The building permit, planning, and zoning process in the Phoenix-Metro area varies according to construction project’s specific location. Each city and county government office has its own department that oversee these services. There may also be special requirements specific to the area.
- Phoenix: The Development Division oversees development and construction. It includes the Office of Customer Advocacy, which assists customers throughout the permit process; Plan Review and Permits, which ensures all building meets local ordinances and codes; and Inspections, which ensures building happens according to the approved plan.
- Apache Junction: The Building Safety Division oversees building safety (as the name implies) and coordinates the permit process. This includes reviewing plans and completing inspections.
- Buckeye: Development Services supports customers throughout the build process. The division performs plan reviews, processes permit applications, and completes inspections.
- Chandler: The Development Services Department oversees the permit process. Its divisions include Building Construction Codes, Building Inspections, Civil Engineering, Site Development, and Walk-In Plan Review. The Walk-In office is available for small commercial and residential projects.
- Gilbert: Development Services supports the city’s permits and applications process. Their site notes that permits are required for storage sheds larger than 200 square feet and fences taller than three feet.
- Glendale: Building Safety supports all new development including plan review, code information, inspection, and issuing permits. The site includes information for both homeowners and commercial contractors.
- Goodyear: Building Safety Division allows customers two choices: Over the Counter Plan Review and Permit by Email. The first allows you to file in person and sit down with a plan reviewer. The second option lets you avoid going to the City office altogether.
- Litchfield Park: The Building Safety division require all people seeking a building permit to complete two forms, the Application for Plan Review and Building Permit plus the Contractor’s Information and Exemption from Licensing.
- Mesa: Development Services oversees inspections, code compliance, planning, and commercial and residential construction. Their site also offers information on historic preservation and you can search your permit status online.
- Peoria: Development Services supports property owners looking to complete construction projects in Peoria, including plan review, permits, and inspections. Their site also offers information on zoning, regulations, and much more.
- Queen Creek: Planning, Zone, Building, & Development Services oversees all aspects of permits, building safety, development, zoning ordinance, plan reviews, permits, and inspections.
- Scottsdale: Permit Services processes plan reviews and permit applications as part of the city’s Planning and Development department. Their site details the types of project requiring a permit as well as those that do not.
- Surprise: The Community Development Department furnishes building permits for all construction and improvement projects occurring on private property. The city also offers a self-certification program and three-day turnaround on custom home reviews.
- Tempe: Building Safety handles permit issuance and plan review, allowing customers to submit plans either in-person or electronically.
- Maricopa County: Planning and Development oversees building permits and allows you to submit plans in person, with certain permit types available for online submission.
- Pinal County: Building Safety handles plan review, inspection, and investigative services in addition to issuing permits.
