If a resident of Cochise County wants to ask questions about a county service or file a permit for something, the county’s website now provides many of those answers and services.

Cochise County officials have enhanced their online services in an effort to improve efficiency and save tax dollars. The updated website provides more information to the public in a faster and easier fashion.

For example, applying for a permit has become easier using the county’s new E-Permits service at https://www.cochise.az.gov/development-services/e-permit. Through this portal, applicants can file for a permit and check on its status, pay fees, schedule an inspection, view inspection results and upload documents. However, this feature has not erased the option of faxing, emailing and mailing in a permit application.

Finding out how much certain fees are has also become easier. Some of the Cochise County staff members have created a comprehensive and consolidated fees schedule, allowing applicants to view all available permits and costs in one document.

In addition, the new online communication is providing easy conversations between county officials and residents concerning important issues in the community.  For example, the building department is asking for input on a proposed building permit fee schedule, which will see increases for the first time in 14 years.

“The current building fees do not allow the county to recoup the cost of services provided to the development community,” Dan Coxworth, director of development services, said. “That means residents are more heavily subsidizing new development and upgrades to existing structures.”

Coxworth said the new fees are the result of increased costs incurred in providing services to enforce building codes designed to ensure that structures in Cochise County are both safe and sanitary. This is a benefit to the entire community, he feels.

Members of the public have until April 20 to provide comments on the new building permit fees by emailing planningandzoning@cochise.az.gov. Following the public comment period, the fees schedule will be presented to the Board of Supervisors for final approval.

Information about the new fee schedule can be accessed at this link.