Before You Build in Lake Havasu City, AZ: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Section 14.06.02 measures fence/wall height vertically from adjacent finished grade on the interior side. Standard residential limit is 6 ft in side/rear yards and 3 ft in front yards. Raising grade with fill solely to add height is prohibited.

Every swimming pool, spa, or contained body of water must be enclosed by a minimum 5-foot barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates opening outward. Gaps of more than 4 inches are not allowed.

Walls and fences over 6 feet in height require a building permit under Chapter 12.08 (the city's adopted Building Code). Retaining walls over 4 feet, or with a surcharge, require permits regardless of fence height.

Building permits are required for in-ground and most above-ground pools under Chapter 12.08 (adopted Building Code). Barrier inspection is required before the pool can be filled.

Temporary fence or warning ribbon must surround any in-ground pool, spa, or contained body of water during construction. Pools may not be filled until the permanent enclosure is in place and approved by the Building Inspector.

Minimum 5-ft barrier on the exterior side, no openings over 4 inches, self-closing/self-latching outward gates, and at least 20 inches from water's edge. Chain link mesh openings must be 1.75 inches or smaller.

Garage conversions to habitable space require a building permit under Chapter 12.08 and must maintain required off-street parking per § 14.04.02. Most residential zones require covered parking, so a converted garage usually triggers replacement parking.

Section 14.03.03 allows one accessory dwelling unit per parcel as an accessory use to a single-family residence. The ADU may not alter the character of the premises as a single-family residence.

Sheds and other residential accessory structures must comply with § 14.03.03(E) accessory-use standards including setbacks, lot coverage, and height. Sheds over 200 sq ft (per IRC §R105) require a building permit.

Open burning of yard waste, trash, and debris is prohibited within city limits. Recreational fires, cooking fires, and fires for warmth are allowed without a permit. Other burning requires an LHFD burn permit.

Recreational fires — including backyard fire pits and portable outdoor fireplaces — are allowed without a permit if supervised, kept under 3 feet in diameter, and use only clean wood or commercially prepared fuel.

Chapter 7.12 (Water Conservation Measures) and Chapter 7.20 (Waste of Water Restrictions) authorize the city to restrict outdoor water use during shortages. As of 2026, no permanent day-of-week restriction is in effect but waste of water is prohibited year-round.