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Brian Mickelsen Memorial

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1. Where is the start/finish line?

The start and finish line is located at:
Riverfront Park
1285 E Riverfront Drive
Cottonwood, AZ 86326

It is next to the Ramada’s beyond the softball complex.

2. What time do the races begin?

The Marathon begins at 6 am, half-marathon at 7:30 am, 10K at 7:40 am and 2 Mile at 7:50 am.

Please note the beginning of the half-marathon is at 7:30 am. All those participating in the 10K and 2 Mile are asked to enter the start finish area through the softball complex to avoid runners at start/finish line.

3. Can I register day of the race?

Yes, day of registration will begin at 5:30 am and close at 7 am. It is strongly suggested to pre-register at the Cottonwood recreation center or on the Active website for best pricing.

4. Can I switch races once I have registered?

Yes, if you switch to a race of less distance there will be no refund. Changing to a longer race must be done at least one week in advance and processed through event coordinator Ryan Bigelow.

5. If I cannot race can I get a refund?

No refunds will be issued, but we will allow you to transfer your registration fees to another participant.

6. Can I walk the marathon, half-marathon or 10K?

Yes, the courses will be supported with water stations until 1 pm.

7. Where do I park?

From 10th Street, take your first right and an immediate left; between the skate park and the softball complex will be the primary parking area. Overflow parking will be across the street at the little league complex.

8. Why is awards ceremony so long after run?

We like to give time for most participants to finish; even if they know they did not place, many like to see who did. We also want to give the timing company adequate time for accurate results.

9. Why can't I register immediately prior to the race?

Your registration has to then be input into the timing companies tracking system and if we allow everyone to register immediately prior to the event there may not be enough time. The earlier you can register the better!

10. Are there aid stations along the course?

Yes, there will be two available for the 10K, ten for the half-marathon, and  fifteen for the full marathon.

Water or sports drinks will be available, along with energy gel at designated locations.

11. When can I pick up my bib and my shirt?

We will have a bag pick up the Friday before the race at the Cottonwood Recreation Center, located at:
150 S 6th Street
Cottonwood, AZ 86326

Pick-up will be between 11 am and 8 pm or you can pick it up the morning of the race at Riverfront Park.

12. What is the policy if there are unsafe weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances?

City of Cottonwood staff reserves the right to cancel or to modify the race if deemed necessary to protect the participants, the volunteers and spectators. Since the staging of the race results in substantial up-front expenses, regardless of whether or not the race is completed, cancellation or modification of the race will not result in the refunding of race entry fees or future race credits. Possible scenarios include:

• Cancellation of the event
• Change of race date
• Change of race start time on the scheduled date
• Modification of the race format

Thank you for your understanding.

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Building Division

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1. Do I Need a Building Permit?

The 2018 International Building Code Section 105.1 states "Any owner or owner's authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system. the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the Building Official and obtain the required permit." 

Work exempt from a Building permit can be found here. Work Exempt from Permit Sec. 105.2 

(*Please note Fence permits are required by the Planning Division)

2. Can I Complete the Work Without A Contractors License?

All contractors are required to be licensed through the State of Arizona, unless work falls under the Handyman Exemption A.R.S. Sec. 32-1121A.14. More information on licensed contractors can be found at https://roc.az.gov/ . Any work being done on a Manufactured Home or Factory Built Building will also need to be licensed through the State of Arizona. Information can be found at https://housing.az.gov/general-public/manufactured-housing. 

*Any person(s) working without a license will be subject to fines and fees established by the State of Arizona Registrar of Contractors. 

If building under the owner-builder exemption you do not have to have a contractor license. 

An owner-builder is defined by: any individual or group of individuals who own the property on which they plan to construct, alter, repair, improve, or remodel a building or structure is considered an owner-builder.

Arizona Revised Statues (A.R.S.) § 32-11214.5 is an exemption in the state licensing law that allows residential property owners to:

• Do the work themselves, OR
• Do the work jointly with their own employees, OR
• Do the work with duly licensed contractors

This exemption does not apply if the structure or group of structures, including improvements, is intended for sale or rent. 

The offering of such structures for sale or for rent within one (1) year after completion or issuance of a certificate of occupancy is considered by law to be prima facie evidence of contracting without a license and that the construction project was not intended for the occupancy solely by the owner. The exemption in the statute in such cases are not applicable. 

If an Owner/Builder elects to undertake a residential construction project on his/her own property, and hires his/her own employee, should be aware of possible requirements of other government agencies.

1. Most employers have federal and state employer identification numbers and pay unemployment compensation insurance.
2. Most employers deduct social security and federal income taxes from an employee's paycheck and file quarterly or annual reports. 
3. Owner/Builders should determine if their homeowner's insurance policy offers sufficient liability coverage, should the worker or workers be injured. 

Handyman Exemption § 32-1121(A)(14). A person who does not hold a contractor’s license may bid for and accept work when the aggregate contract price, including labor and materials, amounts to less than $1,000 or in any case in which the performance of the work does not require a local building permit.

3. What Code Cycle Does the City of Cottonwood Follow?

• 2018 International Building Code (IBC) with Appendices C, G, H, I and J with local amendments 
• 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) with Appendices A, B, C, G, H, J, O, P and Q with local amendments 
• 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC) with Appendices B, C, D, and E 
• 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) with Appendix A 
• 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) with Appendices A, B and C 
• 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
• 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) with Appendices A, B and C 
• 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) with Appendices B, C, D, E, H and I with local amendments 
• 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) with local amendments
• 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC)
• Arizonans with Disabilities Act and Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities. 
• Local amendments can be found in the Municipal Code here https://library.municode.com/az/cottonwood/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT15BUCO 

4. How Do I Schedule an Inspection?

To schedule an inspection call (928) 340-2724 be sure to leave a contact name and number, the address of the inspection, the building permit number and what type of inspection is needed. Inspections called before 4:00pm will be scheduled the next business day, all final inspections require a 48 hour notice. 

5. Do I Need a Permit to Install a Fence?

Yes, the City of Cottonwood requires a permit before any perimeter fence or wall may be constructed, reconstructed or altered. For more information please see the City of Cottonwoods Zoning Ordinance Section 404.J. 

6. Structural Design Requirements

• Ground Snow Load: 20 psf
• Windspeed: 110 mph
• Climate 4-B
• Seismic Design Category: C
• Frost Line Depth: 12 inches (1 foot)

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Civil Traffic & Parking Violation Hearings

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1. What is the Standard of Proof?

The Standard of Proof for a civil traffic or parking violation is called Preponderance of the Evidence; this standard is established when the evidence shows that it is "more likely than not" that the violation occurred.

2. May I attend Defensive Driving School if I am unsuccessful at the hearing?

You may not attend Defensive Driving School to remove the moving violation from your driving record. The Defensive Driving School is a diversion program intended to divert cases out of the court system and must be completed prior to a hearing date.

3. What will happen if I fail to appear at my hearing?

If you fail to appear, a default will enter in the amount of the standard fines, plus a $50 default fee per count, and a $20 extension fee per case. Also, the Motor Vehicle Department will be directed to suspend driving privileges. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense.

4. May I have the assistance of an attorney at my hearing?

You may have the assistance of a retained attorney at a civil traffic hearing. However, a right to the assistance of an attorney, provided by taxpayers, does not apply in civil traffic matters. A Notice of Appearance will need to be filed by your attorney, at least ten calendar days prior to the hearing date.

5. How do I request a hearing?

You may request a hearing either in person by appearing in court on or before your appearance date noted on your citation, or you may make the request in writing. The written request should include the following four items:
- Your name
- The citation or case number noted on your court documents
- The words, "I want to enter a plea of not responsible and request a court hearing"
- A list of the charges for which the hearing is desired.

Please hand deliver or mail your request to 665 East Mingus Avenue or fax the request to 928-634-7864. A request to set a case for a hearing will not be taken over the telephone.

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Criminal Offenses

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1. What happens at a pre-trial conference?

You or your attorney will be given an opportunity to meet with a Prosecutor to review the facts supporting the state's criminal charges against you.

At the pre-trial conference, you are entitled to review a copy of the complaint(s), any written police reports or any other evidence that the state intends to use at the trial. Witnesses do not attend the pre-trial disposition conference and no testimony is taken. However, victims do have the right to be present if they request to do so.

2. What happens at a trial on criminal charges/complaints?

Depending on the alleged offense, you may be entitled to a trial by jury. You are entitled to hear all testimony introduced against you. You have the right to cross-examine any witness who testifies against you.

You have a right to testify on your own behalf. You also have a Constitutional right not to testify. If you choose not to testify, your refusal cannot and will not be used against you in determining your guilt or innocence.

However, if you do choose to testify, the Prosecutor will have the right to cross-examine you. You may call witnesses to testify on your behalf.

You have the right to have the court issue subpoenas for witnesses to ensure their appearance at the trial.

3. How do I file an appeal?

If you decide to appeal a decision made against you for a criminal violation, or a citation with both criminal and civil traffic violations, you must file a NOTICE OF APPEAL with the Cottonwood Municipal Court within 14 calendar days from date of judgment. If you fail to file an appeal before this time period expires, you will lose your right to appeal.

4. What costs are involved?

There is a $17 appeal compact disk (CD), preparation fee assessment. This fee covers the cost of making a CD of the proceedings and must be paid the same day that the notice of appeal is filed. If more than one CD is required (if the hearing is longer than 60 minutes), you will be required to obtain the services of a court reporter to prepare a written transcript. You will be charged for the preparation of the transcript. In the event that you must hire a court reporter, you may set up a payment arrangement with the court reporter directly and the $17 appeal CD preparation fee will be refunded to you.

An appeal bond may not be required to stay the conviction and sentence on a criminal case. This means that during the appeal process, the conviction and sentence that was entered against you is placed on hold until the Superior Court makes a decision on the case.

5. Can I have an attorney represent me for my appeal?

You may have an attorney represent you during the appeal process. You may also proceed pro-per (acting as your own attorney).

6. Will the Court appoint me an attorney?

The Court may appoint an attorney for certain criminal appeals. You must first be deemed indigent. To attain this status, you must submit a written request for a public defender and provide a sworn financial statement for the Cottonwood Municipal Court to rule on.

7. What if I cannot afford the costs of an appeal?

If you cannot afford the costs associated with the appeal process, you may ask the Court to consider you indigent. In order to attain this status, you must provide a sworn financial statement for the Cottonwood Municipal Court to rule on.

8. What is a memorandum and when does it need to be filed?

Upon receipt of your notice of appeal and your written memorandum, the Cottonwood Municipal Court will forward a complete copy of your case to you and the state.

A memorandum is a written statement that you send to the Cottonwood Municipal Court setting forth the legal issues and legal reasons why you are appealing the judgment of the Cottonwood Municipal Court.

Once the Cottonwood Municipal Court has received both the appellate memorandum (from the party filing the appeal) and appellee memorandum (from the opposing party), the case will be forwarded to the Yavapai County Superior Court. Failure to pay any costs or fees, or to respond to any notices from the Municipal Court or Superior Court may result in your appeal being dismissed. You should read and respond to all notices received from either court.

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Interpreter Services

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1. What is a Court Interpreter?

A court interpreter is a person who is an officer of the court that provides impartial and confidential language services to all parties in a judicial setting. A court interpreter adheres to the principles, practices, and code of ethics for court interpretation.

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Municipal Court

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1. Can I Pay My Ticket and Non-Delinquent Court Fines Online?

Yes. You may pay online or call Court at 877-685-4496. Please have your Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit or debit card ready along with your Citation or Case Number. If you have a warrant, you still need to come to court. You must also attend all court dates. Make A Payment

2. How does the appeal process work?

An appeal is a legal process in which a higher court (Yavapai County Superior Court) reviews the decision of a lower court (Cottonwood Municipal Court) based on the audio or transcribed record of your hearing. An appeal is not a retrial of your case, and you cannot present new evidence or testimony. You are responsible for all appeal charges/fees. You may appeal civil traffic findings, criminal rulings and civil orders.

Civil Traffic - You have the right to appeal a final decision of a civil traffic matter in this court by filing a Notice of Appeal within 14 calendar days of the judgment of responsible. You are not required to pay the fine or post the bond to exercise your right to appeal. However, if you choose not to pay the fine or post the bond on the day the final judgment is entered or make arrangements to pay with the court, the court will enter a default judgment against you and additional fees will be assessed.

Criminal - You have the right to appeal a final decision of a criminal matter in this court by filing a Notice of Appeal within 14 calendar days of the judgment of guilty. You are not required to pay the fine or post the bond to exercise your right to appeal.

Civil Orders - You have the right to appeal a final decision of a civil order in this court by filing a Notice of Appeal within 14 calendar days of the judgment.

3. How do I post bail?

Bail (bond) may be posted in person at Cottonwood Municipal Court during court hours, and after court hours bail may be posted at the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office/County Jail. The Sheriff’s Office/Jail accepts exact cash or money orders. Contact Municipal Court

4. When can warrants be issued?

There are several different times in criminal cases when warrants can be issued by Cottonwood Municipal Court. Read a detailed explanation on the Warrants page.

5. When is my court date?

You can find your court date online or call 928-634-7537. Online court date page

6. Where can I view Arizona laws?

Arizona laws may be viewed online on the Arizona Statutes Page.

7. Where can I view Cottonwood ordinances?

You may view them at Code of Ordinances page.

8. Where do I have to report for defensive driving class?

There are several locations available. for a complete list, consult the Supreme Court Website or call 888-334-5565.

9. Where do I park?

Street parking is available in front of the Court at 665 East Mingus Ave. If the parking lot is full, you may park across the street by the Justice Court in the public parking area, or at the library or at the Recreation Center.

10. What are subpoenas?

Subpoenas are orders to give testimony in court and are issued by the Cottonwood Municipal Court. Parties may subpoena individuals by completing the subpoena form at the court. Parties are responsible for completing the forms and having the subpoenas served on the person who is to appear in court and testify.

11. There is a warrant out for my arrest, what do I do?

Appear in court as soon as possible during business hours to see a Judge. If you appear in person, you should be prepared to post some or all of the bond. During non-business hours, bonds can be paid at the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office/County Jail.

12. Can I get a marriage license from Cottonwood Municipal Court?

You cannot get a marriage license at Cottonwood Municipal Court. You may obtain a marriage license at Yavapai County Superior Court.

13. Can I go to defensive driving school for an Arizona citation if I live out of state?

If you wish to attend an out-of-state driving school, contact one of the Arizona schools listed on the Supreme Court Website or call 888-334-5565. Supreme Court Website

14. Can you help me get child support?

Cottonwood Municipal Court does not have jurisdiction over enforcement of child support payments. For information, contact Yavapai County Family Support Enforcement at Yavapai County Superior Court. Yavapai County Superior Court Website

15. What victim services are available?

You may speak with the prosecutor regarding your rights as a victim. You have the right to be present at all court proceedings, if you desire.

16. Can you help me sue a contractor, neighbor, etc.?

No. These cases are filed in justice courts. Contact the Verde Valley Justice Court at 928-639-5820.

17. Can you tell me if my license has been suspended?

You will need to call the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072. Information is also available at Arizona Department of Transportation Website.

18. How do I handle divorce, child custody and support payments?

Cottonwood Municipal Court does not have jurisdiction over cases involving divorce, child custody or child support. Such cases are filed in Yavapai County Superior Court. For information on divorce, child custody or child support go to the court website or call the Yavapai County switchboard at 928-639-8100. Yavapai County Superior Court Website

19. How do I get a continuance for defensive driving school?

For one continuance to complete the defensive driving school, you can call the court at 928-634-7537 prior to your court date.

20. How should I dress for court?

Casual business attire is appropriate for most court appearances. Tank tops or shorts are not appropriate for courtroom proceedings. Clothing with visible offensive wording is not permitted.

21. I went to defensive driving school, now what happens?

When you complete the class at one of the schools listed on the brochure given to you by the police officer, the school notifies the court and the charge is dismissed on your record. For further questions, call the Court at 928-634-7537.

22. Where do I find Verde Valley’s Small Claims Court?

Cottonwood Municipal Court does not have jurisdiction over small claims cases. For information on filing a small claims case, contact:
Verde Valley Justice Court Phone: 928-639-5820

The court is located at:
10 South 6th Street
Cottonwood, AZ 86326

23. What is the Self Service Center?

The Self Help Center is a service offered by Yavapai County Superior Court to help individuals assist themselves in court. Information is available in the following categories:
- General information
- Forms
- Lawyers
- Mediation services

To access these services, go to any Yavapai County Superior Court branch or visit the Online Court System Page.

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Police Department

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1. Where is Cottonwood Police Department located?

We are located at:
199 South 6th Street
Cottonwood, AZ 86326

2. What are your hours?

Normal office hours are from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday. However, dispatch is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you arrive at our location after hours, there is a phone near the front glass doors which will automatically dial dispatch when you pick up the receiver.

3. Where do I find out if someone has been arrested?

Please call Yavapai County Jail at 928-771-3260.

4. What number do I call for road conditions?

Please call 888-411-7623.

5. Can I find out if I am wanted?

The best way to find this information is to contact the courts directly. Because we cannot verify your identity over the telephone, we can't release the information if you call. If you come to Records in person, we are required to notify an officer to check the warrant status for you.

6. How do I request a police report?

Reports can be requested in person at the Cottonwood Police Department or through the mail. In both cases the address is: Cottonwood Police Department 199 S 6th Street Cottonwood, AZ 86326 Copies of reports cost $5.00 per report. For questions concerning reports contact the records department during normal business hours (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at 928-634-4246 or Fax at 928-639-0611.

7. How do I report an accident?

For accidents involving injury requiring medical attention call 9-1-1. For hit and run and other non-injury accidents call 634-4246. For private property and delayed accidents with minor damage and no injuries a Citizen's Report of Accident form can be obtained at the Cottonwood Police Department.

8. How do I have my finger prints taken?

 Fingerprinting will no longer be offered to the public.  Fingerprinting will only be done for volunteers.  
 For the public needing fingerprint services they are available at:
 Field Print Arizona - located at 2081 W. Hwy 89A Sedona, AZ. AN APPOINTMENT IS REQUIRED.  Appointments are made online                                                                                                                                                                                 at https://fieldprintarizona.com.  The state required application and fee are submitted online.  Once your prints are taken at the                                                                                                                                                                                   Field Print Office they will submit everything directly to the state electronically.

 Arizona Live Scan - located at the UPS store in Camp Verde at 522 Finnie Flats Rd. Monday - Friday 11am - 4pm.  No appointment necessary. 

 Both services are scanned fingerprints rather than ink.  Scanning saves time and reduces the need for reprints. 

9. How do I report a crime?

If a person is at risk of bodily injury or death or if it's a crime in progress with a potential of loss of property dial 9-1-1. For other criminal activity dial 928-634-4246.
Remember to keep yourself safe, do not disturb evidence and be the best witness you can.

10. How do I report a medical emergency?

Dial 9-1-1. Try to remain calm. Don't hang up. Listen to the questions carefully. Carefully answer all questions and follow all instructions. Be prepared to give your location and phone number. Also be prepared to give the patients location if different than yours. The better you can follow these simple instructions the better the service the Cottonwood Emergency Community can provide for you or your loved ones.

11. What are the curfew hours?

For children under 16 years of age the curfew hours are 10 p.m. - 5 a.m. For those 16 and 17 year of age the curfew is midnight to 5 a.m.

The curfew limitations do not apply if the minor is:
- Accompanied by the minor's parent or guardian or an adult having supervisorial custody of the minor
- With prior permission of the parent or guardian or an adult having supervisorial custody, in a motor vehicle involved in interstate travel
- With prior permission of the parent or guardian or an adult having supervisorial custody, in an employment activity or going to or returning home from an employment activity without a detour or stop by the most direct route
- On an emergency errand
- Specifically directed to the location by the parent or guardian or an adult having supervisorial custody, on reasonable, legitimate business or some other activity, or going to or returning home from such business or activity
- With prior permission of the parent or guardian or an adult having supervisorial custody, engaged in a reasonable and legitimate exercise of First Amendment rights protected by the United States Constitution
- Married and sixteen years of age or over, or in the military
- On the sidewalk abutting their residence or on the next door neighbor's property with the consent of the neighbor.

12. When does my child need to be in a car seat?

Arizona State Law requires children to be in a child restraint system (car seat) until their fifth birthday. There is no longer a weight exception. A booster seat is also required for a child who is at least five years old but under the age of eight and who is not more than four feet nine inches tall.

Seats in cars are designed for use by adults so consequently little people do not fit properly. The lap belt should fit snuggly across the hips not the stomach. In a collision a lap belt across the stomach will put too much pressure on internal organs which will result in injury.

The shoulder belt should fit over the shoulder and across the chest. At no time should the shoulder belt cross the neck. Many children will place the shoulder harness behind there back to avoid it rubbing on the neck. This is like not wearing a seat belt at all. The seat belt was not designed to be worn like this and will not provide adequate protection in a collision.

There are many items that are available to make the seat belt fit the child. These include extra belts and clips that attach to the seat belt itself to squeeze it down to fit the child. Most of these items are not crash tested so it is unknown how they would perform in a collision. The only safe way is to make the child fit the seat belt. This is done by using a booster seat. This makes the child sit taller so the seat belt will fit correctly across their body.

Many people ask which is the best child seat available. The answer is to get the one that will best fit your car, your child, your budget, and one that you will use every time your child gets in the car.

13. My street light is out, how do I get it repaired?

Call the Police Department at 928-634-4246 or email. Remember to get a good location for the light; Street name, pole number or closest address to the pole.

14. How do I notify the National Sexual Assault Hotline?

Cottonwood Police Department holds a ZERO-TOLERANCE policy regarding Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment. If you feel you have been a victim of either of these circumstances by the staff of the Cottonwood Police Department or another inmate, please notify the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673).