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Community Development      

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MISSION STATEMENT

The Community Development Department assists in providing improved quality of life for the residents of Bisbee through obtaining grants for community needs, managing the Bisbee transit system, promoting Bisbee as a quality destination to the travel marketplace, and operating and promoting the Queen Mine Tour as a safe, educational, and cultural heritage tourism attraction. The Planning and Zoning section of the Community Development Department helps to ensure the safe construction and maintenance of private and commercial properties based on the consensus of the community as expressed by adopted ordinances. In addition, the Planning and Zoning Department oversees the preservation of the historic integrity of Old Bisbee through the Design Review Board.

 

The Community Development Department is responsible for:

-  Supporting the Youth Council, Bisbee Arts Commission, and the Transportation Advisory Committee.
-  Writing and administering grants for community needs including Community Development Block

               Grants, transportation and tourism grants.
-  Administering and monitoring the Bisbee Bus grant and transit system
-  Marketing Bisbee's tourism assets including advertising and public relations
-  Assisting in the development of the Bisbee Economic Forum

-  Processing special use permits, variances, code amendments, zoning code changes, right of way

               abandonment and purchases and design review board applications.

-  Supporting the Board of Adjustments, Design Review Board and Planning and Zoning Commission.

-  Monitoring building and safety through the issuance of building permits and building inspections.

-  Zoning Code enforcement.

Community Development Director John Charley                   432-6269
jcharley@cityofbisbee.com

Queen Mine Tour Manager Douglas Graeme                        432-2071

dgraeme@cityofbisbee.com

Building Inspector Bob Mesquit                                               432-6015

rmesquit@cityofbisbee.com

Planning Assistant / Grants Coordinator                                 432-6016

mgreene@cityofbisbee.com

Visitor's Center Supervisor Ilona Smerekanich                      866-2Bisbee (866-224-7233), 432-3554
ilona@discoverbisbee.com

                                                                                                        

Queen Mine Tour                                                                           866-432-7071, 432-2071

queenminetour@cityofbisbee.com               

                                                                                                        

For information on Parks and Recreation click here

For information on Planning and Zoning click here

For information on the Bisbee Arts Commission click here

For information on the Committee on Disability Issues click here

Documents and forms:

Amendment to the Zoning Code Application       
Board of Adjustment Variance Application

Bisbee Bus Schedule                      
Building Permit Application
                                 

Design Review Board Application

Design Review Board Guidelines  
General Plan                           
Manufactured Home Permit
                      
Rezoning Application
Right of Way Abandonment/Purchase Application

Sign Permit
 
                                                                 
Site Plan Review Form                                                 
Special Events Permit
                                 
Special Use Permit
 
                                             
Subdivision Code   
                       

Zoning Code                                           

Building Inspector Frequently Asked Questions

What codes has the City adopted?

The City of Bisbee has adopted the following codes:

  2002 National Electric Code

  1997 Uniform Building Code

  1997 Uniform Fire Code

  1997 Uniform Plumbing Code

  1997 Mechanical Code

Copies of these codes are available at the Library .

 

How do I apply for a Building Permit? 

For small jobs such as utility changeovers, plumbing and re-roofing, a building permit can be issued immediately. For larger jobs that involve structural changes or new construction, there is a minimum 24 hour review period. You may submit your plans and the Building Department will review your design. You will then be notified of any design changes needed or if your plans are approved and ready to be finalized.

 

What determines the cost of a Building Permit?

Building permit fees are taken directly from the Building Code. Building permits fees are based on the valuation of the job, this includes materials and labor. There is no minimum valuation which will exempt you from needing a permit. If you are using a contractor, a bid proposal should be included with your building permit application. If you are doing the work yourself, you should bring a list of materials and a cost breakdown.  

 

What is an exempt property owner? 

An exempt property owner means that you may work on your own residential property without hiring a licensed contractor. You may not pay anyone to work for you. In other words, this means a worker cannot receive any type of compensation. You may not claim exempt property owner for commercial property, a licensed commercial contractor must be used. The City of Bisbee works closely with the Registrar of Contractors to ensure that state laws regarding licensed contractors are upheld. You can contact the ROC at 459-5119 regarding licensing information. Or visit them online at http://www.azroc.gov

 

What is the Design Review Board?        

If you are considering any exterior construction in the Bisbee Historic District (Old Bisbee) you must first present an application to the Design Review Board for approval. This includes work on houses, garages or other structures. The DRB strives to preserve the architectural style that exists in Old Bisbee. The DRB is comprised of seven members of the community and meets the first Wednesday of every month. Applications are due 10 working days before the meeting by noon. Click here for a complete listing of meeting dates.. You must be present at the meeting or send a representative. Once you have received DRB approval, you may apply for a building permit the following day if you wish. Design Review Board Applications are available here or at City Hall. Design Guidelines are available here or City Hall.