Buckeye building permits

Requirements

• Building permit required for new single-family and two-family dwelling construction within Buckeye city limits
• Plans must comply with the 2024 IRC and City of Buckeye amendments, including Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (115 mph wind, Exposure C; Seismic Design Category B; 34°F winter design temperature; moderate-to-heavy termite potential)
• Mandatory residential air conditioning capable of maintaining 90°F or below (IRC R325.9)
• Construction documents, statement of special inspections, and geotechnical report (where applicable) must be prepared by an Arizona-registered design professional per the State Board of Technical Registration
• Submittal via the EnerGov CSS online portal (egselfservice.buckeyeaz.gov) or by emailing a completed Building Permit Application and plans to permitcenter@buckeyeaz.gov
• Tract homes and custom homes are both billed at 65% of the calculated Building Permit Fee (per ICC valuation) for 1st and 2nd plan review, per the Development User Fee Schedule

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCity of Buckeye Building Permit Application (Revised 3.11.2025, interactive form), submitted via EnerGov CSS portal or email to permitcenter@buckeyeaz.gov
• RequiredResidential Single Family Tract Home Checklist / Custom Home ChecklistCity of Buckeye submittal checklist (2021) for tract or custom single-family residential plan sets
• RequiredSite/Plot PlanLot dimensions, easements, setbacks, and structure locations
• RequiredConstruction Drawings and Structural CalculationsPrepared by an Arizona-registered design professional; truss calculations reviewed separately at $280 per standard set (residential)

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building permit required for room additions, remodels, garage conversions, and patio covers
• Residential Room Addition and Remodel Checklist (2021) and Residential Detached Garage or Storage Shed Checklist (2021), or Residential Patio Cover Checklist (2021) apply depending on scope
• Detached accessory structures one-story and 200 sq ft or less do not require a permit (City amendment to IBC 105.2), but must still meet zoning/setback rules
• Garage conversions and garage conversion restorations are separately fee-classified from new room additions
• Plans must comply with City of Buckeye Design Criteria (115 mph wind, Exposure C; Seismic Design Category B)

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted via EnerGov CSS portal or email to permitcenter@buckeyeaz.gov
• RequiredResidential Room Addition and Remodel Checklist (2021)City of Buckeye submittal checklist for room additions and remodels
• RequiredSite/Plot PlanShowing existing structure, addition footprint, and setbacks

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Electrical permit required for meter clearances, panel work, service entrance changes, temporary service, generators, and other hard-wired electrical work
• Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted by the City of Buckeye; all electrical equipment 1,000 amps or larger must pass a dielectric strength test by a qualified third party before requesting a meter clearance (City amendment to NEC Article 110.7)
• Electric Meters and Single Service Dry Utility permits are eligible for the same-day 'Online Permits' track if submitted complete by 2 p.m.
• Apply via the EnerGov CSS online portal (egselfservice.buckeyeaz.gov)

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding/Electrical Permit ApplicationSubmitted via EnerGov CSS portal or, for select same-day miscellaneous permits, through the online applications system
• RequiredResidential Electric Run Checklist / Residential New Electric Checklist / Residential Electrical Panel Upgrade Checklist (2021)City of Buckeye submittal checklists depending on scope of electrical work
• OptionalResidential Load Calculations (2021)Required for service upgrades and new electrical service

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Plumbing permit required for installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing systems, fixtures, water heaters, and gas piping
• Governed by the 2024 IPC as adopted by the City of Buckeye, with Appendix E (Sizing of Water Piping System) adopted
• Buckeye-amended maximum fixture flow rates apply (Table 604.4 / IRC Table P2903.2): lavatory 1.5 gpm at 60 psi, shower head 2.0 gpm at 80 psi, water closet 1.28 gal/flush
• Water Heaters (residential, per unit) qualify for the 'Online Permits' miscellaneous same-day track
• Apply via the EnerGov CSS online portal or email permitcenter@buckeyeaz.gov

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding/Plumbing Permit ApplicationSubmitted via EnerGov CSS portal or email
• RequiredResidential Plumbing Checklist / Residential Gas Line Checklist / Residential Tankless Water Heater Checklist (2021)City of Buckeye submittal checklists depending on scope

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Mechanical permit required for installation, replacement, or relocation of HVAC equipment, furnaces, and ventilation systems
• Governed by the 2024 IMC as adopted by the City of Buckeye
• Every dwelling unit is required to maintain air conditioning per IRC R325.9 (90°F max at 3 ft above floor / 2 ft from exterior walls)
• AC Unit replacement/upgrade uses the Residential AC Replacement Checklist (2021) and qualifies for the same-day 'Online Permits' track when applicable
• Apply via the EnerGov CSS online portal or email permitcenter@buckeyeaz.gov

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding/Mechanical Permit ApplicationSubmitted via EnerGov CSS portal or email
• RequiredResidential AC Replacement Checklist / Residential Mechanical Checklist (2021)City of Buckeye submittal checklists for HVAC scope

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building permit required for re-roofing except the narrow exemption: R-3 (single-family) re-roofing using the same material as the existing roof, provided no more than one layer of asphalt shingles is applied over an existing asphalt shingle roof (City amendment to IBC 105.2)
• Roof plan/material listing required showing existing framing, square footage, existing material/weight, sheathing detail (typically 1/2 inch+ plywood/OSB, 8d nails at 6 in O.C. edges / 12 in O.C. field), flashing, underlayment, proposed material/weight, fire rating, and roof slope classification (High/Low/Flat)
• Pre-inspection may be required depending on roofing system type
• Owner/Builder form required if applicable

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Re-Roofing)Submitted via EnerGov CSS portal or email to permitcenter@buckeyeaz.gov
• RequiredResidential Re-Roofing Checklist (2021)City of Buckeye submittal checklist detailing plot plan, roof plan/material listing, and slope classification requirements
• RequiredPlot PlanExisting property lines, house footprint, north arrow, address and lot number

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Residential Photovoltaic Systems shall be installed per the 2023 National Electric Code as adopted by the City of Buckeye (IRC R101.2.1)
• Construction plans required: site plan, roof layout, racking layout, attachment details, and a 3-line diagram (may be a single multi-page PDF)
• Cut sheets required for PV panels, inverters, and racking (racking cut sheets may be omitted if a racking layout is included in the construction plans)
• If a main-breaker de-rate is included, existing and new de-rated breaker sizes must be specified on the submittal checklist
• If a main panel upgrade/change-out is included (400A and under only), existing and new panel amperage must be specified
• Standard review timeframe is 2 business days, routed to Permit Technicians for prescreen

Required documents

• RequiredResidential Photovoltaic Procedure Submittal Checklist (15KW and Under Only, rev. 02/2023)Cover checklist plus required construction plan set and cut sheets, submitted in the specified document order via the EnerGov CSS portal
• RequiredResidential Photovoltaic System Checklist (2021)General residential PV submittal checklist

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building permit required before demolishing a residential or commercial structure within Buckeye city limits
• Site plan required showing lot dimensions, easements, and location of the building to be demolished plus other existing structures
• Owner Authorization Letter required
• All utilities must be terminated at the property line before demolition
• Applicant must contact Maricopa County Air Quality Department NESHAP program (602-506-6708, 1001 N Central Ave, Suite 400) for asbestos abatement approval PRIOR to applying for the demolition permit
• Applicant must contact Maricopa County Dust Control (602-506-6010) to verify whether a dust control permit is required
• Project is not legally complete until an approved final inspection has occurred

Required documents

• RequiredResidential Demo Checklist (2021) / Commercial Demo Checklist (2021)City of Buckeye submittal checklist for demolition permits
• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted via EnerGov CSS portal or email to permitcenter@buckeyeaz.gov
• RequiredOwner Authorization LetterRequired for demolition permit submittal

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Residential fences other than swimming pool barriers, not over 7 feet high, do NOT require a building permit (City amendment to IBC 105.2) — EXCLUDES perimeter and common-area subdivision fences, which do require review
• Pool barrier fences always require compliance with pool barrier standards regardless of the general fence exemption
• Retaining walls require: a site plan showing wall location with a legend listing wall sizes (color code if needed), a copy of approved grading plans for reference, structural calculations sealed by an Arizona-registered design professional, and a copy of the contract or a letter stating the contract amount
• Themed walls, retaining walls, and perimeter walls are billed as Based-on-Valuation (BOV) permits per the Development User Fee Schedule

Required documents

• RequiredResidential Fence and Block Wall Checklist (2021)City of Buckeye submittal checklist for fences and block walls
• RequiredResidential Retaining Walls Checklist (2021)City of Buckeye submittal checklist requiring site plan, approved grading plans, Arizona-sealed structural calculations, and contract documentation
• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted via EnerGov CSS portal or email to permitcenter@buckeyeaz.gov

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Electrical permit required for hard-wired electrical work including new circuits, per the standard Electrical Permit process
• Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted by the City of Buckeye
• Apply via the EnerGov CSS online portal (egselfservice.buckeyeaz.gov); Electric Meters and Single Service Dry Utility permits are eligible for same-day 'Online Permits' processing if submitted complete by 2 p.m.
• No EV-charger-specific application form, checklist, or fee category was found published separately from the general Electrical Permit

Required documents

• RequiredElectrical Permit Application (EnerGov CSS Portal)Standard City of Buckeye electrical permit application; used for EVSE circuit installation

Fee schedule

Requirements

• A Sign Permit (Building Permit) is required for permanent commercial/business signage attached to or erected on a property, per City of Buckeye Development Code Section 5 (sign standards) and the City's adopted IBC/NEC amendments governing structural attachment and electrical connection of illuminated signs
• All multi-tenant commercial and mixed-use developments must submit a Comprehensive Sign Plan (CSP) governing the site's overall signage program (Development Code Section 5, per the 2010 Development Code); CSPs can be approved administratively for variations up to 10% from Development Code standards, but require Planning & Zoning Commission approval (public hearing, 2nd/4th Tuesday monthly) above a 10% variation
• Temporary signs on private property (banners, event signage, etc.) require a Temporary Sign Permit (TSP) per Development Code Section 5.11.5; a TSP is limited to 30 consecutive days within any 6-month period, and is a use allowance only — a separate Building Permit may still be required for the physical sign
• A-frame/sandwich-board signage within the Downtown Zoning Overlay (Development Code Section 5.12.5) is exempt from the TSP requirement if set out adjacent to the business on the sidewalk only during business hours
• All CSP and TSP submittals, resubmittals, and payments are made electronically per the City's Planning and Zoning webpage process; incomplete applications are not accepted and applications received after 4:00 p.m. are processed the next business day
• No City-published checklist or application specifically for a single, standalone permanent commercial sign (i.e., neither a CSP nor a TSP) was found separate from the standard Building Permit Application — that scenario is billed under the valuation-based 'Sign Permit' line and processed through the ordinary Building Permit intake (EnerGov CSS portal or email to permitcenter@buckeyeaz.gov)

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationStandard City of Buckeye Building Permit Application, used for the structural/electrical Sign Permit on an individual permanent sign; submitted via EnerGov CSS portal or email to permitcenter@buckeyeaz.gov
• OptionalComprehensive Sign Plan (CSP) Process Guide & Application (rev. July 2025)Required only for multi-tenant commercial/mixed-use developments; covers the full site sign program (type, materials, illumination, color, dimensions, location) as a single combined 24"x36" PDF plan set, plus a completed Fee Worksheet
• OptionalTemporary Sign Permit (TSP) Process Guide & Application (rev. July 2025)Required for temporary signage; submittal includes application, Fee Worksheet, structural drawings, sign drawings, site exhibits, and business license

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Fire sprinkler and/or fire alarm system permit required for new commercial construction, tenant improvements, and system modifications, reviewed under the 2024 IFC as adopted and amended by the City of Buckeye (Section 15-2-10)
• Plan review is performed directly by the City of Buckeye Fire-Medical-Rescue Department's own Fire Prevention Division (Fire Marshal Nate Ryan, 21699 W. Yuma Rd. Ste. 101, 623-349-6759, nryan@buckeyeaz.gov) — confirmed the City runs its own fire code enforcement and does not defer to Maricopa County
• The Commercial Building Checklist and Tenant Improvement Checklist both require the plan set to indicate 'Sprinklers: Yes/No' and 'Fire alarms: Yes/No' as part of the general commercial submittal — no separate fire-sprinkler/alarm-specific checklist was found published by Development Services
• Automatic fire sprinklers are required for townhouses and one- and two-family dwellings per the IFC as adopted by the City (IRC R309/R317.5 amended to cross-reference the Fire Code rather than a fixed threshold — see this jurisdiction's localAmendments)
• A Fire Verification Inspection is required before a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued for any commercial space, per the City's Occupancy Guidelines & Inspection Requirements (pre-certificate field inspections are performed by Planning and Zoning, Engineering, Fire Safety, and Building Safety)

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding/Fire Permit ApplicationStandard City of Buckeye Building Permit Application submitted with the sprinkler/alarm scope indicated, via EnerGov CSS portal or email to permitcenter@buckeyeaz.gov
• RequiredCommercial Building Checklist (2021) / Tenant Improvement Checklist (2021)General commercial submittal checklists; each includes a 'Sprinklers Yes/No' and 'Fire alarms Yes/No' scope question — no distinct fire-sprinkler or fire-alarm-specific checklist is separately published

Fee schedule

Requirements

• A Change of Occupant Permit is required whenever a commercial space's tenant or business name changes — even if the use does not change — because a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is issued to a specific tenant for a specific use; occupying under the prior tenant's C of O is unlawful (City of Buckeye Change of Occupant Permit Procedure, rev. 01/2023)
• Change of Occupant Permits are only issued for spaces that previously received a C of O from the City; no changes to the space are allowed beyond minor work such as new floor covering or paint, and all code requirements of the new tenant's use must be met WITHOUT modification to the existing space
• If the new tenant's proposed use falls under a different occupancy classification than the prior tenant's, or requires modifications to the space, the fuller Change of Occupancy Permit applies instead of the lighter Change of Occupant process — the City did not publish a distinct procedure document for this scenario separate from its standard Building Permit / Tenant Improvement process
• Submittal for a Change of Occupant Permit requires: a completed permit application, a written narrative describing the new business/proposed use/proposed occupancy, and a dimensioned (draftsperson-quality) floor plan showing existing walls, the electrical panel, doors, and plumbing fixtures
• Two inspections are required, in this order: (1) Fire Verification Inspection, (2) Change of Occupant Inspection — both must be scheduled before the building inspector will sign off
• A City of Buckeye business license is required separately for the new business/tenant (contact 623-349-6153 or buckeyeaz.gov for registration)
• Any unpermitted work discovered during the inspection process must be brought into compliance with currently adopted codes and fees before occupancy is allowed

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Change of Occupant)Completed permit application submitted for a Change of Occupant Permit
• RequiredWritten NarrativeDescription of the new business, proposed use, and proposed occupancy
• RequiredDimensioned Floor Plan (draftsperson quality)Shows the space with name, address, north point indicator, and the location of existing walls, the electrical panel, doors, and plumbing fixtures

Fee schedule

Requirements

• New commercial/industrial ground-up construction, additions, and shell buildings within Buckeye city limits require a Commercial Building Permit
• Plans must comply with the 2024 IBC and City of Buckeye amendments (Chapter 15, Article 15-2), effective for submittals on/after January 1, 2025
• Nonresidential/commercial projects must use Arizona state-licensed commercial contractors (exception: R-3 occupancies), per City of Buckeye amendment to IBC 104.3.2
• A Site Plan approved by Planning & Zoning, or an approval letter, is required as part of the building permit submittal (Commercial Building Checklist, 2021)
• Complete construction plans (architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing/gas, electrical), drawn to scale and sealed by an Arizona-registered design professional where applicable, per the Commercial Building Checklist (2021) and Commercial Building Submittal Guide (rev. 2024)
• Submittal via the EnerGov CSS online portal (egselfservice.buckeyeaz.gov) or by emailing a completed Building Permit Application and plans to permitcenter@buckeyeaz.gov

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCity of Buckeye Building Permit Application (Revised 3.11.2025, interactive form), submitted via EnerGov CSS portal or email to permitcenter@buckeyeaz.gov
• RequiredSite Plan (Approved by Planning & Zoning, or Approval Letter)Per Commercial Building Checklist (2021): actual address/suite/floor, lot size and shape, property line dimensions, all buildings/structures with dimensions to property lines, streets/alleys, north arrow, parking spaces and calculations, electric service entrance location, accessibility routes
• RequiredConstruction Plans (Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Plumbing/Gas, Electrical)Complete plan set drawn to scale per the Commercial Building Checklist (2021) and Commercial Building Submittal Guide (rev. 2024): building information block (occupancy, construction type, square footage, sprinklers/fire alarms Yes-No, exits), floor layout, wall schedule, accessibility details, mechanical/plumbing/gas/electrical plans and one-line diagrams, foundation/floor/roof framing plans
• RequiredStructural CalculationsVertical and lateral structural analysis, sealed by the structural engineer of record (Commercial Building Checklist, 2021)
• RequiredGeotechnical Investigation Report (Soils Report)One copy of a soil report sealed by the geotechnical engineer of record; required document on the Commercial Building Submittal Guide (rev. 2024) for new ground-up construction
• RequiredBuilding Pad Elevation FormFillable City of Buckeye form listed on the Commercial Building Submittal Guide (rev. 2024) and Permit Center References page
• OptionalSpecial Inspection CertificateRequired if the project has adhered veneer, spray-applied fireproofing, intumescent coating, or similar special-inspection items (Commercial Building Checklist, 2021)

Fee schedule

Requirements

• A completed Permit Application, Landlord approval (or a rental lease agreement), payment of plan review fees, and complete construction drawings are required (Tenant Improvement Checklist, 2021)
• Plans must be drawn to scale, include dimensions, a description of materials, and a description of the scope of work
• Elevation views of the exterior faces of the tenant space are required even when no exterior work is proposed, specifically to document that no exterior work will be done
• Non-Residential Energy Code Compliance (COMcheck) covering lighting, mechanical, and envelope is required
• Fire Sprinkler Systems and Fire Alarm Systems must be installed or modified under SEPARATE permits — relocating sprinkler heads or alarm devices due to new partitions requires its own permit, or a letter from an Arizona-licensed fire sprinkler/alarm contractor confirming no modification is needed
• Food service establishments require Maricopa County Department of Public Health approval; installation of grease traps/interceptors additionally requires Water and Sewer District and Health Department approval
• Health care and licensed care establishments may require Maricopa County Department of Public Health approval and/or an Arizona State license

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCity of Buckeye Building Permit Application, submitted via EnerGov CSS portal or email to permitcenter@buckeyeaz.gov
• RequiredLandlord Approval Letter or Lease AgreementConfirms the applicant, if not the building owner, is authorized to occupy/improve the tenant space (Tenant Improvement Checklist, 2021; also required for the subsequent Certificate of Occupancy per the Certificate of Occupancy Checklist, 2021)
• RequiredSite PlanLocation of the tenant space within the building shell, address, lot dimensions, distance between buildings, easements, setbacks, parking layout and ADA accessibility, dumpster/enclosure location (Tenant Improvement Checklist, 2021)
• RequiredElevation ViewsExterior faces of the tenant space; required even to show that no exterior work is proposed
• RequiredFloor PlanDrawn to scale, showing proposed use, ADA accessibility compliance, aisle widths/fixture plans, room names/use, and exit locations
• RequiredNon-Residential Energy Code Compliance (COMcheck)Lighting, mechanical, and envelope compliance documentation
• OptionalFraming PlanRequired when tenant framing work is proposed (work not increasing the footprint of the structure): material type/grade/design strength, span/spacing of beams/joists/rafters/sheathing, nailing schedules
• OptionalStructural CalculationsGravity and seismic calculations for new work, and/or to show the proposed use will not impose loads exceeding the existing building's structural capacity

Fee schedule