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1. What are the adopted building codes for Coconino County?

The adopted codes for Coconino County are:

• 2012 International Building Code
• 2012 International Residential Code
• 2012 International Mechanical Code
• 2012 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2012 International Plumbing Code
• 2012 International Energy Conservation Code
• 2011 National Electric Code

2. What are the minimum uniformly distributed live loads for Coconino County?

The minimum uniformly distributed live loads for Coconino County are:

• Attics made usable when the attic truss is a bonus room (habitable space), the floor Live Load shall be a minimum of forty (40) pounds per square foot (psf).
• Decks and Exterior Balconies – forty (40) psf.
• Sleeping Rooms – thirty (30) psf.
• Habitable Space – forty (40) psf.
• Storage Rooms – thirty (30) psf.

3. What are the snow load requirements for Coconino County?

Snow Loads for roof design shall be considered as a non-reducible live load on the roof. The list below indicates the snow load requirements for Coconino County:

• Fifty (50) pounds per square foot (psf) – Climate Zone 6B – Ground Snow Load 75 psf:
  • Hart Prairie
  • Kendrick Park
  • Jacob Lake and the North Rim
  • Any building site at an elevation of 8000 feet or more above sea level
• Forty (40) psf – Climate Zone 5B – Ground Snow Load 60 psf:
  • Baderville
  • Ft. Valley
  • Doney Park
  • Valle
  • Tusayan
  • Parks
  • Areas surrounding Williams
  • Clear Creek Pines
  • Starlight Pines
  • Happy Jack
  • Forest Lakes
  • Mormon Lake
  • Kachina Village
  • Mountainaire
  • Pinewood
• Thirty (30) psf – Climate Zone 4B – Ground Snow Load 45 psf:
  • Cameron
  • Tuba city
  • Areas between Twin Arrows and Winslow
  • Oak Creek Canyon
  • Areas surrounding Ash Fork and Seligman
  • Areas surrounding Fredonia
  • Alpine Ranchos and Leupp
• Twenty (20) psf – Climate Zone 3B – Ground Snow Load 35 psf:
  • Greenhaven
  • Marble Canyon

4. What is the design criteria for Coconino County?

The design criteria for Coconino County is:

• Ground Snow Load – see snow load question, above.
• Wind Speed – 90 Miles per Hour for 3 second gusts
• Seismic Design Category – C
• Any building site at an elevation of 8000 feet or more above sea level
• Weathering – Moderate
• Climate Zone – Varies – see snow load question, above.
• Frost Line – 30 inches into undisturbed soil for exterior footings in all areas of Coconino County with the exception of Oak Creek/Sedona, Marble Canyon, and Greenehaven where the depth is 24 inches into undisturbed soils. All interior footings depth shall be 12 inches into undisturbed soil.
• Termite –Moderate to heavy - Site Specific: When treatment is required by other agencies or lending institutions, then the report shall be filed with the permit from the County Building Department.
• Ice Barrier Underlayment Required – All areas of Coconino County Except: Marble Canyon and Greenehaven.
• Flood Hazard – The Flood Plain Administrator is the Director of Coconino County Community Development.

5. When do I need a building permit?

The list below indicates when a building permit is not required:

• One story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. Additionally these structures shall have a maximum wall height of eight (8) feet and a maximum overall building height of fifteen (15) feet. All property setbacks and distances between buildings shall be complied with.
• Fences not over 7 feet tall, Check with Planning and Zoning for zoning requirements.
• Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. Check with Planning and Zoning for zoning requirements.
• Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
• Sidewalk and driveways. Check with Community Development Engineering Division for other requirements.
• Paint, paper, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
• Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep.
• Swings and other playground equipment.
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not requires additional support.
• Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by the IRC 2012 Section R311.4.
• One-Story detached agricultural Hoop Greenhouse. An agricultural greenhouse is a structure for horticulture (growing plants for food and flowers) and it is mainly a glazed or translucent structure such as a hoop greenhouse. Additionally, these structures shall have a maximum wall height of eight (8) feet and a maximum overall building height of fifteen (15) feet. All property setbacks and distances between buildings shall be complied with.

6. Are there local sustainable building professionals that can help me with my project?

Yes. The Sustainable Building Program maintains a Resource Directory of current builders and other service providers that have experience with sustainable building.