Most people know that if they’re going to build a house, they need a residential building permit. That building permit comes from Gila County Community Development. But do you need to get a permit to build a deck? What about to construct a shed?  The answer is maybe.

Community Development Director Scott Buzan says that it makes sense to expect building codes to be black and white, but--for better or worse--it rarely is. “The code can seem very broad,” says Buzan. “We try to use common sense when enforcing the codes and other rules and regulations.” 

Buzan explains that like many other counties and municipalities, Gila County adopts the standard International Residential Building Code and makes some minor changes to tailor it to the specific needs of our County. Then the Gila County Board of Supervisors adopts it as an ordinance. For example, retaining walls are popular, so Buzan and staff worked on an amendment clarifying requirements for retaining walls before the Board adopted the most recent version of the ordinance. 

He stresses that his office is always happy to answer questions from residents and collect as much information as possible about their projects to help ensure things are done correctly and safely right out of the gate. 

Having things properly permitted helps protect your investment and your family, Buzan points out. “We want to help people make their home a safe structure that will last.” Making sure a building is permitted properly means ensuring it meets necessary requirements such as zoning setbacks, septic system setbacks, floodplain requirements, and building and fire safety requirements.  Inquiries from mortgage lenders and insurance companies verifying all additions and remodels done to the home and the construction of any accessory structures on the property were properly permitted, are on the rise. Building without a permit is a zoning and building code violation which may result in increased fees, a summons to appear in front of the Gila County Hearing Officer, or even the demolition of the structure or work performed.  

So, what if you’re not building a home? What if you’re repairing a deck? Buzan says that replacing decking doesn’t require a permit, but anything structural, such as working with deck joists, usually does. Re-roofing an existing asphalt shingle roof with asphalt shingles doesn’t require a permit either. If you’re installing a gas or wood burning heating appliance, stop by Community Development and get a permit to help ensure the installation is done properly.

There are specific exemptions written into the building code for when you don’t need a permit, but if you have any questions, give Community Development a call. Buzan says that one of the most common of these residential building code exemptions that his department encounters is “residential accessory buildings,” more commonly known as sheds. As with any of the exempt structures that don’t require a permit, exemption does not imply that work can be done in violation of the building code or any other laws and/or ordinances that apply. In other words, just because you don’t need a permit doesn’t mean you don’t have to follow code and zoning regulations.

Because these structures are so popular, Community Development has developed a streamlined process to ensure that residents can place them safely and securely on their properties. Residents who are interested in a residential accessory building should bring a site plan along with a $25 fee to Gila County Community Development. Staff will review the site plan for compliance with any applicable rules and regulations.

For more information, call Community Development at 928-402-4224 in Globe.