Chandler building permit requirements

City of Chandler Development Services Department — Building Safety

Verified 2026-06-29 · Source

10 permit types480-782-3000Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, except holidays; Walk-in plan review: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Department information

Address: 215 E. Buffalo St., Chandler, AZ 85225
Phone: 480-782-3000
Email: prod@chandleraz.gov
Office hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, except holidays; Walk-in plan review: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Website: Official site

Codes adopted

Arizona has no statewide building code for non-state buildings; codes are adopted locally. According to the International Code Council, codes are adopted locally in Arizona and are predominantly the I-codes, with different cities and counties choosing their own editions and local amendments. The Arizona State Fire Code (adopting the 2018 IFC) applies only to state and county buildings, public and private schools, and non-residential occupancies in areas without a locally adopted fire code — it does not establish a statewide residential or commercial building code floor. Each city and county adopts its own code editions independently, resulting in different I-Code years and amendment sets across jurisdictions. There is no state-mandated minimum edition; enforcement is entirely local. Always confirm the adopted edition and any local amendments with the specific jurisdiction before submitting plans.

2024 International Building Code (IBC) — adopted by Chandler City Council, Ordinance No. 5108; effective for plans submitted on or after July 1, 2025; Chandler amendments published in City Code Chapter 29, Article II (Ordinance No. 5108)2024 International Residential Code (IRC) — adopted by Ordinance No. 5108 (City Code Chapter 29, Article VI); effective July 1, 20252023 National Electrical Code (NEC) — adopted by Ordinance No. 5108 (City Code Chapter 29, Article III); effective July 1, 2025; Chandler's 2024 code set retains the 2023 NEC edition (not the 2024 NEC)2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) — adopted by Ordinance No. 5108 (City Code Chapter 29, Article IV); effective July 1, 20252024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — adopted by Ordinance No. 5108 (City Code Chapter 29, Article V); effective July 1, 20252024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — adopted by Ordinance No. 5108 (City Code Chapter 29, Article VII); effective July 1, 20252024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — adopted by Ordinance No. 5108 (City Code Chapter 29, Article VIII); effective July 1, 20252024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — adopted by Ordinance No. 5108 (City Code Chapter 29, Article IX); effective July 1, 20252024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) — adopted by Ordinance No. 5108 (City Code Chapter 29, Article X); effective July 1, 20252024 International Fire Code (IFC) — adopted by Ordinance No. 5108 (City Code Chapter 28); effective July 1, 2025

Permit types

Residential Building Permit (New Home / Addition / Remodel)

A building permit is required for new single-family residential construction, room additions, remodels, and most structural work in Chandler. Permit applications and plan submittals are submitted electronically through the Citizen Access portal (aca-prod.accela.com/CHANDLER/) or in person at 215 E. Buffalo St. Walk-in plan review is available Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–4:30 PM for residential additions and renovations. Building permit fees are valuation-based (ICC Building Valuation Data); plan review is 65% of the permit fee. Plans submitted on or after July 1, 2025 must comply with the 2024 I-Codes and 2023 NEC (Ordinance No. 5108).

Electrical Permit

Electrical work in Chandler is governed by the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) with Chandler amendments (Ordinance No. 5108, City Code Chapter 29 Article III). Electrical permits are required for most electrical work including panel upgrades, new circuits, service changes, and rewiring. A flat fee of $100.00 applies for residential electrical service upgrades of 400 amps or less. Minor residential work (1–2 branch electrical circuits along with minor gas or plumbing work) may qualify for a flat $100.00 miscellaneous fee. Like-for-like replacement of circuit breakers is exempt from permit per the Homeowner's Building Permit Manual.

Plumbing Permit

Plumbing work in Chandler is governed by the 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) with Chandler amendments (Ordinance No. 5108, City Code Chapter 29, Article IV). Plumbing permits are required for new plumbing installations, additions to, or modifications of existing plumbing systems. Like-for-like replacement of water heaters and water softeners is explicitly exempt from permit per the Homeowner's Building Permit Manual. Minor residential work combining 1–6 plumbing openings with minor gas or electrical work qualifies for a flat $100.00 miscellaneous fee.

Mechanical / HVAC Permit

Mechanical and HVAC work in Chandler is governed by the 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) with Chandler amendments (Ordinance No. 5108). Permits are required for new mechanical systems, additions to, or modifications of existing mechanical systems. Like-for-like replacement of furnaces and evaporative coolers is exempt from permit. Gas permits require a riser schematic showing all gas line runs, BTU ratings of all appliances, pipe sizes and types, and burial depth for underground lines.

Roofing Permit

A roofing permit is required in Chandler when re-roofing with a different material type (e.g., replacing asphalt shingles with concrete tile) or when replacing like material that already has two or more layers. Like-for-like replacement of roof coverings that does not increase the load on the structural frame is exempt from permit per the Homeowner's Building Permit Manual. Engineering analysis is required for changes to heavier roofing materials to confirm the existing roof assembly can withstand additional loads.

Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Permit

A residential solar photovoltaic system permit is required in Chandler for rooftop solar PV installations. The flat permit fee is $150.00 (Res. 4703, Fee Schedule §4.6.4(k)). A separate solar water heating system permit fee of $150.00 also applies to solar thermal installations. Apply through the Citizen Access portal or walk-in at 215 E. Buffalo St. All plans submitted on or after July 1, 2025 must comply with the 2023 NEC with Chandler amendments and the 2024 IBC/IRC.

Residential Pool / Spa Permit

All swimming pools and spas in Chandler require a permit except prefabricated pools less than 18 inches deep. The flat permit fees are $110.00 for a pool and $55.00 for a spa (Fee Schedule §4.6.4(d) and (e)). Engineering plans stamped and sealed by an engineer are required for all custom in-ground pools and spas; plans are required for pre-manufactured above-ground pools and spas. Pools must not occupy the front yard and cannot be built across a property line. The 2024 ISPSC with Chandler amendments governs pool construction. Chandler pool barrier requirements mandate a 6-foot exterior barrier; interior barriers may be 4 feet.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Chandler are permitted on any single-family lot where a single-family dwelling is the principal use, subject to Chandler City Code Section 35-2202.2. A maximum of one attached and one detached ADU is allowed per lot. An ADU may not exceed 75% of the gross floor area of the primary dwelling or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less. ADUs must use the same utility meters as the primary residence, have a separate and independent entrance, comply with front yard setbacks, and maintain minimum 5-foot rear and side yard setbacks. Exterior design must use stucco or EIFS wall cladding and a concrete tile roof with 4:12 slope (or match the primary dwelling's design). A building permit is required.

Fence / Wall / Retaining Wall Permit

In Chandler, fences not over 7 feet high do not require a building permit but all fences and walls require zoning clearance regardless of height. A building permit is required for fences over 7 feet high (prior Planning approval also required), retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top) unless supporting surcharge, and fences placed on top of retaining walls. Front yard maximum fence height is 3 feet; rear and side yard maximum is 7 feet. All fences must be maintained at least 3 feet from fire hydrants or utilities. 4-inch-thick masonry walls are not an approved system for retaining walls.

Demolition Permit

A demolition permit is required in Chandler for demolition of commercial or residential structures. The flat permit fee is $100.00 (Fee Schedule §4.6.4(a)). Apply through the Citizen Access portal or walk-in at 215 E. Buffalo St.

Tips & gotchas

Chandler adopted the 2024 I-Codes with the 2023 NEC (not the 2024 NEC) via Ordinance No. 5108. All plans submitted on or after July 1, 2025 must comply with these editions. Plans submitted before that date use the prior code set.
Like-for-like replacements that do NOT require a permit in Chandler: water heaters, water softeners, furnaces, pool/spa heating equipment, evaporative coolers, water treatment systems, circuit breakers, and roof coverings where the replacement roof does not increase the structural load (Homeowner's Building Permit Manual, Rev. 4/09/26, item 10).
All fences and walls require zoning clearance regardless of height — call the Planner of the Day at 480-782-3050 even for fences under 7 feet.
Working without a permit in Chandler results in doubled permit fees, potential Order to Comply, and possible required removal of non-compliant work at the homeowner's expense.
Chandler's pool permit ($110.00) and spa permit ($55.00) are low flat fees, as are the solar PV permit ($150.00) and demolition permit ($100.00) — these are not valuation-based.
HOA approval should be obtained before applying to the City — the City does not enforce HOA regulations and a city permit does not override HOA restrictions.
Inspection scheduling options: online at developmentpermits.chandleraz.gov/clics/, by phone IVR at 480-782-3100 (prior to midnight for next-day inspection), or by text to 844-281-3520.
Pre-Technical Site Plan Review is now required for any proposed subdivision, site plan development, new building, or substantial building addition — and is free of charge.
One-story detached accessory structures with a floor area not exceeding 120 sq ft and height not exceeding 7 feet do NOT require a permit.
ADUs must use the same utility meters as the primary residence; separate utility meters serving an ADU are not permitted under Chandler City Code 35-2202.2(e).

Sources & verification

Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.

Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Chandler building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.

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