Your Ultimate Source for Building Code Education

Permit Information

Where Do I Get My Permit?

Follow these few simple steps to get a permit and peace of mind.

Obtaining a Construction Permit for your local Jurisdiction can be an easy and quick process for most permits. Following these few simple steps can save valuable time during the permit process, considerable expense during construction and ensure the safety of your structure.

  1. Locate Your Local Building Department Office
    Construction permits are issued at your local Building Department. Click here to locate the office nearest you.

  2. Complete The Permit Application
    There are several ways to obtain a Building Permit Submittal Form. Call your local building department to find out if they have applications available online or at their office or by mail. When requesting a permit through the mail, state your name, phone number, mailing address, job location and the type of permit application required. Permit applications may also be available by fax or Email. Each building department has personnel and resources to assist you through the permit and inspection process. Review and thoroughly complete the Permit Application. In most cases it is helpful to know your Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN). This is a number unique to your parcel of property and can be obtained from your local County Assessor’s Office.

  3. Provide the proper Construction Documents
    When contacting your local jurisdiction to obtain your Building Permit Submittal Form request information for the type of construction drawings needed for your project. The type and quality of construction drawings will be dependent upon the size and complexity of your project. We have some handouts on our website available to assist you with the more common and less complex projects. Most Jurisdictions have additional information on line or available in their office specifically adapted for your area.

  4. Pay the Fees
    Permit fees are based on the size and complexity of your project. Permit fees and valuation tables are available at your local Building Department. Many jurisdictions have additional information on line available for your use. For assistance calculating your permit fee, please contact the office of your local jurisdiction and a customer service representative can help you determine your fee. When faxing or mailing your permit application, enclose the fee in the form of a personal check or money order.

  5. Receive Your Permit
    A permit will be issued in the name of the party performing the work. With a permit, a certified inspector can examine the work to ensure that it is done safely and according to code.


Why Are Permits Necessary?

What you should know!

Your home is your biggest financial investment. Construction mistakes can be exasperating, extremely costly and, in some cases, even deadly. Permits empower you to get safe, quality workmanship and avoid big problems down the line. We have developed a Residential Construction Guide to help you through the building and remodeling process.

Permits help you protect your investment and prevent mistakes.

Your home is your biggest financial investment. Construction mistakes can be exasperating, extremely costly and, in some cases, even deadly. Permits empower you to get safe, quality workmanship and avoid big problems down the line.


When selling your home, you are now required by ARIZONA law to fully disclose all remodeling work and whether or not permits were obtained. With permits and inspections, you can expect a smoother closing process, free of last-minute hassles, inspections and repair work if the home isn't up to code.

What is the purpose of the permits and codes?

The purpose behind building codes is to give reasonable assurance that a home is safe from structural failure, fire hazards from electrical and heating systems, electrical shock, and health risks. The permits provide a permanent record of the work performed and inspections conducted on the project.

There are numerous things you can do to you house that do not require permits. If you have any doubt whether or not is required, please contact your local Building Department for clarification. The following are examples of projects that Permits are NOT required for:

(A) Buildings

  • Non-habitable one-story detached accessory structures (storage structures, playhouses, etc.) provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet or a height of ten feet measured from the finished floor to the average height of the roof surface;

  • Fences not over six feet high, unless required for barriers around swimming pools (a swimming pool barrier is required for any swimming pool, hot tub, spa or similar structure intended for swimming, recreational bathing or immersion that contains water over 24 inches in depth);

  • Retaining walls that are not over four feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall unless supporting a surcharge;
  • Water tanks supported directly upon the ground if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons, and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1;

  • Private concrete sidewalks, slabs, and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below;

  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, interior wall, floor or ceiling covering, and similar finish work;

  • Prefabricated swimming pools where the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade. Barrier requirements are not exempt;

  • Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling;

  • Patio and porch covers not over 200 square feet and supported by an exterior wall;

  • Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support;

  • Nonbearing partitions (walls) except when such partitions create habitable rooms (habitable rooms are those used for living, sleeping, eating or cooking);

  • Replacement or repair of siding not required to be fire resistant;
Retrofitted insulation;

  • Masonry repair;
  • Porches and decks where the floor or deck is not more than 30 inches above the adjacent grade at any point and where in the case of a covered porch, the covered portion of the porch does not come closer than three feet to property lines;

  • Gutters and downspouts;

  • Door and window replacements (where no structural member is changed);

  • Reroofing except in wildfire hazard zones or where replacement or repair of roofing does not exceed 30 percent of the required live load design capacity and is not required to be fire resistant;
  • Plastic glazed storm windows; and

  • Framed-covered non-habitable accessory buildings not more than 500 square feet in area, one story in height, and not closer than three feet to the property line, where the structure is composed of a rigid framework that supports a fabric membrane.


(B) Electrical

  • To remove and replace broken or damaged electrical outlets (like for like only). However, permits are required to install, upgrade or change outlets for decorative purposes. If a GFCI protected outlet is required by code, a permit is required.
  • To remove and replace broken or damaged light fixtures (like for like) However, permits are required to install, upgrade or change outlets for decorative purposes.
  • To remove and replace broken or damaged light switches (like for like) However, permits are required to install, upgrade or change outlets for decorative purposes.

  • To replace approved fuses
.
  • To replace defective breakers (like for like only)
.
  • To replace light bulbs and fluorescent tubes
.
  • To replace an existing garbage disposal. Dishwasher, electric tank water heater, or similar appliance of 30 amps or less
.
  • To install low voltage wiring for garage door openers
.
  • To install phone outlets (however , wire must be listed type wire)
.
    To install CATV(Community Access TV, however must be listed type wire)
.
  • To replace an existing door bell.

(C) Plumbing

  • Repair/replace a sink

  • Repair/replace a toilet

  • Repair/replace a faucet (if not concealed in a wall)

  • Resurfacing/replacing countertops

  • Resurfacing

  • Shower walls

  • Repair/replace

  • Shower heads

  • Repair/replace

  • Rain Gutters and Downspouts

  • Add to or alter an irrigation system with an approved back flow device

  • Re-grouting tile

  • Install a water filter

  • Replace a hose bib

  • Install a fountain or other water feature that is filled by a hose

(D) Mechanical (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

  • Portable heating appliances, cooking or clothes drying appliances;

  • Portable ventilation appliances;

  • Portable cooling units;
  • Steam, hot, or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by the code;

  • Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe;

  • Portable evaporative coolers; portable appliances, such as freezers, washing machines, refrigerators, portable barbecue grills, etc.

  • Change out furnace filters