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1. How can I volunteer my time or services at the Bisbee Animal Shelter?

The Bisbee Animal Shelter gladly accepts volunteers to assist in the many different tasks that are required to maintain a clean, healthy shelter with happy, well exercised animals. Individuals with a desire to help at the shelter can obtain a Volunteer Application at City Hall located at 118 Arizona Street in Bisbee. Once you have completed the application return it to City Hall.

2. Is the Bisbee Animal Shelter a no kill shelter?

We strive to be a no kill shelter, which means no adoptable animal is euthanized, and that all efforts are made to have the animal adopted or placed in a foster home until a loving permanent home is found.

3. How can I find out what animals are available for adoption?

The Bisbee Animal Shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. People interested in adoption are welcome to stop by anytime during these hours. You may also call 520-432-6020 for a listing of potential pets, the Bisbee Animal Shelter Facebook Page or log on to Petfinder. Petfinder

4. How do I adopt a pet?

Complete an Adoption Application at the shelter. There is a $50 adoption fee which covers spaying / neutering and a rabies vaccination.

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1. What codes has the City adopted?

2. How do I apply for a building permit?

For small jobs such as utility changeovers, plumbing and reroofing, 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. Contact the Building Inspector at 520-432-6015.

3. 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 to the Building Department at City Hall.

4. 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 520-459-5119 regarding licensing information, or visit them online. Arizona Registrar of Contractors Website

5. 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 (DRB) 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 7 members of the community and meets the 1st Wednesday of every month. Applications are due 10 working days before the meeting by noon. 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 and Guidelines are available City Hall or on our Documents and Forms page. Documents and Forms Page

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1. How do I obtain a copy of a public record?

Copies of public records are available through Records Requests in the City Clerk's office. Depending on your intended use, you may also need to complete an Affidavit of Commercial Purpose. Once a citizen has filled out a Records Request, the Clerk's office routes the request to the proper department.

Upon receiving requested documents from staff, the City Clerk's office will contact the citizen when their documents are ready to be picked up. The Clerk's office charges 25 cents per side for standard sized copies. The City Manager may, under special circumstances, set additional fees, based on additional services required or other special conditions (Ordinance O-09-06). Payment is due upon receipt of the records. For more information, please contact the Clerk's office at 520-432-6011. Supporting documents can be found by visiting the City Clerk's Page.

City Clerk's Page

2. Where are paper copies of meeting times and other goverment postings placed?

Public Notices of Bisbee City Council meetings, Boards and Commission meetings and other government postings can be viewed at City Hall which is located at 118 Arizona Street, the San Jose Post Office located at 1248 West Highway 92 or they can also be viewed at Copper Queen Post Office which is at 6 Main Street in Old Bisbee.

3. When does the City Council meet?

Bisbee City Council meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. Council Chambers is located at 118 Arizona Street in Bisbee. Directions to the meeting can be obtained by contacting the City Clerk Office at 520-432-6011 or 6012.

4. How can I find out what is on the agenda for Council meetings?

The agenda packet consists of action items presented to Council for discussion and / or approval for each regular, special, or work session meeting, are available at City Hall prior to each meeting.

Agenda Packets are also available on our website, and as a courtesy are provided via email by the City Clerk's office. Contact the City Clerk's Office at 520-432-6011 if you wish to receive a copy of an agenda, via email. Agenda are also available on the local government Channel 5 for Bisbee television audience.

5. Are the Council meetings televised?

All Council meetings (regular, special, and work sessions) are broadcast live on our local government channel, Channel 5. A video tape of a regular session is made available for public viewing at 10 a.m. the day after a Council meeting (1st and 3rd Wednesdays), also on Channel 5.

6. What kind of government does the City of Bisbee have?

The City of Bisbee has a Council / Manager form of government with a directly elected mayor and 6 council members, 2 from each of 3 wards.

7. How often are the Mayor and Council elected?

The Mayor of Bisbee is elected every 2 years, in even numbered years. The Council Members are elected for 4 year terms, 1 from each ward every 2 years.

8. How do I register to vote? Where do I vote?

Voter registration forms are available at City Hall, the Copper Queen Library, the County Recorder's Office and the County Special Elections Office. Bisbee residents are the only voters eligible to vote in City of Bisbee elections.

As the city contracts with Cochise County for election services and equipment, polling places may vary depending on when the election is held. Contact the Cochise County Recorder's Office at 520-432-8350 for information regarding your polling place to vote.

9. What is the Bisbee City Charter? Does every city have 1?

Article XIII of the Arizona Constitution and the Arizona Revised Statutes provide the guidelines for a Charter government. Any city with a population of more than 3,500 persons may form a charter for its own government as long as it is consistent with the constitution and the laws of the state.

Once a charter is written by a group of citizens, called freeholders, an election must be held to approve the charter. Bisbee became a charter city in 1988. Changes to the charter can only be made by submitting an amendment to the qualified electors of the city during a general or special election.

10. Where can I look at a copy of the City Code?

Copies of City documents, such as the City Code, the City Charter and the Zoning Code are available for reference purposes in the Information Center, located on the first floor of City Hall. Interested parties may either read a hard copy of the documents or access the documents on the City Clerk's page of our website or at the Copper Queen Library. City Clerk's Page

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1. What is the population of Civic City?

The current population of Civic City is 5,575 people.

2. Does Civic City offer public transportation?

Yes, the City has the Bisbee Bus System.

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1. How can I become a vendor for the City?

Vendors who are interested in selling products and services to the City can find the requirements and opportunities from Purchasing Services

2. I am a City employee and I didn't receive my paycheck. What do I do?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding payroll, contact the Payroll Office at (785) 587-1853.

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1. Where are the Fire Stations in Bisbee located?

Fire Station #81 is located at 192 Highway 92 and Fire Station #82 is located at 644 Tombstone Canyon. Both stations are in Bisbee, Arizona.

2. Do you have an ambulance at each of the fire stations?

Yes, an ambulance does respond out of each of the fire stations.

3. What are the certification levels within the Fire Department?

The Bisbee Fire Department currently has 11 Paramedic/Firefighters and 10 EMT/Firefighters. All Fire Department personnel are Arizona State Certified Level II Firefighters.

4. Does the Fire Department only provide coverage within the city limits?

The Bisbee Fire Department provides fire coverage for brush fires under an agreement with the Arizona State Land Department, which includes areas outside the city limits. The ambulance coverage includes 400 square miles throughout Cochise County

5. Does the Fire Department offer CPR classes?

The Bisbee Fire Department offers a Heart Saver CPR Class on the 2nd Saturday of each month. These classes are held at Fire Station #81 at 192 Highway 92. For more information, call 520-432-4110.

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1. Frequently asked question about the community?

Answer.

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1. What do I need to get a library card?

Library cards are free for anyone that lives in Cochise County.  And, any library card from any Cochise County Library will work at the Copper Queen Library.  

• ADULTS: Apply in person at the library w/ picture id and current piece of mail (utility bill, etc.)
• STUDENTS: Register at your school’s office with parent/guardian’s signature. Or apply in person with a parent/guardian.
• PRESCHOOLERS & YOUNGER: It’s never too early to get your child a library card. Apply in person at the library & check out our children’s library and children’s programs! Parents/guardians will be responsible for their children’s checkouts.

All new patrons will be given the following documents:

• Circulation Policy
• Patron Behavior Policy
• Internet Use Policy

By signing up for a library card, patrons are agreeing to abide by the library’s policies.  These documents are also available at copperqueenlibrary.com in the Document Center.

2. Do you have computers available for public use?

Yes, the library provides networked public computers patrons may use to access the internet, print, and create documents using Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. The library also offers free Wi-Fi.

3. Is it possible to print at the library?

All of the library’s public computers are networked to a central printer located behind the front desk.

Patrons are responsible to pay for what they print from the public computers. Instructions are provided at the computer terminals. Please see staff if further instruction is necessary.

Prices for printing are as follows:

LETTER SIZE (8 1/2 x 11)

· Black/white : 10 cents/side

· Color : $1.00/side

LEGAL SIZE (8 1/2 x 14)

· Black/white : 25 cents/side

· Color : $1.50/side

Printeron Page

4. Do you have any genealogical information?

Yes, the library's collections include Bisbee High School yearbooks dating back to 1916 and Bisbee and other local telephone and business directories dating from 1904.

5. How can i find out what's happening at the library?

There are several ways to find out what programs are happening at the library.

1. The Library’s webpage [copperqueenlibrary.com] offers an online calendar that patrons can either click and view or subscribe to.
2. Patrons who use Facebook may follow the Copper Queen Library ‘s Facebook [Copper Queen Library (Bisbee, AZ)] page to get updates on library information, programs and events.
3. Patrons may subscribe to weekly emails sent out by our program coordinator.  The emails give updates on upcoming programs and other library-related news.
4. Program posters and flyers are available at the library. Flyers are posted in several locations around the library and monthly flyers are available for patrons to take home at the front desk.
5. Weekly events are also published in the Bisbee Observer and the Herald/Review Calendars.

Copper Queen Library Facebook Page

6. Can I send a fax at the library?

Faxing is available for $1.00/page at the Main Library in Old Bisbee.

7. Can I scan a document at the library?

Scanning is available at the library for $.25/scan.  Scans can be formatted as a PDF or JPEG.

8. Does the library have meeting rooms for the public to use?

The Library offers free meeting room use for nonprofit civic groups, organizations or clubs for civic, cultural, educational and informational meetings.

All meetings must be free and open to the public.

A Facility Use Policy and Waiver must be signed to reserve the any of the Library’s meeting rooms.

The Library’s large meeting room is located on the main floor of the library and seats up to 12 people at its rectangle conference table and accommodates up to 30 people in a presentation-style setup. A laptop and projector are available for use.

The Library’s small meeting room is located on the third floor of the library and seat up to 10 people around a round conference table.

Please contact the Library if you are interested in reserving a meeting space by calling 520-432-4232 or emailing cqlprograms@bisbeeaz.gov.

9. How do I access my library account?

Patrons can access their library account by visiting copperqueenlibrary.com and clicking on the Library Catalog icon.  You will need your library account number and PIN/Password which are both located on the back of your card.  If you do not have this information, please contact library staff by calling 520-432-4232.  

Patrons can use their library account to renew materials, place holds, pay bills with a credit card, and browse library materials.

10. Where can I return library items?

Library materials may be returned to any library in Cochise County.

For your convenience, drop boxes are located in 4 locations across Bisbee

¨ Old Bisbee: circulation desk

¨ Old Bisbee: drop box located at the post office entrance

¨ Warren: drop box located in front of the Bisbee Boys and Girls Club on Arizona Street

¨ San Jose: drop box located in front of the Senior Center on Collins Ave

¨ San Jose: drop box located in front of the Library Annex at 519 Melody Lane

11. Can I make photocopies at the library?

A Self-Service Public Copier is available for patrons.

Patrons are responsible to pay for what they copy. Instructions are provided at the copier. Please see staff if further instruction is necessary.

Only black/white letter-size copies can be made on our copier. If color copies or another size paper are needed, please see a staff person at the front desk.

PDFs and JPEGs may also be printed on the Library’s copier by using their own USB drive.

Prices for printing are as follows and payment should be made at the front desk.

LETTER SIZE (8 1/2 x 11)

· Black/white : 25 cents/side

OTHER COPY PRICES (MUST BE MADE BY STAFF AT FRONT DESK)

LETTER SIZE (8 1/2 x 11)

· Color : $1.00/side

LEGAL SIZE (8 1/2 x 14)

· Black/white : 25 cents/side

· Color : $1.50/side

POSTER SIZE (11 x 14)

· Black/white : 50 cents/side

· Color : $2.50/side

12. How long can I keep a book or DVD?

CHECKOUT PERIODS

NEW BOOKS 10 DAYS

DVDS 7 DAYS

AUDIOBOOKS 3 WEEKS

BOOKS 3 WEEKS

MUSIC CDS 3 WEEKS

HOTSPOTS 3 WEEKS

PICKLEBALL 7 DAYS

BOCCE BALL 7 DAYS

*AUTOMATIC RENEWALS—library materials that have not been requested by another patron or library are automatically renewed each week. Patrons will receive email notifications of items that have been automatically renewed, as well as emails of items that couldn’t be renewed and must be returned back to the library by the due date. Please note, NEW items are not eligible for automatic renewals

Receipts with due dates for each item are given at every checkout.

Email notices are sent out each week as courtesy reminders and overdue notices.

Fines for overdue materials are 10 cents per item, per day.

Patrons may check their library account online to view and renew checkouts.

13. Does the library have ebooks?

Using library card credentials, library patrons can create an account with Overdrive, the Library’s e-book platform where they can browse and download titles.

Patrons can also download the Libby App to their mobile devices to access the same e-book titles.

Get started by clicking the link on the library’s webpage copperqueenlibrary.com

Library patrons can also download e-magazines by creating an account with RB Digital.  Once subscribed, e-magazines will be delivered to the patrons device with each publication.

Get started by clicking the link on the library’s webpage copperqueenlibrary.com

14. How do I request a book from the library?

Patrons can place holds on library materials within Cochise County by visiting the library's webpage at copperqueenlibrary.com and clicking on the library catalog icon.

If there is no holding within the county system, patrons may request the book by filling out an interlibrary loan form at the front desk or online in the library's document center.

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1. How do I register for classes?

You can register for classes online.

2. How do I rent a City facility?

We have a wide range of rooms and facilities available. We can accommodate your wedding reception, family party, or business meeting.

View Facility Rentals.

3. What classes and camps are currently available?

The Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety classes and camps throughout the year. For a complete listing, please view Classes and Camps.

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1. Can I change the zoning or General Plan designation of my property?

Zone changes and General Plan amendments require Planning Board review and the approval of the City Council. Zone changes require a General Plan amendment if the proposed zoning district is not consistent with the General Plan.

Applications to amend the General Plan are accepted during the months of January and June. For more information, please visit Planning Board.

2. What are setbacks?

The term setback means the required distance separating a building or structure from a property line. Setback regulations for buildings are included in the Zoning Ordinance under Title 18. Setback regulations for accessory structures are included in the Zoning Ordinance under Chapter 18.45. For more information, please view the Civic City Title 18.

3. What businesses can I operate on my property?

First, determine the zoning district your property is located in by checking the City's zoning map or calling the Planning Division at (785) 587-1853.

Next, look up the permitted uses for your zoning district. If your use is not listed in the permitted use section, check the conditional use section to determine if your use requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUOP).

Some general uses that typically require a CUP include drive-through restaurants, gas stations, childcare facilities, and educational facilities. For more information, please visit Zoning Location.

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1. How do I obtain a copy of a police report?

Copies of police reports are available by submitting a Public Records Request to the Bisbee Police Department. Depending on your intended use, you may also need to complete an Affidavit of Commercial Purpose. The Records Clerk will contact you when the report is ready to be picked up.

There is a charge of 25 cents per side per sheet for copying and there may be a charge for research. Payment is due upon receipt of the report.

For further information about obtaining police reports, please contact the Records Clerk at 520-432-2261. The City Manager may, under special circumstances, set additional fees, based on additional services required or other special conditions (Ordinance O-09-06). Public Records Request (PDF)

2. Does the Bisbee Police Department offer any youth programs?

The Police Department has an Explorer Post. The Explorer Post is open to all youth between the ages of 14 and 21. Contact Officer Steve Gardner for more information by calling 520-432-6055.

Bike Safety information can be obtained by calling by calling 520-432-6055.

3. Does the Bisbee Police Department offer business checks or house checks?

The Police Department will place homes on the House Watch list if requested by the owner. An officer will physically check the house, while the owners are away.

The Police Department routinely checks businesses during the night and graveyard shifts. Glass windows are checked at the start and end of a shift, and doors are physically checked during the shifts.

4. Does the City of Bisbee have a noise ordinance pertaining to sound amplification, such as car stereos and animals (barking dogs)?

City Code 10-1-17 pertains to sound amplification in vehicles. The Police Department will issue citations or warnings upon receiving complaints.

City Code 6-2-12 pertains to animal nuisance, such as barking dogs. The Police Department will issue citations or warnings when complaints are received.

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1. Who do I contact if I have a sewer problem or if I notice a sewer problem somewhere?

Contact the Public Works Department at 520-432-6002 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday to report a sewer problem.

If a sewer problem occurs during a weekday before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m., or on a weekend or a holiday, please contact the Police Department at 520-432-2261 to report the sewer problem.

Wastewater personnel are ready to respond to any sewer problem 24 hours a day. Please keep in mind, if the Wastewater Personnel determine the sewer problem to be private, you are responsible for contacting a plumber to perform or repair the work.

2. Does the City of Bisbee have a recycling program?

You can drop off aluminum cans, newspaper, magazines, and cardboard for recycling at the Cochise County Transfer Station on Tovreaville Road. Read our recycling flyer for more information. Recycling Program Flyer (PDF)

3. Where can I get information on where someone is buried in Evergreen cemetery?

Contact the Public Works Department at 520-432-6002 for assistance in locating graves. If you can provide us with the date of death of the deceased it assists us with our search. Once we locate the gravesite we will provide you with a map showing the location. You may also find cemetery information on the Bisbee Museum website. Bisbee Museum Website

4. Can I reserve a burial plot at the Evergreen Cemetery ?

Unfortunately, due to the limited space available before the cemetery reaches full capacity, we can no longer sell or reserve plots in advance for later use.

The city does make an exception for those who have a spouse buried in Evergreen Cemetery. In these cases a space may be reserved next to the deceased spouse so that husband and wife may be buried side by side.

5. Do I need permission from the City of Bisbee to do anything to a gravesite?

Yes, an ordinance was passed in June of 2001 requiring a permit from the City of Bisbee, Public Works Department be issued before any type of permanent structure such as curbing be constructed or installed on any gravesite at the cemetery. This is to help ensure curbing or other structures will not encroach onto neighboring graves.

Contact the Public Works Department to obtain this free permit. Please contact the Public Work Department at 520-432-6002 for more information. Permanent Structure Permit Application (PDF)

6. How do I know if I need a permit to use a park or other city property?

A permit is required for picnics, outings or gatherings involving 50 or more persons. Outings can include contests, exhibits, performances, circuses, spectacles, fairs, shows, stunts, demolition or box car derbies, rodeos, motor vehicle races / events, liquor and / or beer consumption or sales, firework displays, fund raising or similar events. In order to reserve any park, facility or public right-of-way to the exclusion of others.

Many of these events require that insurance coverage be provided showing the city as an additional insured. A Public Works Right-of-way Permit is available to download or can be picked up on the 2nd floor at City Hall. The form needs to be notarized and approved by City Council which meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. Public Works Right-of-way Permit Application (PDF)

7. How far in advance do I need to submit my Public Works Right-of-way Permit?

City Code requires permits to be received a minimum of 4 weeks prior to the event. This is to ensure sufficient time for the request for a permit to appear before Mayor and Council for approval. City Code (PDF)

8. How will I know if my permit has been approved?

To determine if your permit application has been approved, please contact the Public Works Department at 520-432-6002 following the council meeting. You will be contacted however, if there is a problem with the permit.

9. Are there fees associated with using the parks?

Yes, the fees depend on the services you request and the type of event. Contact Lorena Valdez at 520-432-6002 for additional information.

10. When do you need a Special Event License?

A Special Event License is required for any temporary commercial activity which is open to the general public for purchase of merchandise or vending of goods. Examples of these activities are swap meets, arts and crafts fairs, street fairs and street vendors. Special Event License Application (PDF)

11. How do I rent the city pool for a party?

A Swimming Pool Facility Rental/Use Permit must be submitted a minimum of 4 weeks prior to the event. The pool is available during the normal summer schedule Monday through Saturday from 6:30 to 10 p.m. A rental fee plus personnel costs will be charged. Insurance is required. Pool Facility Rental / Use Application (PDF)

12. Where can I go to find out more about activites in Bisbee?

The City of Bisbee's Visitor Center official website has information about activities and events in the area. Bisbee Visitor Center Website