What Is A Permit?
A permit is an agreement between the City and the applicant whereby the applicant
agrees to follow the city codes as adopted.
In some instances, the applicant must submit
plans to show what he or she intends to
do. For some projects, the plans may require preparation by a licensed architect or
engineer registered by the State of Arizona. When the plans are approved, the construction
must conform to the plan, for any deviations or changes that differ from the approved
plans cannot be approved in the field.
Why Do I Need A Permit?
A permit ensures the City Building Safety Division will inspect the work. The
inspector
may discover faulty materials, deviations from the approved plans or violations of the
building codes and
zoning
codes that may result in an unsafe or hazardous condition
for you and your family.
Furthermore, it is a violation of City Ordinance not to have a permit when work being
performed requires one. Failure to obtain a permit may result in an investigation fee
charge added to the cost of the permit and/or may result in prosecution in city court.
When Do I Need A Permit?
In general, a
building permit is required when any structural change or major
alteration is made to a building or when any new construction is undertaken. When
applicable, separate permits for mechanical, plumbing and electrical work are required.
Your proposed project must comply with the zoning
code
. If it does not, a separate submittal for a variance before the Board of
Adjustment may be required. If in doubt, call the Development Services Department office
at 480/350-8341.
Do I Always Need A Permit?
These are some examples of work that generally
do
not require a permit:
Building Code Exceptions
-
One story detached accessory buildings used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses or
similar uses. The projected roof area cannot exceed 120 square feet.
Zoning requirements may apply.
-
Fences 6’ high or less
-
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high, when measured from the bottom of the footing to
the top of the wall or retaining less than 3 feet of earth
-
Platforms, walks and driveways less than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement
or story below Window awnings supported on an exterior wall and not projecting more than
54 inches. Check the zoning ordinance for the minimum side or rear yard setbacks (the
horizontal distance between a building, structure or wall from the property line), for the
distance an awning can project into the required setbacks
-
Prefabricated aboveground swimming pools with a capacity of less than 5000 gallons of
water
-
Painting, floor covering or interior trim work
-
Roofing repair or replacement with the same materials unless roof sheathing (the plywood
under the shingles) is replaced
Mechanical Code Exceptions
-
A portable heating appliance, portable ventilating equipment, portable cooling equipment
or portable evaporative cooler
-
The replacement of a component part or assembly of an appliance which does not alter its
original use, e.g. a compressor for an air-conditioning unit.
Plumbing Code Exceptions
-
The repair of leaks in drains, soil, wastes, and vents piping unless the defective
piping is replaced
-
The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in water or gas piping, valves or
fixtures unless such repairs involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of
valves, pipes or fixtures
What you will need for...
■
New Single Family Residences
Completed
Project Submittal Form
(including owner information & project valuation)
Plan Review Fee
¨ Two
(2) complete sets of plans (plans
should include site plan, code data sheet, architectural,
structural, electrical, plumbing & mechanical plans)
Two (2) extra site plans for engineering review
(showing onsite lot retention)
Two (2)
sets of Truss Calculations
Two (2) sets of
Soils Reports
Two (2) sets of
Structural Calculations
(if applicable)
Two (2) 8½ x 11 Plot Plans
■
Residential Addition
Completed
Project Submittal Form
(including owner information & project valuation)
Plan Review Fee (not
applicable on flat fee permits check
Table 2-A Miscellaneous Fee)
¨ Two
(2) complete sets of plans (plans
should include site plan, code data sheet, architectural,
structural,
electrical, plumbing & mechanical plans as applicable for the
proposed work.
Two (2) extra site plans for Engineering review
(showing onsite
lot retention)
¨
Two (2) sets of Truss Calculations
(if applicable, the plan reviewer will
determine applicability)
Two 8½ X
11 Plot Plans
■
Residential Remodel
Completed
Project Submittal Form
(including owner information & project valuation)
Plan Review Fee (not
applicable on flat fee permits check
Table 2-A Miscellaneous Fee)
¨ Two
(2) complete sets of plans (plans
should include site plan, code data sheet, architectural,
structural,
electrical, plumbing & mechanical plans as applicable for the
proposed work.)
How Much Does A Permit Cost?
Building permit
fees are based on the estimated costs and fair market evaluation of the
project.
