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Phoenix Building Permit Guide
Britain Jacobson
Last updated:
Apr 22, 2025
Phoenix, Arizona is experiencing remarkable growth, with new developments constantly popping up across the city. If you're planning a construction project in Phoenix, understanding the building permit process is essential for a smooth and compliant build.
This guide provides you with the critical information needed to navigate permit requirements, associated costs, and valuable resources to help your project succeed from the permit application to final approval.
Simplify permitting in Phoenix with PermitFlow. Learn how here.
What requires a building permit in Phoenix?
Building permits ensure that every construction project meets safety measures and complies with local codes. In Phoenix, you need building permits for a wide range of construction projects.
Residential projects
- New construction: New homes or detached structures over 200 square feet
- Additions and alterations: Room additions, garage or carport conversions, porch enclosures, and patio covers
- Structural changes: Wall removal or relocation, or roofline alterations
- System installations: Electrical updates, plumbing modifications (e.g., adding or moving sinks, toilets, tubs), gas line installations, and HVAC system installation
- Exterior modifications: Fences over 3 feet tall, retaining walls, and driveway alterations
- Swimming pools and spas: New pools or spas installation
You can find more information on the city’s Residential Projects page.
Commercial and multifamily projects
- New construction: Constructing commercial buildings, multifamily properties (three or more units), condominiums, and apartment complexes
- Interior and exterior alterations: Remodels and additions to existing structures
- System installations: Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing system installations or modifications
Detailed information and application forms can be found on the city’s Commercial Plan Reviews and Permits page.
What can a homeowner do without a permit in Phoenix?
- Painting and wallpapering: Cosmetic interior finishes
- Flooring: Carpet, tile, or hardwood flooring installation
- Cabinetry: Cabinet installation or replacement
- Fences: Erecting fences not over 3 feet in height
Refer to the City of Phoenix Work Exempt from Permit document for a more extended list of exempted activities.
Phoenix building permit costs
In Phoenix, building permit fees are calculated based on the project's valuation. These fees cover the city's costs for inspections and administrative services.
Valuation-based permit fees
City of Phoenix building permit costs are calculated based on the total project valuation, which includes materials, labor, overhead, and profit. In the table below, you can see these fees.
| Project valuation |
Permit fee |
| $1.00–$1,000.00 |
$75.00 minimum for residential water heaters and fences; $150.00 base fee only |
| $1,001.00–$10,000.00 |
$150.00 for the first $1,000.00 plus $9.00 for each additional $1,000.00 |
| $10,001.00–$50,000.00 |
$231.00 for the first $10,000.00 plus $8.00 for each additional $1,000.00 |
| $50,001.00–$200,000.00 |
$551.00 for the first $50,000.00 plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000.00 |
| $200,001.00–$1,000,000.00 |
$1,601.00 for the first $200,000.00 plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000.00 |
| $1,000,001.00–$10,000,000.00 |
$7,201.00 for the first $1,000,000.00 plus $4.00 for each additional $1,000.00 |
| Over $10,000,000.00 |
$43,201.00 for the first $10,000,000.00 plus $4.00 for each additional $1,000.00 |
Plan review fees
Plan review fees are assessed based on a percentage of the permit fee and vary depending on the project type and valuation.
| Project type |
Plan review fee |
| Residential (≤ $50,000) |
100% of the permit fee, minimum $150.00 |
| Residential (> $50,000) |
80% of the permit fee, minimum $150.00 |
| Commercial (≤ $50,000) |
100% of the permit fee, minimum $150.00 |
| Commercial (> $50,000) |
80% of the permit fee, minimum $150.00 |
| Plot Plan Review (Residential) |
$150.00 per hour, minimum $75.00 |
| Plot Plan Review (All Others) |
$150.00 per hour, minimum $300.00 |
Development impact fees
There are also development impact fees that are assessed to fund infrastructure improvements necessitated by new development. These fees are different based on the location you’re in and the type of development.
| Impact fee area |
Net impact fee |
Administrative charge |
Total due at permit issuance |
| Ahwatukee | $7,538 | $100 | $7,638 |
| Deer Valley | $13,072 | $155 | $13,227 |
| Estrella North | $10,212 | $126 | $10,338 |
| Estrella South | $12,619 | $150 | $12,769 |
| Laveen East | $10,479 | $129 | $10,608 |
| Laveen West | $12,729 | $151 | $12,880 |
| Northeast | $14,919 | $173 | $15,092 |
| Northwest | $14,995 | $174 | $15,169 |
| Paradise Ridge | $16,634 | $190 | $16,824 |
Phoenix building permit search
To search for building permits in Phoenix, you can use the City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department's online tools:
Useful resources
For assistance with building permits and related inquiries in Phoenix, contact the Planning & Development Department:
For specific inquiries:
How to get a building permit in Phoenix
Now, let's discuss how exactly you can get a building permit in Phoenix. Below is a high-level, step-by-step guide for both residential and commercial projects.
Residential building permit Process
- Determine permit requirements
- Identify if your project requires a permit. You can consult the city’s Residential Projects page to assess requirements.
- Prepare application and plans
- Submit application
- Plan review
- City staff will review your plans for compliance. If corrections are needed, you’ll be notified to make necessary changes and resubmit.
- Permit issuance
- Once plans are approved, pay the remaining permit fees.
- Inspections and completion
- Schedule required inspections during construction. Once you get final inspection approval, you’ll be issued a Certificate of Occupancy or Completion.
Commercial building permit process
- Pre-application meeting
- For new commercial projects, schedule a pre-application meeting to discuss project scope and requirements.
- Prepare application and plans
- Submit application
- Plan review
- City staff will review your plans for compliance with codes and regulations.
- Permit issuance
- Once plans are approved, pay any required permit fees.
- Inspections and completion
- Schedule and pass all required inspections during construction. After your project is finished and the construction is approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Occupancy.
Streamline Phoenix permitting with PermitFlow
Navigating the Phoenix building permit process can be challenging, particularly for applicants who are unfamiliar with local requirements. If your company has recently expanded to the Phoenix area or is taking on a project in the area for the first time, you might not know about the nuances of permitting in Phoenix.
PermitFlow streamlines this process by offering:
- Expert guidance: Our team knows Phoenix's specific permitting requirements. You’ll get an accurate application submitted efficiently.
- Centralized management: Track and manage all your permits in one place with no administrative overhead.
- Faster approvals: Save time and get your permit in hand faster.
Don't let permitting complexities prevent you from completing projects quickly. Contact our team to learn how we can assist with your next project.
Phoenix, Arizona is experiencing remarkable growth, with new developments constantly popping up across the city. If you're planning a construction project in Phoenix, understanding the building permit process is essential for a smooth and compliant build.
This guide provides you with the critical information needed to navigate permit requirements, associated costs, and valuable resources to help your project succeed from the permit application to final approval.
Simplify permitting in Phoenix with PermitFlow. Learn how here.
What requires a building permit in Phoenix?
Building permits ensure that every construction project meets safety measures and complies with local codes. In Phoenix, you need building permits for a wide range of construction projects.
Residential projects
- New construction: New homes or detached structures over 200 square feet
- Additions and alterations: Room additions, garage or carport conversions, porch enclosures, and patio covers
- Structural changes: Wall removal or relocation, or roofline alterations
- System installations: Electrical updates, plumbing modifications (e.g., adding or moving sinks, toilets, tubs), gas line installations, and HVAC system installation
- Exterior modifications: Fences over 3 feet tall, retaining walls, and driveway alterations
- Swimming pools and spas: New pools or spas installation
You can find more information on the city’s Residential Projects page.
Commercial and multifamily projects
- New construction: Constructing commercial buildings, multifamily properties (three or more units), condominiums, and apartment complexes
- Interior and exterior alterations: Remodels and additions to existing structures
- System installations: Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing system installations or modifications
Detailed information and application forms can be found on the city’s Commercial Plan Reviews and Permits page.
What can a homeowner do without a permit in Phoenix?
- Painting and wallpapering: Cosmetic interior finishes
- Flooring: Carpet, tile, or hardwood flooring installation
- Cabinetry: Cabinet installation or replacement
- Fences: Erecting fences not over 3 feet in height
Refer to the City of Phoenix Work Exempt from Permit document for a more extended list of exempted activities.
Phoenix building permit costs
In Phoenix, building permit fees are calculated based on the project's valuation. These fees cover the city's costs for inspections and administrative services.
Valuation-based permit fees
City of Phoenix building permit costs are calculated based on the total project valuation, which includes materials, labor, overhead, and profit. In the table below, you can see these fees.
| Project valuation |
Permit fee |
| $1.00–$1,000.00 |
$75.00 minimum for residential water heaters and fences; $150.00 base fee only |
| $1,001.00–$10,000.00 |
$150.00 for the first $1,000.00 plus $9.00 for each additional $1,000.00 |
| $10,001.00–$50,000.00 |
$231.00 for the first $10,000.00 plus $8.00 for each additional $1,000.00 |
| $50,001.00–$200,000.00 |
$551.00 for the first $50,000.00 plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000.00 |
| $200,001.00–$1,000,000.00 |
$1,601.00 for the first $200,000.00 plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000.00 |
| $1,000,001.00–$10,000,000.00 |
$7,201.00 for the first $1,000,000.00 plus $4.00 for each additional $1,000.00 |
| Over $10,000,000.00 |
$43,201.00 for the first $10,000,000.00 plus $4.00 for each additional $1,000.00 |
Plan review fees
Plan review fees are assessed based on a percentage of the permit fee and vary depending on the project type and valuation.
| Project type |
Plan review fee |
| Residential (≤ $50,000) |
100% of the permit fee, minimum $150.00 |
| Residential (> $50,000) |
80% of the permit fee, minimum $150.00 |
| Commercial (≤ $50,000) |
100% of the permit fee, minimum $150.00 |
| Commercial (> $50,000) |
80% of the permit fee, minimum $150.00 |
| Plot Plan Review (Residential) |
$150.00 per hour, minimum $75.00 |
| Plot Plan Review (All Others) |
$150.00 per hour, minimum $300.00 |
Development impact fees
There are also development impact fees that are assessed to fund infrastructure improvements necessitated by new development. These fees are different based on the location you’re in and the type of development.
| Impact fee area |
Net impact fee |
Administrative charge |
Total due at permit issuance |
| Ahwatukee | $7,538 | $100 | $7,638 |
| Deer Valley | $13,072 | $155 | $13,227 |
| Estrella North | $10,212 | $126 | $10,338 |
| Estrella South | $12,619 | $150 | $12,769 |
| Laveen East | $10,479 | $129 | $10,608 |
| Laveen West | $12,729 | $151 | $12,880 |
| Northeast | $14,919 | $173 | $15,092 |
| Northwest | $14,995 | $174 | $15,169 |
| Paradise Ridge | $16,634 | $190 | $16,824 |
Phoenix building permit search
To search for building permits in Phoenix, you can use the City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department's online tools:
Useful resources
For assistance with building permits and related inquiries in Phoenix, contact the Planning & Development Department:
For specific inquiries:
How to get a building permit in Phoenix
Now, let's discuss how exactly you can get a building permit in Phoenix. Below is a high-level, step-by-step guide for both residential and commercial projects.
Residential building permit Process
- Determine permit requirements
- Identify if your project requires a permit. You can consult the city’s Residential Projects page to assess requirements.
- Prepare application and plans
- Submit application
- Plan review
- City staff will review your plans for compliance. If corrections are needed, you’ll be notified to make necessary changes and resubmit.
- Permit issuance
- Once plans are approved, pay the remaining permit fees.
- Inspections and completion
- Schedule required inspections during construction. Once you get final inspection approval, you’ll be issued a Certificate of Occupancy or Completion.
Commercial building permit process
- Pre-application meeting
- For new commercial projects, schedule a pre-application meeting to discuss project scope and requirements.
- Prepare application and plans
- Submit application
- Plan review
- City staff will review your plans for compliance with codes and regulations.
- Permit issuance
- Once plans are approved, pay any required permit fees.
- Inspections and completion
- Schedule and pass all required inspections during construction. After your project is finished and the construction is approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Occupancy.
Streamline Phoenix permitting with PermitFlow
Navigating the Phoenix building permit process can be challenging, particularly for applicants who are unfamiliar with local requirements. If your company has recently expanded to the Phoenix area or is taking on a project in the area for the first time, you might not know about the nuances of permitting in Phoenix.
PermitFlow streamlines this process by offering:
- Expert guidance: Our team knows Phoenix's specific permitting requirements. You’ll get an accurate application submitted efficiently.
- Centralized management: Track and manage all your permits in one place with no administrative overhead.
- Faster approvals: Save time and get your permit in hand faster.
Don't let permitting complexities prevent you from completing projects quickly. Contact our team to learn how we can assist with your next project.
