Building Safety in Pima County, AZ (2026)
5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Pima County, Arizona.
Verified from official government sources
Lead Paint
Lead paint in Pima County is regulated under federal EPA RRP Rule (40 CFR 745) and Arizona Department of Health Services oversight. Properties built before 1978 require lead disclosure at sale or lease. Renovation work disturbing lead paint must be performed by EPA-certified firms.
Pima County Lead Paint Regulations
Some RestrictionsEPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule
EPA's RRP Rule requires that anyone paid to perform work that disturbs painted surfaces in homes, childcare facilities and preschools built before 1978 be certified and their employees be trained (either as a certified renovator or on-the-job by a certified renovator) in the use of lead-safe work practices that minimize occupants' exposure to lead hazards. In general, the RRP Rule does not appl...
Green Building Code
In unincorporated Pima County, a legally nonconforming building doesn't have to be brought up to current zoning standards just because you add solar panels, rainwater harvesting, insulation or other energy- or water-saving upgrades. Pima County Code § 18.01.030(D)(7) exempts specific green retrofits, listed by name in the code, from the conformance and development-plan requirements that otherwise apply whenever a nonconforming structure is altered.
Pima County Green Building Upgrade Exception
Light RestrictionsPima County Code § 18.01.030(D)(7)
Exception for Green Building Upgrades and Renovations that Reduce Energy or Water Consumption. Notwithstanding Sections 18.01.030(D)(3)(a) or 18.01.030(D)(5), structural alterations, excluding enlargement and extension except as provided below, necessary for green building upgrades and renovations that reduce energy or water consumption are permitted without the requirement for the lawful nonco...
Building Permits
Unincorporated Pima County requires building permits under the locally adopted 2024 International Building Code; Development Services reviews plans and issues permits before construction, alteration or demolition begins.
Pima County Building Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsPima County Code § 15.04.020(A)
The Pima County building code, codified in this chapter, adopts by reference the 2024 International Building Code, published by the International Code Council, Inc., Country Club Hills, IL, in 2023, as amended by the local amendments attached to and incorporated into Ordinance 2025-15 as Exhibit A together with the following national and international codes: 1. The 2024 International Pr...
Electrical Permits
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.
Pima County Electrical Code Adoption
Some RestrictionsPima County Code § 15.08.010
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. 20...
Plumbing Permits
Unincorporated Pima County plumbing work must meet the 2024 International Plumbing Code, adopted by the county as its plumbing code with local amendments under Ordinance 2025-15.
Pima County Plumbing Code Adoption
Some RestrictionsPima County Code § 15.20.010
The 2024 International Plumbing Code, published by the International Code Council, Inc., Country Club Hills, IL, 2023 is adopted by reference as the plumbing code of Pima County as amended by Exhibit E attached to Ordinance 2025-15. The purpose of the code is to provide minimum requirements and standards for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare as they apply to the erection, ...
Building Safety by City in Pima County
2 cities in Pima County have their own building safety rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Pima County ordinances
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