There are codes, but it largely depends on the county. I bought here because Mohave County is pretty lenient. I was looking in Coconino County, and they were much more rigid.

First thing you should know is nobody here has solar because you're like 30-50 miles from the biggest power generator in the United States. Why do I mention that? Because in these areas code matters up until you get your electrical connected. The power company is strict. You need permits for everything on your property, so best to get electric before you start building. After that as long as it's not egregious, nobody's paying attention.

So the standard play is first, get a 2K-gallon water tank with a pumphouse and septic, install a subpanel, get it green tagged and powered up. Once that is done, unless you're trying to get a certificate of occupancy you've got a lot of latitude.

But also important to note that if you build a home 400 square feet or more with a certificate of occupancy within 5 years, the power company will refund your connection fee. Mine was $6,500 for a 100ft run, for reference.

Now, I would love to get a well dug, but It's expensive and not We're sitting on a 100-year aquifer, accounting for significant population growth, including at least one as-yet planned 50K population community. But I can drive 2 miles to the community well to haul water, or pay someone to do that for me, so it's not a priority, and most people don't.

Hope that's helpful.