Which are the current codes the City of Nogales enforces?

• 1997 Uniform Building Code
• 1997 Uniform Plumbing Code
• 1997 Uniform Mechanical Code
• 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
• 1997 Uniform Fire Code
• 1999 National Electrical Code
• American Disabilities Act
• City of Nogales Development Standards Code

Design parameters for the City of Nogales.

• Elevation, 3854, benchmark Post Office step
• Snow Load, < 4,000 feet elevation = 0 psi
• Wind Speed, 70 mph
• Seismic Zone, 2A

• Frost Line Depth, 0 – 12 inches

When is a building permit required?

Permits are required for new buildings, remodeling, additions to your home, and improvements to your property.  Changes or repairs to existing electrical, mechanical, or plumbing system. 

May I build it myself?

If you are the owner of the property and you live there, you may be your own contractor.  You may choose to do all of the work yourself, or you may do parts of the work yourself, and hire subcontractors to do other parts.  To work on a home for rent or sale you must use a licensed contractor for any work requiring a building permit. 

If you hire a contractor to work on your home, whether a general contractor or subcontractor, it is recommended that you ask for his license number and call the Registrar of Contractors ((602) 542 – 1525) before you sign an agreement or make any payment.  Contractors and subcontractors you hire must have an active City of Nogales tax number.

How much does a building permit cost?

The fee for a building permit depends on the type, size, and valuation of your project.  The fee is derived from Table 1 –A, 1997 Uniform Building Code.  A plan review fee of 65% of the building permit fee is assessed, together with plumbing fixture fees and electric meter fees, if applicable.

How much time do I have to complete my project?

Your permit will remain valid for 180 days from the issued date.  Once you start work and pass you first inspection, your permit will remain valid as long as you continue to work and call for inspections.  If you stop work on your project for more than six months, your permit will expire. Your permit may be extended for an additional 180 days, depending on the circumstances.  A request for an extension must be in writing. However, if you let more than one year pass without any contact with the Building Department, a new permit will be required.  New plans must be submitted and the full fees paid as if it were a new project.

What must I submit to obtain a building permit?

1. Two (2) complete sets of plans, minimum sheet size 24”x36”.  The plans should include a site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, elevation plan, electrical plan, plumbing plan, and a framing and roof plan.  Additional sets of plans may be required, depending on the type of project.
2. List the square footage of all livable area, garage, porch, covered patio and decks, separately.
3. A grading plan and permit may be required to control earthwork construction occurring on undeveloped property and / or other development and expansions not included on prior approved subdivision plats.
4. A copy of the receipt for water service from the water company providing service to the parcel.
5. A permit from the Santa Cruz County Health Department, if a septic system is to be used, must be obtained before the building permit is issued.
6. Additional information may be required at the time of application depending on the type of construction.

What about inspections?

You are provided an inspection card highlighting the inspections required on your project.  To schedule an inspection call the Building Department, (520) 285 – 5747, before 3:30 pm the day before the desired inspection. A project representative, the approved set of building plans, and the inspection card must be on site during the inspection.

Am I finished?

Your project is complete when it has passed the final inspection.  New residents, commercial and industrial structures are issued Certificate of Occupancy after the final inspection by the Building Department, and if necessary by the Engineering and Fire Departments. 

We hope you look back on your experience with the City of Nogales Building Department as a pleasant one. We hope our office staff and inspectors have been of service to you.  We welcome your suggestions for improvement in the future.

[Return to Building Safety Home]