Pima County, AZ Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2023 NEC (NFPA 70)
- Citation
- Pima County Code § 15.08.010
- Amendments
- Exhibit C, Ordinance 2025-15
- Scope
- Unincorporated Pima County only
Summary
Unincorporated Pima County wiring and electrical installations must meet the 2023 National Electrical Code, adopted as the county's electrical code with local amendments effective under Ordinance 2025-15.
The 2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), published by the National Fire Protection Association, One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 2022 is adopted by reference as the electrical code of Pima County as amended by Exhibit C attached to Ordinance 2025-15. The purpose of the code is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from the hazards arising from the use of electricity. (Ord. 2025-15 § 11 (part), 2025; Ord. 2018-30 § 13, 2018: Ord. 2012-34 § 11 (part), 2012: Ord. 2006-91 § 13 (part), 2006; Ord. 2005-12 § 7 (part), 2005; Ord. 2003-71 § 7, 2003; Ord. 2001-75 § 11, 2001; Ord. 1996-82 §§ 1, 2, 1996; Ord. 1993-177 § 2, 1993: Ord. 1984-201 (part), 1984; Ord. 1983-73 (part), 1983)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-64: Contains Supplement, with local legislation through Ordinance 2026-9, passed 7-28-2026, current through 7-28-2026).
Full Breakdown
Pima County Code § 15.08.010 adopts the 2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), published by the National Fire Protection Association, as the county's electrical code, with local amendments in Exhibit C to Ordinance 2025-15. The stated purpose is 'the practical safeguarding of persons and property from the hazards arising from the use of electricity,' covering all electrical work in the unincorporated area. Copies are on file with the clerk of the board of supervisors and at Development Services, 201 N. Stone Avenue, per § 15.08.020.
Violations & Fines
Electrical work that doesn't meet the adopted National Electrical Code is a civil infraction under § 15.04.050, enforced through the county hearing officer process with penalties capped by state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What electrical code applies in unincorporated Pima County?
Where can I see the local amendments?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pima County
Compare Pima County to another location·View the Arizona building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.