff reviews plans for code compliance and safety.  While we strive to ensure all aspects of construction meet these requirements, there will be times when items are missed.  Responsibility for code compliance is on the person doing the work.  Inspectors may require changes to reviewed plans if construction does not meet our adopted codes

You can view a partial list of what the inspector requires at each phase of construction on our Residential Inspection Checklist page.   You are also welcome to call the inspector Monday-Thursday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. or  4:00 p.m and 5:00 p.m. for questions concerning your project.

Commercial projects are usually handled by the Senior Plans Examiner and are generally too complex to resolve without specific information concerning the project.  For code requirements or questions about an existing or proposed commercial building please contact the Senior Plans Examiner.

Due to scheduling and unforeseen events, it is not possible to determine the inspectors time of arrival for any given inspection. Calls received 24hrs before inspection date will be done the following day

Building permits are typically required for new buildings, additions, renovations, demolitions, prefabricated structures, temporary buildings, manufactured homes, electrical systems, plumbing systems, HVAC systems, fireplaces, pools, decks, fences, etc.  Commercially, in addition to all the previous types, any changes of occupancy, parking, health issues, food handling, etc. may also require a permit.

Yavapai County has adopted the 2006 I-Codes as amended by our ordinances.  You can purchase the 2006 IRC at Yavapai College or order them online at www.iccsafe.org.  You may also review the 2006 IRC at your local library in the reference section.

Yes, regardless of where your project is located, you may submit plans at either plan review office.

Yes, regardless of where your project is located, you may submit plans at either plan review office.

A grading permit may be required if you are moving more than 50 cubic yards of earth (30′x12′x2′ area for example).  A grading permit may also be required by the flood department.  All grading permits require a site plan showing existing and proposed contour lines at 2ft increments as well as cut and fill amounts and finished floor or pad elevations.  Where required by the flood department or when moving over 2000 cubic yards of earth, a grading permit prepared and sealed by a civil engineer registered in Arizona is required.  Please refer to the Yavapai County Grading Ordinance 2007-9.

Yes, however, these plans are typically lacking what Yavapai County requires for plan submittal.   Missing foundation plans, too many options, no roof framing plan, and not being able to legally alter plans are just a few of the issues which arise from some of the plans submitted that are obtained from online plan shops.

The site plan travels with your set of plans and must be on minimum 18×24 inch paper while the plot plan remains with the record technician.   The site plan also contains contour lines (proposed and existing) at 2ft increments, building and lot dimensions, utility line locations, pad elevations at all corners and drainage flow directions.  Enlarged plot plans are not acceptable to use as a site plan.

Our adopted code permits conventional balloon and platform design and construction without an engineered design, provided it complies with the prescriptive codes therein.  Any portion of your project which does not meet the prescriptive codes will require a design sealed and stamped by an Arizona registrant.

Fire sprinkler requirements are under the jurisdiction of your local fire district or the State Fire Marshall.  Generally, fire sprinklers are not required, however, certain subdivisions and most fire districts do have requirements and any questions regarding your specific site and project should be directed to your fire district.

State law prohibits changing, copying, or otherwise altering plans sealed by an Arizona registrant.   Any changes to plans reviewed and sealed by a registrant must be done by the registrant

County policy does not allow us to design any portion of the structure for any applicant.   Building Safety staff review plans for code compliance and safety.   If you require assistance with code interpretations feel free to speak to a plans examiner.  If you require assistance designing your project please seek the help of a design professional.

Yavapai County has adopted a frost line of 6 inches for elevations up to 4500 ft and a frost line of 12 inches for elevations above 4500 ft.  This requires the bottom of the footing to be at 12 or 18 inches below grade respectively.  Snow loads are based on area and elevation, and can be obtained from the Residential Design Criteria.

A restraining wall can be built without an engineered design and has lateral support at the top (floor or roof system for example).  A retaining wall must be designed by an engineer and does not have lateral support at the top

Building Safety policy defines a bedroom as any room with a closet and area framed for a door to provide a level of privacy.  Other departments (environmental, for example) are governed by different codes and state laws and may have different definitions and requirements.

Building Safety staff reviews plans for code compliance and safety.  While we strive to ensure all aspects of construction meet these requirements, there will be times when items are missed.  Responsibility for code compliance is on the person doing the work.  Inspectors may require changes to reviewed plans if construction does not meet our adopted codes

Currently, there is no way to schedule an inspection for other than the next business day.   However, we are constantly improving the system and this may become a feature in the future.

You can view a partial list of what the inspector requires at each phase of construction on our Residential Inspection Checklist page.   You are also welcome to call the inspector Monday-Thursday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. or  4:00 p.m and 5:00 p.m. for questions concerning your project.

Commercial projects are usually handled by the Senior Plans Examiner and are generally too complex to resolve without specific information concerning the project.  For code requirements or questions about an existing or proposed commercial building please contact the Senior Plans Examiner.

Due to scheduling and unforeseen events, it is not possible to determine the inspectors time of arrival for any given inspection. Calls received 24hrs before inspection date will be done the following day

Building permits are typically required for new buildings, additions, renovations, demolitions, prefabricated structures, temporary buildings, manufactured homes, electrical systems, plumbing systems, HVAC systems, fireplaces, pools, decks, fences, etc.  Commercially, in addition to all the previous types, any changes of occupancy, parking, health issues, food handling, etc. may also require a permit.

Yavapai County has adopted the 2006 I-Codes as amended by our ordinances.  You can purchase the 2006 IRC at Yavapai College or order them online at www.iccsafe.org.  You may also review the 2006 IRC at your local library in the reference section.

Currently, there is no way to schedule an inspection for other than the next business day.   However, we are constantly improving the system and this may become a feature in the future.

Building permits are typically required for new buildings, additions, renovations, demolitions, prefabricated structures, temporary buildings, manufactured homes, electrical systems, plumbing systems, HVAC systems, fireplaces, pools, decks, fences, etc.  Commercially, in addition to all the previous types, any changes of occupancy, parking, health issues, food handling, etc. may also require a permit.

A grading permit may be required if you are moving more than 50 cubic yards of earth (30′x12′x2′ area for example).  A grading permit may also be required by the flood department.  All grading permits require a site plan showing existing and proposed contour lines at 2ft increments as well as cut and fill amounts and finished floor or pad elevations.  Where required by the flood department or when moving over 2000 cubic yards of earth, a grading permit prepared and sealed by a civil engineer registered in Arizona is required.  Please refer to the Yavapai County Grading Ordinance 2007-9.

Due to scheduling and unforeseen events, it is not possible to determine the inspectors time of arrival for any given inspection. Calls received 24hrs before inspection date will be done the following day