Resources and help to make your
development process smooth and easy
Planning, Licenses, Fees, & Taxes
We'll guide you every step of the way
Planning on new construction? Or are you remodeling or expanding an existing property?
You’ll work with a Development Case Manager throughout your development process who will serve as your single point of contact.
Development case management is a free service provided by the Planning and Development Services Division. It consists of these four offices:
Want to know how to avoid costly mistakes and delays? Take advantage of our free Pre-Application Meeting (PAM)!
It’s your opportunity to meet Development Services staff. You’ll learn whether your concept is in compliance with existing codes and policies, and, if not, the remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who attends a Pre-Application Meeting (PAM)?
A: A Planning Development Manager coordinates with representatives from Engineering, Public Works, Water Services, Fire, and other, depending on the application.
Q: If I know what I want, why should I request a PAM?
A: It’s your free opportunity to meet city staff. They’ll present the various development standards and options, and show how you can incorporate them into your application. The Planning Development Manager will also outline your review process.
Q: What should I bring?
A: A complete application with five copies of a basic sketch or plan that shows your idea.
Q: What questions should I ask?
A: Ask about conditions on or around the property that could affect your project’s success. Such as floodplains, ingress/egress, traffic, parking issues/constraints, or general use parameters. The more questions you ask, the better!
Q: Are there any guarantees?
A: The PAM is an informal meeting and doesn’t include approvals or denials. In most cases, your next step will be the Concept Plan application.
Q: What happens next?
A: After the PAM, continue your due diligence by exploring and resolving issues discovered in the meeting. You may need to hire a design professional – such as an architect, civil engineer, or surveyor – to proceed to the next steps.
Q: Is there a limit to the number of PAMs?
A: There’s no limit! However, the PAM is an initial informal review that doesn’t include approvals.
The City of Flagstaff requires all businesses to obtain at least one business license.
Here’s how to determine what you’ll need:
Selling services?
If you’re solely engaged in the provision of services, you must have a current Occupational Business License on display at your place of business.
Apply for a Occupational Business License
Selling goods?
If you’re selling goods to the public via a retail or online store, you must have a Transaction Privilege Tax License (TPT). A TPT enables you to collect sales tax on behalf of the City of Flagstaff and the State of Arizona. TPT holders are also required to file regular returns with the Arizona Department of Revenue.
Apply for a Transaction Privilege Tax License
Selling goods and services?
You’re required to have an Occupational Business License and a Transaction Privilege Tax License.
Apply for a Occupational Business License
Apply for a Transaction Privilege Tax License
Home-based business?
Then you’ll need to apply for a City of Flagstaff Home Occupation Permit.
Apply for a Home Occupation Permit
Planning, engineering and fire department service fees
Need to know what the City of Flagstaff charges for an outdoor lighting permit? A temporary sign? A soils report review? Get the answers to these and other questions in Ordinance No. 2017-16. It’s your comprehensive guide to Planning, Engineering and Fire Department service fees.
Building permit fees
Planning to build a hotel? A theater with stage? An assisted living facility? Find the building permit fees for these and other projects in Resolution No. 2017-21. Math Tip: To determine costs, your multiplier is 0.01.
Questions?
Please contact Development Services Manager at 928-213-2618.
If you plan to do business in Flagstaff, you need to know all relevant taxes when preparing your pro-forma. A current tax rate chart will provide you with those specifics.
