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Whether you’re building your first home or living in a camper on vacant land, applying for a street address is a crucial step. You’ll need to file an application with the county where your property is located. Here’s everything you need to know about the process of getting your official street address.

Why Having a Street Address is Important

A street address is necessary for several key reasons. Some of the most important reasons include:

• Emergency services: To ensure that you can be located quickly in case of an emergency.
• Utility registration: Without an address, utility companies may refuse to provide service.
• Mail delivery: You’ll need an official address to receive mail and packages.

Who Can Apply for a Street Address? Both individual property owners and building developers are eligible to apply for a street address. Whether you plan to build a permanent structure or simply install a mailbox on your vacant land, you must have an official address for a variety of purposes.

When to Apply for a Street Address You should apply for a street address immediately after receiving permission from the county’s Planning and Zoning department to build a structure or install a mailbox. In most cases, utility companies will not provide service until an official street address has been assigned.

Where to Apply for a Street Address The department responsible for assigning street addresses can vary by county. Common departments to contact include:

• Department of Public Works
• Planning and Zoning
• County Assessor
• Recorder’s Office It’s a good idea to reach out to the county office to confirm where to submit your application.

Information You’ll Need to Provide

When applying for a street address, you will typically need to provide the following information:

• Your contact information
• Your property’s Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN)
• The name of the street your property is located on (if applicable)
• The type of structure you plan to build (e.g., single-family home, apartment, or condominium complex)

Final Thoughts Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information and submitted your application, you’ll be assigned an official street address. This is a vital step in developing your property, whether you’re building or just planning to use it temporarily. With your address in place, you’ll be able to receive mail, connect to utilities, and ensure that emergency services can find you when needed. For more detailed guidance on applying for a street address, check out our other resources on property development and land management.