Some counties welcome barndominiums, but metro and suburban areas may restrict them.
Arizona has no mandatory statewide building code. Each city and county adopts and enforces its own codes. The Office of Manufactured Housing (OMH) regulates manufactured and factory-built buildings statewide.
Primary Code
IBC / IRC
Code Version
Varies by jurisdiction (2018–2021 IBC common)
Adoption Level
Local Only
Statewide Enforcement
No
Maricopa County (Phoenix) has extensive plan review processes. Rural counties like Mohave, Yavapai, and Cochise are generally faster and more flexible.
Residential
Required
Commercial
Required
Agricultural
Not Required
Size threshold: structures under 200 sq ft may be exempt.
Some rural counties exempt agricultural structures from building permits. Requirements vary by county. Exemptions typically require bona fide agricultural use of the property.
Structures under 200 sq ft are generally exempt from building permits in most jurisdictions.
Low wind and seismic risk in most of the state. High-elevation areas (Flagstaff, Prescott) have significant snow loads up to 50 psf. Dust storms (haboobs) create unique design considerations.
Wind Load
95–120 mph
moderate zone
Snow Load
0–50 psf (elevation dependent)
Seismic
A–B
Category
Flood
FEMA Regulated
Energy Code
IECC
Version
Varies by jurisdiction (2012–2021 IECC)
Energy codes focus on cooling efficiency due to extreme heat. Insulated metal panels are recommended for steel buildings in Arizona.
License Type
Registrar of Contractors license
Arizona requires contractors to be licensed through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Dual license (residential/commercial) available.
Front
20–25 ft
Side
5–10 ft
Rear
15–25 ft
Setbacks vary by jurisdiction and zone. Desert areas may have larger setbacks due to fire risk from natural vegetation.
Expansive soils (caliche and clay) are common in parts of Arizona and require specialized foundation design. Post-tensioned slabs are common in the Phoenix metro.
Popular for auto and fabrication work due to climate. Open-wall designs (no sides) are common for shade structures.
Horse barns and equestrian facilities are common. Some rural counties have ag exemptions.
Limited acceptance in metro areas. Rural counties in northern and eastern Arizona are more flexible. Extreme heat makes insulation critical.
RV and boat storage buildings are very popular due to the outdoor recreation culture.
Full IBC compliance required in all incorporated areas.
HOAs are extremely common in Phoenix and Tucson metro developments. Metal building restrictions are prevalent. Target rural acreage outside planned communities.
Flash flooding is a significant risk in Arizona. Many areas have wash zones and floodplains that affect building placement. FEMA flood zone maps apply.
Key counties with specific permit information for Arizona.
Full IBC enforcement. Thorough plan review process. Dedicated metal building plan review.
Typical fees: $500 – $4,000
Full code enforcement. Plan review typically 3-4 weeks.
Typical fees: $400 – $3,500
Enforces IBC/IRC. More flexible than metro counties. Higher snow loads at elevation.
Typical fees: $300 – $2,500
Minimal enforcement in some unincorporated areas. More build-friendly than metro counties.
Typical fees: $200 – $2,000
Ag Exemption AvailableRural county with moderate enforcement. Agricultural exemptions available.
Typical fees: $200 – $1,500
Ag Exemption AvailableVerify the information above directly from these official sources. Regulations change — always confirm with your local building department before starting construction.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Building codes, permit requirements, and zoning regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local building department, planning office, or a licensed professional before starting construction. Homestead Steel Structures & Design is not a legal authority on building codes or zoning regulations. Last updated February 2026.
