All Permits & Licenses

Land Use & Planning Exemptions

The use of parcels that are five (5) contiguous commercial acres or more for agricultural, livestock, mining or metallurgical purposes is exempt for the Planning and Zoning Ordinance. This department requires evidence of the use via an exemption packet. See Section 201 of the Planning and Zoning Ordinance.

Responsible Department: Planning (a division of Development Services)

Food Establishments: Prior to the expiration of a provisional permit, the owner or operator shall apply for an annual operating license. It may be renewed on an annual basis upon approval of the owner or operator's application. There is a fee for this license. Non-Food Establishments: Businesses such as semi-public, public pools, and public lodging must apply for an annual operating license at the time of opening or a change in ownership, and apply for renewal on an annual basis. There is a fee for this license.

Responsible Department: Environmental Health (a division of Community Health Services)

Access and Drainage Permit

The Access and Drainage Permit is required to construct a driveway or roadway access that will intersect a maintained County right of way/roadway or right of ways currently under construction that will be offered for maintenance. The Permit sets conditions for the access to include, but is not limited to: site distance, drainage, traffic control, and surfacing. The Permit is not bound by an expiration date, however, the access improvements must be completed prior to receiving a final and certificate of occupancy on the property. The Access and Drainage Permit is obtained through the Citizenserve Portal. The County fee for the Permit is $40.00 payable at the time of issuance.

Responsible Department: Public Works

You may pick up forms to apply to be a Bail Bondsman at the Clerk of Superior Court's Financial Services Office at the Yavapai County Courthouse in Prescott. The fee for a new application is $54.00 and the fee for a renewal is $27.00.

Responsible Department: Clerk of Superior Court

Bingo in Arizona (Arizona Dept of Revenue)

This type of permit is required in order to operate bingo games. In addition to County approval, this type of permit also requires State approval. There are both County and State fees for this permit application.

Responsible Department: Development Services

A building permit is an official document required to construct or alter a building or structure in compliance with the minimum requirements of the building codes in the unincorporated areas of Yavapai County. No matter what the project may be, the enforcement of codes is carried out to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. A permit also provides the means for the code officials to inspect construction to ensure that minimum standards are met and appropriate materials are used. A zoning clearance/building permit is typically required for the following: New buildings, additions, renovations, demolitions, prefabricated structures, temporary buildings, manufactured homes, electrical systems, plumbing systems, HVAC systems (heating ventilating and air conditioning) miscellaneous for residential (fireplace, pools, decks, fences, etc.) and miscellaneous for commercial (parking, health, food handling, etc.)

Responsible Department: Customer Service & Permitting (a division of Development Services)

A separate document of the General Plan - A Community Plan is to provide a framework for guiding future growth in an orderly manner.

Responsible Department: Land Use & Planning (a division of Development Services)

Yavapai County cares for and maintain the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza and manages all activities, schedules summer arts/crafts shows and events along with local businesses and organizations who sponsors the annual Summer Concert Series, Christmas Parade, Courthouse Lighting and much more.

Responsible Department: Board of Supervisors

• Courthouse Park Rules & Regulations 2002-2(PDF, 116KB)
• Courthouse Park Supplemental Rules and Regulations(PDF, 99KB)
• Courthouse Plaza Fee Schedule(PDF, 78KB)

Special Events Forms

This type of permit is issued for fireworks displays. An application and a bond are required. There are no fees for processing this permit application.

Responsible Department: Development Services

MinorVarianceSetbacks-Revised.pdf(PDF, 283KB)

MinorVarianceWasteWater2023.pdf(PDF, 259KB)

The Floodplain Unit requires a Development Permit for all Building and Grading Permits within FEMA Designated Floodplains or areas impacted by watercoursed with drainage areas of 80 acres or greater. The Floodplain Unit reviews all zoning and building permit applications. The Floodplain Unit reviews all variance requests and the Land Use Exemption Applications (AG or mining). The Floodplain Unit completes Flood Status reports detailing flood hazards associated with a parcel as requested by property owners, real estate agents, or potential buyers.

Responsible Department: Flood Control District

Food Worker Training Program

A food worker certificate is required for any person who handles, prepares, serves, sells or gives away food for human consumption, including those whose duties are restricted to busing or washing dishes. New food workers must obtain their certificates within 30 days of hire. The certificate may be obtained by doing one of the following: attending a one-hour Food Worker Training Class, reviewing and completing the required questions in a study workbook of food safety information, and then passing a "Beginner" test or passing an "Intermediate" test. The certificates must be renewed every two years.

Responsible Department: Environmental Health (a division of Community Health Services)

Home Occupation Permit - What to Expect(PDF, 224KB)

Allowed in the unincorporated areas of Yavapai County provided they do not alter the residential character of the neighborhood. Yavapai County requires a permit for home occupation prior to commencement of use. See Section 543 of the Planning and Zoning Ordinance.

Responsible Department: Planning Unit (a division of Development Services)

Variance & Appeals - What to Expect

A request to deviate from the terms of the current County Planning and Zoning Ordinance.

Responsible Department: Planning Unit (a division of Development Services)

Arizona Department of Liquor

Regular liquor licenses include store, bar and restaurant licenses, hotel/motel or domestic farm winery licenses, transfers of license from one person to another, and extension of premises for existing liquor licenses. Special event liquor licenses are issued for limited periods of time for the purpose of selling alcohol at a charitable event. All of these licenses require state approval in addition to County approval. There is a County fee for processing regular, extension licenses and for any special event liquor licenses.

Responsible Department: Development Services

Marriage Licenses

You may apply for a marriage license at the Clerk of Superior Court's Office in either location. The fee for a marriage license is $76.00 payable by cash, check, or credit card. A copy of a divorce decree is not required. No blood test is required. Valid identification is required. You will receive your marriage license and can be married on the same day you apply for it. An unused marriage license expires one year from the date of purchase. Age Requirements: If you are under the age of 18, you must have a notarized parental consent form or have your parents accompany you, present the proper identification, and sign the parental consent form in front of the clerk issuing your license. If you are 16-17, identification and one of the following documents showing proof of ages is needed:

1. a certified copy of birth certificate
2. current driver's license
3. state or military I.D.
4. current passport

If you are 15 or under, you must also have a court order. To obtain a court order, you must file a motion with the court.

Responsible Department: Clerk of Superior Court

Land Use & Planning Exemptions

Allows a property owner to establish a second dwelling on a property to care for, or receive care from a relative provided they can demonstrate a verified medical need.

Responsible Department: Planning (a division of Development Services)

Application Checklist(PDF, 65KB)

This may be approved by staff provided the rest falls within the percentages allowed in the Zoning Ordinance. See Section 207 of the Planning & Zoning Ordinance.

Responsible Department: Land Use & Planning (a division of Development Services)

Planning Application

Land divisions of five (5) or fewer lots, parcels or fractional interests, any of which is ten (10) acres or smaller in size created by recordation of a contract for sale or deed of conveyance shall be preceded by this application for Minor Land Division Permit which has been applied for with and approved by the Department. (See Also: Section 546.C. Minor Land Division of the Planning & Zoning Ordinance(PDF, 5MB) )

Responsible Department: Planning (a division of Development Services)

You may pick up the application to become a notary public at the Clerk of Superior Court's Office, at either location. Applications are processed through the Secretary of State Office.

Special Events Forms

This type of permit is issued for scheduled events that generate traffic impacts on the County right-of-way that would not otherwise exist if the event was not taking place. Examples include parades, foot races, and bicycle races. An application and liability insurance with the County named as additional insured is required.

Responsible Department: Development Services

The U.S. Department of State provides information and services to American citizens about how to obtain, replace or change a passport (Fees, Passport Acceptance Facilities). The Clerk of Superior Court's Office is among the official passport acceptance facilities and has applications available in either location.

This license is issued to those wanting to operate a pawnshop within the County. Licenses are renewed annually at the beginning of each year. Fingerprints are required with the application.

Responsible Department: Yavapai County Sheriff's Office

Animal Control > License My Dog

Register/License your pet online now at http://ycsoaz.sheltertrack.com.
Dogs 3 months of age and older must be vaccinated for the rabies virus by a DVM and wear a current Yavapai County dog License. Click on the link above for more information.

Responsible Department: Yavapai County Sheriff's Office

PAD Districts may be established where tracts suitable in location, area, and character for the uses and structures proposed will be planned and developed on a unified basis. See Section 440 of the Planning and Zoning Ordinance.

Responsible Department: Land Use & Planning (a division of Development Services)

Land Use & Planning Exemptions

Nonconforming uses that were in existence prior to the adoption or amendment of the zoning code enjoy a legal nonconforming status. A Pre-Existing Use Packet allows the property owner to evidence this allowance. See Section 202 of the Planning and Zoning Ordinance.

Responsible Department: Planning (a division of Development Services)

You may pick up an application to be a Process Server at the Clerk of Superior Court's Office in the Yavapai County Courthouse in Prescott. The fee is $174.00.

Responsible Department: Clerk of Superior Court

A Provisional Permit approving food service to the public for 90 days will be issued to a new food establishment or one in which ownership has changed hands. It is generally issued after an opening inspection in which the department approves the establishment. There is a fee for this permit, with discounts available depending on the establishment type and the level of management's food safety certification.

Responsible Department: Environmental Health (a division of Community Health Services)

Right-of-Way Permits

The Right of Way Concrete/Asphalt Driveway Permit is required to permanently surface a driveway with concrete, asphalt, or brick pavers within the limits of a County maintained right of way/roadway or right of ways currently under construction that will be offered for maintenance. Concrete/Asphalt Driveway Permits are valid for a period of 30 days from the date of issuance unless renewals are submitted and approved by the County Engineer. The County fee for Concrete/Driveway Permit is $10.00 payable at the time of issuance. Renewal fees are $10.00 for each 30 day time period requested.

Responsible Department: Public Works

Right-of-Way Permits

The Right of Way Excavation Permit is required for all excavation activities performed within the limits of a County maintained right of way/roadway or right of way currently under construction that will be offered for maintenance. Right of Way Excavation Permits are valid for a period of 30 days from the date of issuance unless renewals are submitted and approved by the County Engineer. The County fee for the Right of Way Excavation Permit is $60.00 payable at the time of issuance. Renewal fees are $10.00 for each 30 day time period requested and there are additional Chipseal fees associated when an asphalt road is cut.

Responsible Department: Public Works

Right-of-Way Permits

The Right of Way Landscape Permit is required for all landscaping activities performed within the limits of a County maintained right of way/roadway or right of ways currently under construction that will be offered for maintenance. Landscaping Permits are valid for a period of 30 days from the date of issuance unless renewals are submitted and approved by the County Engineer. The County fee for the Landscape Permit is $40.00 payable at the time of issuance. Renewal fees are $10.00 for each 30 day time period requested.

Responsible Department: Public Works

Right-of-Way Permits

The Right of Way Mailbox Permit is required for the installation of a mailbox or mailbox structure within the limits of a County maintained right of way/roadway or right of ways currently under construction that will be offered for maintenance. Right of Way Mailbox Permits are valid for a period of 30 days fro the date of issuance unless renewals are submitted and approved by the County Engineer. The County fee for the Right of Way Mailbox Permit is $10.00 payable at the time of issuance. Renewal fees are $10.00 for each 30 day time period requested.

Responsible Department: Public Works

Trucks need to be inspected and permitted.

Responsible Department:Environmental Services(a division of Development Services)

Septic Permits
Conventional and Alternate Wastewater Systems

Responsible Department: Environmental Services (a division of Development Services)

Inspections - Special Events

A Special Event Food license is issued to individual temporary food establishments such as fair booths and tasting events when food is either prepared or handled and provided to the public. It can be issued for a period of not more than 14 consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration, whether occurring on public or private property. There is a fee for this license, and the application process should begin at lease 30 days before the event.

Responsible Department: Environmental Health (a division of Community Health Services)

Special Event Forms

A Special Event Permit is required for special events conducted is the unicorporated areas of Yavapai County. Examples of events that require a permit are: festivals, art and craft shows, concerts and community events. Fees associated with obtaining a Special Event permit are determined by the type of event being held and in accordance with the Special Event fee schedule(PDF, 22KB) .

Responsible Department: Development Services

Street Name Changes

The Street Name Change process is used for the purpose of eliminating confusion for public safety only. The process to go through a street name change is the same as naming a new street along with a nonrefundable filing fee. See Section 604 of the Planning & Zoning Ordinance.

Responsible Department: Addressing (a division of Development Services)

A subdivision is lands or property divided or proposed to be divided for the purpose of sale or lease as defined in the Arizona Revised Statutes. Prepared by a Licensed Land Surveyor or Professional Engineer in accordance with the Subdivision Regulations. See Yavapai County Subdivision Regulations.

Responsible Department: Land Use & Planning (a division of Development Services)

Special Event Permits are required at all Yavapai County Parks for organized gatherings of 50 or more people. Please submit your Special Event Application through Yavapai County Development Services at the Citizenserve Online Permit Portal. Once you enter the Portal, click on “APPLY ONLINE” under “Online Services - Permitting”. This will take you to the Login Page. You will need to register for a new account if you do not already have one.

Responsible Department: Facilities & Parks

Use Permit Forms

Provided for instances where a use or uses normally prohibited by a Use District should be allowed due to the unique characteristics of the property and of the surrounding area, but a re-zoning to a less restrictive Use District is not appropriate. See: Section 582 of the Planning and Zoning Ordinance.

Responsible Department: Land Use & Planning (a division of Development Services)

An agreement between the County and utility companies to maintain their utility lines within County right-of-way. Also must obtain permits in the right-of-way for repair and new lines. License is issued for a 5-year period.

Responsible Department: Roads Division (Public Works)

Permit for existing Public Water and Sewer Lines

Responsible Department: Environmental Services (a division of Development Services)

Well Permits

Review of well location prior to ADWR permitting

Responsible Department: Environmental Services (a division of Development Services)

Wireless Applications

An application for any wireless communication request to use any technology for transmitting communication through the air. See Section 605 - Wireless Communications Facilities of the Planning and Zoning Ordinance.

Responsible Department: Land Use & Planning (a division of Development Services)

(when bisecting an individual parcel)

Allows the Board of Adjustments to expand a zoning district to encompass an entire property when such property is bisected by two zoning districts. See Section 207 of the Planning and Zoning Ordinance.

Responsible Department: Land Use & Planning (a division of Development Services)

Zoning Map Changes

A Zoning Map Change is for rezoning a property and may be initiated by the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Board of Supervisors, or by petition and application of property owners. See Planning and Zoning Ordinance.

Responsible Department: Land Use & Planning (a division of Development Services)