This is PermitBase’s published record for El Mirage as of 2026-07-20. It has since been superseded — see the current record. A historical record reflects what PermitBase had verified at that time; it may not capture a real-world change the jurisdiction had made but PermitBase had not yet verified, and it includes any errors we later corrected. Snapshots are never edited retroactively.
El Mirage building permits
VerifiedEl Mirage, Arizona — as published 2026-07-20.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction, Additions, Accessory Buildings)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family dwelling construction, room additions, and accessory buildings (sheds, workshops, garages, pool houses, barns) over 120 sq ft in the City of El Mirage. Reviewed against the 2018 IRC and City of El Mirage amendments (effective July 1, 2023). Applications are submitted electronically through the ELM Online Permits portal (ci-elmirage-az.smartgovcommunity.com); as of January 2, 2024, all plans must be submitted electronically.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for new single-family dwelling construction and for accessory buildings (storage sheds, barns, pool houses, detached garages, workshops) unless the structure is a one-story detached accessory structure of 120 sq ft or less (which is exempt from a permit but must still meet zoning setback requirements)
- Plans must comply with the 2018 IRC and City of El Mirage amendments, including Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (115 mph wind, Exposure B; Seismic Design Category B; frost line depth 0 in; moderate-to-heavy termite potential; mandatory heating AND cooling per R303.10)
- Site Plan and construction plans required, detailing the full scope of work including structural, electrical, and plumbing information
- If electricity or plumbing will be installed in an accessory structure, additional permit fees apply
- Submittal via the ELM Online Permits portal (ci-elmirage-az.smartgovcommunity.com) — all plans must be submitted electronically as of January 2, 2024
- A non-refundable $150.00 application fee applies at submittal for accessory buildings and most residential permit types
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (ELM Online Permits)Submitted electronically via the ELM Online Permits portal (ci-elmirage-az.smartgovcommunity.com)
- RequiredSite Plan and Construction PlansLot dimensions, easements, setbacks, structure locations, and full scope of work including structural, electrical, and plumbing details
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fees Based on Value (BOV) — Valuation $1,000 or less | $75 flat | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section; final valuation set by the Building Official per the most current ICC Building Valuation Data or approved cost documentation |
| Fees Based on Value (BOV) — Valuation $1,001 to $999,999 | $100 base fee plus $6 per additional $1,000 of valuation | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
| Fees Based on Value (BOV) — Valuation $1,000,000 and above | $100 base fee plus $5 per additional $1,000 of valuation | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
| Permit Application Deposit (Commercial and Residential) | $150, non-refundable, due at submittal | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
| Building Plan Review | 65% of permit fee | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
| Certificate of Occupancy — Residential | $100 per house | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
Residential Addition / Garage Conversion / Patio Enclosure Permit
VerifiedRequired for garage conversions into livable space, carport or patio enclosures, and room additions to existing one- and two-family dwellings in El Mirage. Reviewed against the 2018 IRC as adopted and amended by the City of El Mirage.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required when converting a garage into a livable space or enclosing an existing carport or patio
- Plans must outline the full scope of work, including all room dimensions, window and door sizes/locations, and construction details
- If the converted space is used as a sleeping area, plans must include a smoke detector in the room
- Rooms must be accessible through the existing house; no exterior-only entrances are allowed
- Fees are based on the valuation of the project's square footage, plus a non-refundable $150.00 application fee
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (ELM Online Permits)Submitted electronically via the ELM Online Permits portal
- RequiredRoom Addition HandoutCity of El Mirage guidance document for garage conversions, carport/patio enclosures, and room additions
- RequiredSite Plan and Construction PlansRoom dimensions, window and door sizes, and construction/anchoring details
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fees Based on Value (BOV) | $75 flat (valuation $1,000 or less); $100 + $6/$1,000 of valuation ($1,001-$999,999); $100 + $5/$1,000 of valuation ($1,000,000+) | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
| Permit Application Deposit | $150, non-refundable, due at submittal | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
| Building Plan Review | 65% of permit fee | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
Electrical Permit (Panel Replacement/Repair)
VerifiedRequired for electrical repair or service panel change-outs in the City of El Mirage, governed by the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted and amended by the City.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required for an electric repair or service panel change-out
- Materials and installation must comply with the 2017 NEC as adopted and amended by the City of El Mirage
- Manufactured cut sheet for the new panel/equipment required at submittal
- Fees are based on the valuation of the project and are due at the time of permit issuance
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Electrical Permit Application (ELM Online Permits)Submitted electronically via the ELM Online Permits portal
- RequiredManufactured Cut SheetManufacturer specification sheet for the panel or electrical equipment being installed
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fees Based on Value (BOV) | $75 flat (valuation $1,000 or less); $100 + $6/$1,000 of valuation ($1,001-$999,999); $100 + $5/$1,000 of valuation ($1,000,000+) | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section; due at time of permit issuance for electric panel work |
| Permit Application Deposit | $150, non-refundable, due at submittal | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
Water Heater / Water Supply Line / Sewer Line Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation or replacement of water heaters, water supply lines, and sewer lines in the City of El Mirage, governed by the 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted and amended by the City.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plumbing permit required for installation or replacement of gas, tankless, or solar water heaters; installation of a new water supply line or repair/replacement of an existing line; and installation or repair of a sewer line
- Gas water heaters: upper and lower combustion air must be installed/maintained if in a closet or confined space; 1-inch clearance on the vent from combustible materials; maximum flex gas pipe length 36 inches with 1/2-inch minimum diameter
- Tankless water heaters must be installed per manufacturer instructions; gas sizing or electrical supply may require an upgraded line
- All water heaters: approved water heater pan with 1-inch drain line where required; T&P relief valve discharge pipe must discharge outside, not less than 6 inches above grade; isolation valve on the cold water line; garage installations must have the ignition source elevated; expansion tank required on all tank-type water heaters
- Water supply line: piping must be an approved material, minimum 12-inch burial depth, shut-off valve before entering the house, sized per the 2006 IRC/IPC, and a backflow preventer (vacuum breaker) at all exterior hose bibs
- Fees for water heaters are flat fees per the fee schedule; a non-refundable $150.00 application fee applies
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Plumbing Permit Application (ELM Online Permits)Submitted electronically via the ELM Online Permits portal
- RequiredManufactured Cut SheetManufacturer specification sheet for the water heater being installed
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater (flat fee per fee schedule) | Flat fee — see FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule states fees for water heaters are flat fees; Show full citationHideCity of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule states fees for water heaters are flat fees; specific dollar figure for the water-heater line item was not separately legible in the extracted Building Safety fee table beyond the general BOV categories — confirm exact flat amount with Development Services at 623-972-8116 before applying |
| Water Supply Line / Sewer Line Repair (Based on Value) | $75 flat (valuation $1,000 or less); $100 + $6/$1,000 of valuation ($1,001-$999,999); $100 + $5/$1,000 of valuation ($1,000,000+) | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
| Permit Application Deposit | $150, non-refundable, due at submittal | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
Heating & Air Conditioning Repair or Replacement Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs to mechanical (HVAC) systems in the City of El Mirage, governed by the 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) as adopted and amended by the City. El Mirage's IRC amendments mandate both heating AND cooling capability in every dwelling unit.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Mechanical permit required for additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs to a mechanical system, conforming to the 2018 IMC as adopted by the City of El Mirage
- Every dwelling unit must maintain heating AND cooling capable of a minimum 68-70°F and maximum 90°F at 3 ft above floor / 2 ft from exterior walls (IRC R303.10, as amended) — portable heaters/coolers do not satisfy this requirement
- Appliances must remain accessible for inspection, service, repair, and replacement without removing permanent construction
- Minimum 1-inch clearance between Type B vent pipe and combustible surfaces
- Condensate from cooling coils/evaporators must be conveyed to an approved disposal point
- Refrigerant vapor (suction) line piping/fittings insulated with 3/4-inch pipe insulation
- Gas connections piped via an approved flex connector with an approved ball-valve-type shutoff
- Manufactured cut sheet required at submittal
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Mechanical Permit Application (ELM Online Permits)Submitted electronically via the ELM Online Permits portal
- RequiredManufactured Cut SheetManufacturer specification sheet for the HVAC equipment being installed
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fees Based on Value (BOV) | $75 flat (valuation $1,000 or less); $100 + $6/$1,000 of valuation ($1,001-$999,999); $100 + $5/$1,000 of valuation ($1,000,000+) | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
| Permit Application Deposit | $150, non-refundable, due at submittal | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
Fence and Retaining Wall Permit
VerifiedUnlike many peer Arizona cities, the City of El Mirage requires a permit for a fence of ANY type or height, and for retaining walls over 24 inches — the standard IBC/IRC no-permit exemptions for shorter fences and lower retaining walls were expressly struck out by City of El Mirage local amendment.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- A permit is required for the construction of a new fence or replacement fence made of ANY type of material — El Mirage's amendment to IBC/IRC 105.2 deletes the base code's exemption for fences not over 7 feet high
- A permit is required for retaining walls over 24 inches (2 feet) in height — El Mirage's amendment deletes the base code's exemption for retaining walls not over 4 feet high, imposing a stricter, lower 24-inch threshold
- Retaining walls 24 to 48 inches in height require plans showing how the wall and footings will be constructed; walls 4 feet (48 inches) or more require an engineered design with sealed, signed structural calculations
- Site Plan with dimensions indicating fence/wall location and length required; a Neighboring Property Owner Authorization Form (notarized/completed by the adjoining property owner) is required for fences
- Fees for fences are based on the valuation of the linear feet of the project; fees for retaining walls are based on valuation; a non-refundable $150.00 application fee applies to both
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (ELM Online Permits)Submitted electronically via the ELM Online Permits portal
- RequiredNeighboring Property Owner Authorization FormMust be completed and notarized by the owner of the neighboring property for fence permits
- OptionalBlock Wall Masonry Fence HandoutCity of El Mirage guidance document for masonry block wall fences
- RequiredSite PlanDimensions indicating fence/wall location and length, or retaining wall location and height
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence (Based on Value, per linear feet) | Valuation-based, see FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule BOV table | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule; City's Residential Property Improvements page confirms 'Fees are based on the valuation of the linear feet of the project' |
| Retaining Wall (Based on Value) | $75 flat (valuation $1,000 or less); $100 + $6/$1,000 of valuation ($1,001-$999,999); $100 + $5/$1,000 of valuation ($1,000,000+) | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
| Permit Application Deposit | $150, non-refundable, due at submittal | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of any solar photovoltaic system that ties into the electrical grid in the City of El Mirage. Reviewed against the 2017 NEC as adopted and amended by the City, using dedicated PV System Permit Requirement and Inspection Checklists.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for installation of any solar photovoltaic system that ties into the electrical grid
- Site Plan showing the location of the system on the roof or in the yard
- Standard plans stamped by a registered State of Arizona engineer or architect
- PV System Permit Requirement Checklist and PV System Inspection Checklist components must be submitted with the Building Permit Application
Required documents
- RequiredPV System Permit Requirement ChecklistCity of El Mirage checklist detailing required submittal components for solar PV permits
- RequiredPV System Inspection ChecklistCity of El Mirage checklist detailing inspection requirements for solar PV systems
- RequiredSite Plan and Stamped PlansSite plan showing system location, plus standard plans stamped by an Arizona-registered engineer or architect
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fees Based on Value (BOV) | $75 flat (valuation $1,000 or less); $100 + $6/$1,000 of valuation ($1,001-$999,999); $100 + $5/$1,000 of valuation ($1,000,000+) | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section — no separately itemized flat PV fee was found in the Building Safety fee table; solar PV is billed under the general valuation-based (BOV) fee structure |
| Permit Application Deposit | $150, non-refundable, due at submittal | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit (Billed as General Electrical Permit)
VerifiedRequired for installation of a Level 2 (or higher) electric vehicle charger/EVSE in the City of El Mirage, governed by the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted and amended by the City. El Mirage has no dedicated EV-charger permit type, fee line, or checklist (unlike its dedicated PV System Permit Requirement Checklist for solar) — the City's own Residential Property Improvements page does not list EV chargers as a distinct improvement category, and the FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule has no EV-specific line item. An EV charger circuit is billed under the same Fees Based on Value (BOV) electrical permit schedule used for panel replacement/repair and other electrical work.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required for the EV charger circuit installation, same as for other electrical repair/panel work
- Materials and installation must comply with the 2017 NEC (Article 625, Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System) as adopted and amended by the City of El Mirage
- Manufactured cut sheet for the EVSE unit/equipment required at submittal, following the same practice as panel/equipment permits
- Fees are based on the valuation of the project (BOV) and are due at the time of permit issuance
- No dedicated EV-charger checklist was found published — unlike the City's dedicated PV System Permit Requirement Checklist for solar, EV chargers are not called out as their own improvement category
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Electrical Permit Application (ELM Online Permits)Submitted electronically via the ELM Online Permits portal
- RequiredManufactured Cut SheetManufacturer specification sheet for the EVSE/charging equipment being installed
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fees Based on Value (BOV) | $75 flat (valuation $1,000 or less); $100 + $6/$1,000 of valuation ($1,001-$999,999); $100 + $5/$1,000 of valuation ($1,000,000+) | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section; no EV-charger-specific line item exists, so this general valuation-based electrical fee table applies, the same one used for panel replacement/repair |
| Permit Application Deposit | $150, non-refundable, due at submittal | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of any building or structure larger than 120 sq ft in the City of El Mirage. Requires coordination with Maricopa County Air Quality (asbestos/dust control) and Arizona 811 utility locating prior to work.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for demolition of any building or structure larger than 120 sq ft
- Site Plan required showing street address, lot number, parcel number, all lot dimensions/property lines, adjacent streets labeled, structures to be demolished vs. retained clearly marked, dumpster and construction fence location, and the location of all gas/water meters, sewer lines, and underground electrical lines
- A haul permit is required for debris in excess of 500 cubic yards (contact El Mirage Engineering)
- Commercial demolitions require proof of ownership; all permits for commercial, tenant improvement, residential, and factory-built structures shall include required ownership documentation
- Disturbed areas larger than 1/10 acre (4,356 sq ft) must comply with Maricopa County dust control requirements
- Contractor information required: property owner may act as their own contractor only if the property is not a rental
- Notice must be given to adjacent property owners ten days prior to work (exceptions apply)
- Construction fencing 42 inches in height required to protect the site and public during demolition
- A temporary site address sign visible from the street must be posted
- Arizona 811 must be contacted to locate utilities prior to any digging or utility disconnection
- All utilities must be terminated/located at the property line before demolition begins
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (ELM Online Permits)Submitted electronically via the ELM Online Permits portal
- RequiredSite PlanDetailed plan per the City's Demolitions submittal requirements (address, lot/parcel number, dimensions, structures, utilities, dumpster/fence location)
- OptionalContractor Guidelines for Demolition (PDF)City of El Mirage guidance document for demolition contractors
- OptionalDemolition Requirements Owner Builder (PDF)City of El Mirage guidance for owner-builder demolition projects
- OptionalDust Control Pamphlet (PDF)City of El Mirage guidance referencing Maricopa County dust control compliance
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition — Assessor Structures, per structure | $25 per building | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section; the City's Residential Property Improvements page separately states demolition fees range '$25-$200 each' by structure type |
| Demolition — Single Family Dwelling, per house | $150 | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
| Demolition — Commercial Building, per building | $200 | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
| Permit Application Deposit | $150, non-refundable, due at submittal | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
Swimming Pool / Spa Permit
VerifiedRequired for new swimming pools and spas with a depth of 18 inches or more in the City of El Mirage. Requires an engineer-stamped pool design, a notarized Pool Affidavit, and compliance with Arizona pool barrier requirements.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Applies to all new swimming pools and spas with a depth of 18 inches or more
- Site Plan with dimensions indicating the location of the pool, including setback dimensions, required
- Engineer-stamped set of pool standards or design plans required
- Notarized Pool Affidavit required with all pool submittals
- Must comply with ARS Title 36 (§ 36-1681 et seq.) pool barrier requirements
- Fees for pools and spas are flat fees per the fee schedule; a non-refundable $150.00 application fee applies
Required documents
- RequiredPool AffidavitMust be notarized and included at submittal for all pool permit applications
- RequiredARS Pool Barrier Requirements ReferenceCity-published reference to Arizona statutory pool barrier requirements
- RequiredEngineer-Stamped Pool Design PlansPool standards or design plans stamped by a registered engineer
- OptionalPool Inspections ChecklistCity of El Mirage handout describing pre-gunite and pre-plaster inspection expectations
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming Pool / Spa (flat fee per fee schedule) | Flat fee — see FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule | City's Residential Property Improvements page confirms 'Fees for pool and spas are flat. Show full citationHideCity's Residential Property Improvements page confirms 'Fees for pool and spas are flat. See fee schedule.' — specific dollar figure was not separately legible as an itemized pool/spa line in the extracted Building Safety fee table; confirm exact flat amount with Development Services at 623-972-8116 before applying |
| Permit Application Deposit | $150, non-refundable, due at submittal | City of El Mirage FY25-26 Adopted Fee Schedule, Building Safety section |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-06.
Fee schedules
Online permit portal
Codes & ordinances
Department & other records
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 El Mirage building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.