Residential

Font Size: + -

Residential Plan Review

OVERVIEW

Residential Plan Review applies to construction of single-family residences, duplexes, and townhomes. All new construction, additions, and renovations must meet building codes and safety standards as required per City of Tempe adopted codes and amendments. Projects such as new homes, remodels, and accessory structures require plan approval before permits can be issued.

For assistance with ADU requirements and general building code and engineering private development questions, please email: permitcenter@tempe.gov. For detailed ADU requirements, frequently asked questions, and step-by-step guides visit:
Accessory Dwelling Units Requirements & FAQ.

RESOURCES

• Plans must be submitted in accordance with Electronic Plan (E-Plan) Review Submittal Guidelines

• Residential Photovoltaic Systems

• Handouts

• SolarAPP+ Press Release

SolarAPP+

solar_app_logo

SolarAPP+ Overview

SolarAPP+ / Photovoltaic Projects

If you’re not using SolarAPP+, you could be missing out on same-day solar permit approvals. Licensed solar contractors can utilize SolarAPP+ for eligible residential solar projects, streamlining the permitting process and reducing turn-around times.

SolarAPP+ is a third-party software program that can be used to verify code compliance for single-family residential photovoltaic (PV) projects.

The City of Tempe's Community Development Department includes the Building Safety Division which will accept SolarAPP+ approved designs for application and permitting of single-family residential photovoltaic projects. Please see the information below to determine project eligibility and the process for submittal and permit.

4-STEP PROCESS

1. Determine Eligibility

Please see Eligibility drop-down [below] to view eligibility requirements

2. Submit for Review through SolarAPP+

Submit proposed design to SolarAPP+ https://www.gosolarapp.org/
SolarAPP+ Registration or Login
Input project design parameters into SolarAPP+
A processing fee will be assessed by SolarAPP+ for use of their product

3. Apply for a Building Permit [BP]

Visit Tempe Citizen Access Portal to apply for a Building Permit [BP]
Include your approved set of documents, drawings, and your SolarAPP+ approval number to proceed
Include the word "SolarAPP+" as the first word in the project description
Ex: "SolarAPP+ MITCHELL RESIDENCE"
Applicants will be charged permit fees online through the Citizen Access Portal

4. Schedule Your Inspection

Once a permit has been issued -- schedule a Building Final (199) inspection through the Citizen Access Portal using the main BP tracking number
Requests received before midnight will be inspected the following business day between 6:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Inspections may be scheduled up to two (2) weeks in advance
For an estimated time of arrival, call 480-350-8341 between 6:00-6:30A the morning of a scheduled inspection

Eligibility

Please visit the SolarAPP+ site for a overview of the types of systems eligible for SolarAPP+ review.
https://help.gosolarapp.org/article/43-what-types-of-systems-are-eligible-for-solarapp-review

Must be an Arizona Licensed Contractor
Located within the City of Tempe limits
Residential (single-family or duplex residence) rooftop installations only
Residential Energy Storage
Structure supporting PV system must be legal, permitted, code compliant structure
No ballasted or ground mounted systems
Not located within Historic Preservation district or FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area
Must meet the following technical requirements:
- Solar with existing non-ESS systems [Energy Storage System]
- 400-amp maximum electrical service, single phase only
- Maximum of 2 DC strings in parallel
- If using microinverter, one module per microinverter
- Only one module type
- Up to two inverter types for string inverters and up to tone inverter type for microinverters

How SolarAPP+ works

Automated Permitting + the Inspection Process

Sample Approval Document / Inspection Checklist

Strengthening the Sustainability of Building Codes

SolSmart: Solar Technical Assistance

The City of Tempe has been awarded SolSmart Silver designation by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), recognizing the City’s leadership and ongoing efforts to make rooftop solar energy more affordable and accessible for residents and businesses.

This designation reflects Tempe’s commitment to reducing barriers to solar adoption and creating a more transparent, solar-friendly process. Key actions that contributed to this recognition include:

Reviewing and updating the City’s solar zoning code to make it clearer, more transparent, and easier to navigate for property owners and developers
Requiring new municipal buildings to be solar ready
Training permitting staff on best practices for permitting solar photovoltaic and solar-plus-storage systems
Installing solar photovoltaic systems on municipal facilities
Providing online resources on solar financing options and consumer protection guides (available at www.tempe.gov/EnergyResourceHub)
Publishing an online dashboard that tracks the number of solar permits issued by the City (available at www.tempe.gov/BuildingSafety)

City of Tempe, AZ