yavapai Municipal & Local Government Laws

Yavapai County Animal Control shall provide services for animal licensing, stray animal impoundment, dangerous animal investigations, and animal cruelty enforcement. All dogs and cats over four months of age must be licensed annually with proof of current rabies vaccination. License fees are established by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.

The International Building Code, as adopted by the State of Arizona, is hereby adopted as the building code for Yavapai County. All construction within unincorporated areas requires permits and inspections. Minimum setbacks are 25 feet from front property lines and 10 feet from side property lines. Violations may result in stop work orders and civil penalties.

Every person conducting business within unincorporated Yavapai County shall obtain a business license and pay required fees before commencing operations. Applications must include business name, address, type of business, and proof of insurance. Licenses are valid for one calendar year and must be renewed annually.

All subdivisions in unincorporated Yavapai County must comply with development standards including minimum lot sizes, road construction requirements, and utility infrastructure. Preliminary plats require approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Final plats must be approved by the Board of Supervisors after all improvements are completed.

The Yavapai County Emergency Management Director is authorized to coordinate emergency response activities during declared emergencies. Emergency operations include evacuation procedures, resource coordination, and public warning systems. The Emergency Operations Center shall be activated for Level 2 and Level 3 incidents.

Yavapai County establishes environmental protection standards for air quality, water quality, and soil contamination. Industrial facilities must obtain environmental permits and conduct regular monitoring. Violations may result in cease and desist orders and restoration requirements. Citizens may report environmental concerns to the Environmental Health Department.

The Yavapai County Community Health Services Department provides public health programs including communicable disease control, environmental health inspections, and vital records services. Food service establishments require annual permits and inspections. Septic system permits are required for all new installations.

All residential structures in unincorporated Yavapai County must meet minimum housing standards for habitability. Standards include adequate heating, plumbing, electrical systems, and structural integrity. Substandard housing may be declared a public nuisance subject to repair or demolition orders.

Yavapai County manages natural resources including watersheds, wildlife habitats, and mineral resources. Mining operations require conditional use permits and environmental impact assessments. Gravel extraction is limited to designated areas with reclamation bonds required.

Yavapai County maintains parks and recreational facilities for public use. Park hours are sunrise to sunset unless otherwise posted. Alcohol consumption is prohibited in county parks. Camping requires permits and is limited to designated areas. Group events require advance reservations.

Yavapai County maintains emergency communications systems including 911 dispatch services and radio networks for public safety agencies. False emergency reports are prohibited and subject to prosecution. Emergency communications equipment must meet FCC standards and county specifications.

Yavapai County Public Works Department maintains county roads, bridges, and drainage systems. Road construction must meet county engineering standards. Encroachment permits are required for work within county rights-of-way. Private road improvements may be eligible for county maintenance agreements.

Yavapai County protects groundwater resources through well drilling regulations and aquifer protection measures. New wells require permits from the Arizona Department of Water Resources. Water quality testing is required for domestic wells. Contamination incidents must be reported immediately.

Wireless communication towers and facilities require conditional use permits in unincorporated Yavapai County. Tower height is limited to 200 feet unless additional setbacks are provided. Co-location on existing towers is encouraged. Federal aviation requirements must be met.