If you are thinking about building a new home in the Phoenix, Arizona area, there are some important things that you will need to know about the Phoenix building code. Before we go over those Phoenix-related facts, let’s break down some important general information regarding building codes for your home building project.
What is a building permit?
Building permits are written authorizations issued by a city or county to construct a specific building project. They are required to do so for most construction or remodeling projects. While all areas vary somewhat, this is the basic process of obtaining a permit.
- Completing a permit application
- Preparing a site plan for your project. If that project is extensive, you will probably need to hire a designer or architect to draw the project as it will be constructed. You will also need to hire a Phoenix general contractor to get the job done.
- Scheduling an appointment for plan approval. You may be able to get approval in person at an “over-the-counter” situation, but plans can also take several days to be reviewed and approved.
- Once it has been approved, you will get the permit. You will need to obtain the permit before any building takes place.
- As you perform the construction project, you will need to schedule inspections. This is so that the city can verify that you are acting in accordance to the plans that you had approved.
- When you complete your project, you will obtain final approval from the city.
Projects that require a building permit
You may be wondering if the project that you are interested in carrying out will require you to get a permit from Phoenix. Here is a general list of building projects that typically require a permit from the city.
- You want to add or remove walls in your home.
- You want to change the use of a room – such as changing a garage into a living room.
- Change the piping of your house.
- Re-roof your home.
- Demolish a portion of your house.
Projects that don’t require a building permit
Here are some common jobs that don’t require a permit.
- Repainting your house.
- Adding kitchen cabinets.
- Replacing certain kitchen appliances.
- Repaving your driveway.
- Installing floor coverings.
- Erecting a small fence.
When it comes to Phoenix, customers can request information, submit drawings, and purchase building permits either online or at the city’s Development Center. In Phoenix, you will want to check with the Development Center for any jobs related to commercial building, residential building, historic preservation, signs, or even temporary event permits.
If you are unable to locate the information that you need regarding your project online, you can call the Planning & Development office at 602-262-7811.
Undergoing a building project in Phoenix is a very exciting thing. Making sure that you have the necessary permits and approval is a necessary aspect of that build. Hopefully, this has helped you understand what to do next so that you can start your build out on the right foot.
