This is PermitBase’s published record for Fountain Hills as of 2026-07-06. It has since been superseded — see the current record.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.
Fountain Hills building permits
VerifiedFountain Hills, Arizona — as published 2026-07-06.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
Arizona has NO statewide mandatory building code floor for general construction — code adoption is a per-municipality authority under state enabling statutes (A.R.S. Title 9). The Town of Fountain Hills independently adopts and administers its own construction codes through its Building Safety Division, a work unit within the Planning and Zoning Department; it does not defer permitting to Maricopa County. Source: Town of Fountain Hills Building Safety page (fountainhillsaz.gov/204/Building-Safety).2024 International Building Code (IBC), as published by the International Code Council, adopted by reference with Town of Fountain Hills amendments (Ordinance No. 25-06, repealing and replacing Town Code Chapter 7, Buildings and Building Regulations). Effective for all building permit applications received on or after September 1, 2025. Source: Town of Fountain Hills Adopted Codes page (fountainhillsaz.gov/208/Adopted-Codes); Ordinance No. 25-06 (fountainhillsaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12020).2024 International Residential Code (IRC) for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, with Appendix G, adopted by reference with Town amendments, effective September 1, 2025. Source: Adopted Codes page; Ordinance No. 25-06.2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC), adopted by reference, effective September 1, 2025. Source: Adopted Codes page; Ordinance No. 25-06.2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC), adopted by reference, effective September 1, 2025. Source: Adopted Codes page; Ordinance No. 25-06.2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), adopted by reference, effective September 1, 2025. Source: Adopted Codes page.2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), as published by the National Fire Protection Association, adopted by reference (one edition behind the 2024 ICC set, consistent with the statewide pattern of NEC lagging one cycle). Effective September 1, 2025. Source: Adopted Codes page; Ordinance No. 25-06.2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), adopted by reference with Town amendments (IRC Section N1103.10.3 / R403.10.3 'Covers' deleted). Effective September 1, 2025. Source: Adopted Codes page; Ordinance No. 25-06.2024 International Fire Code (IFC), adopted by reference as the Town of Fountain Hills Fire Code, with extensive Town amendments including Appendix P (Control and Suppression of Hazardous Fire Areas) and Appendix Q (Fountain Hills Fire-Related Incidents Citation Program) added; administered by the Fire Marshal / Fire Code Official. Note: the Town's residential fire-sprinkler requirement is preserved from the 2006 IFC as amended and adopted April 17, 2008, regardless of which edition of the Fire Code is otherwise in force. Effective September 1, 2025. Source: Adopted Codes page; Ordinance No. 25-06.2024 International Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code (ISPSC), adopted by reference with Town amendments (barrier height/clearance provisions amended). Effective September 1, 2025. Source: Adopted Codes page; Ordinance No. 25-06.1997 Uniform Administrative Code, amended to adopt in part only — Section 304 and the referenced Tables 3-A through 3-H — solely for the purpose of determining fees. Source: Adopted Codes page.1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, as published by the International Conference of Building Officials, adopted by reference with a Town amendment adding a definition for structures with construction cessation exceeding one year. Source: Adopted Codes page; Ordinance No. 25-06.Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Standard Specifications and Uniform Details for Public Works Construction, adopted by reference for engineering/public-works construction. Source: Adopted Codes page; Ordinance No. 25-06.Removing Solar Equipment procedure/amendment, published separately by Building Safety. Source: fountainhillsaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12635.NOTE: A prior 2018 I-Codes / 2017 NEC adoption cycle (as reflected in older third-party directories) has been superseded — the Town Council adopted the 2024 code suite effective September 1, 2025 per Ordinance No. 25-06. Plans submitted on or after that date must use the 2024-cycle codes. Source: Adopted Codes page (fountainhillsaz.gov/208/Adopted-Codes), which explicitly states this notice.
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Additions)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family and two-family dwelling construction and building additions in the Town of Fountain Hills. Reviewed against the 2024 IRC and Town of Fountain Hills amendments (Ordinance No. 25-06), effective for submittals on/after September 1, 2025. Applications are submitted exclusively through T.O.P.P.S., the Town's Citizenserve-hosted online permitting portal.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for new single-family/two-family dwelling construction and additions within Town limits
- Plans must comply with the 2024 IRC and Town of Fountain Hills amendments (Ordinance No. 25-06), including Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (105 mph wind; Seismic Design Category B; 34°F winter design temperature; 0 psf ground snow load; moderate-to-heavy termite potential)
- Automatic fire sprinklers are required throughout the entire new dwelling, including garages and carports, per the Town's amended IFC Section 903.2 (Ordinance No. 25-06) — plans must be submitted separately for the fire sprinkler system and noted on the house plans
- Engineering (lateral analysis for shear, retaining and gravity where required) must be sealed, signed and dated by an architect or engineer registered in the State of Arizona
- Submittal exclusively via T.O.P.P.S. (Town's Online Permitting and Planning System), a Citizenserve-hosted portal — no paper/walk-in applications accepted
- Full square-footage summary required (livable, garage, covered patios/porches, storage, mechanical), plus site plan, floor plan, foundation/floor/wall/roof framing details, and an energy-code compliance path (prescriptive, performance, or full RES-Check)
Required documents
- RequiredTown of Fountain Hills One and Two Family Residential 2024 IRC Plan Submittal ChecklistOfficial Town checklist covering site plan, square footage summary, engineering, foundations, floor/wall/roof framing, energy efficiency (IECC Table), mechanical (Manual J), fuel gas, plumbing, and electrical submittal requirements
- RequiredT.O.P.P.S. ApplicationFiled through the Citizenserve-hosted Town's Online Permitting and Planning System portal
- RequiredSite/Plot PlanLot dimensions, easements, setbacks, structure locations, and correct/complete address and legal description
- RequiredConstruction Drawings and Structural CalculationsSealed, signed and dated by an Arizona-registered architect or engineer where lateral, retaining, or gravity engineering is required
- RequiredFire Sprinkler PlansSubmitted separately from the building plan set per Town Fire Code amendment; house plans must note that fire sprinklers are required
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Family Homes & Additions — Livable Area with A/C | $0.73 per square foot | Includes Permit and Plan Review. Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027, Building Fees section. |
| Single Family Homes & Additions — Covered Area (Garage and/or Patio, non-A/C) | $0.55 per square foot | Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027. |
| Landscape Deposit | $2,500.00 refundable deposit | Required for Certificate of Occupancy if landscaping is not yet installed; refundable upon Town approval within 6 months. Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027. |
| Single-Family Residential Development Impact Fee | $8,816.00 per dwelling | Separate from building permit/plan review fee; split among Parks & Recreation, Fire, and Streets funds. Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027. |
| Residential Automatic Sprinkler System Plan Review/Inspection | $340.00 for up to 4,400 sq ft, then $0.08 per sq ft thereafter | Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027, Fire Fees section — mandatory given the Town's sprinkler-in-all-new-construction amendment. |
| Plan Review Add-On (After 3rd Review) | 50% of Building Permit/Plan Review Fee | Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027. |
| Permit Extension — Residential new construction/additions | $460.00 per extension | If Town has all records and project is within current code cycle. Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027. |
| Penalty for failure to obtain a building permit | 100% of Building Permit/Plan Review Fee | Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027. |
Residential Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for remodels and alterations to existing one- and two-family dwellings in Fountain Hills that are not full additions with new foundation. Reviewed against the 2024 IRC as adopted and amended by the Town (Ordinance No. 25-06).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for remodels and alterations affecting structural or life-safety elements
- Additions with new foundation are billed under the Residential Building Permit livable/covered-area rates rather than the remodel rate
- Detached accessory structures one-story and 120 sq ft or less do not require a permit (Ordinance No. 25-06 amendment to IRC/IBC 105.2), but zoning/setback rules still apply
- Plans must comply with Town of Fountain Hills Design Criteria (105 mph wind, Exposure per Table R301.2(1); Seismic Design Category B)
- Submittal exclusively via T.O.P.P.S. online portal
Required documents
- RequiredT.O.P.P.S. ApplicationFiled through the Citizenserve-hosted Town's Online Permitting and Planning System portal
- RequiredTown of Fountain Hills One and Two Family Residential 2024 IRC Plan Submittal ChecklistApplies to remodel scope affecting structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems
- RequiredSite/Plot PlanShowing existing structure and remodel/alteration footprint
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Family Remodel | $0.24 per square foot | Includes Permit and Plan Review. Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027, Building Fees section. |
| Single Family Remodel, non-A/C area | $0.15 per square foot | Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027. |
| Miscellaneous Plan Review or Inspection (1-hour minimum) | $115.00 per hour | Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027. |
| Permit Extension — Residential remodel only | $120.00 per extension | If Town has all records and project is within current code cycle. Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027. |
| Refund for cancelled Building Permit | 35% of building permit fee paid | Request must be made in writing within 180 days of original payment. Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027. |
Electrical Permit (Minor / One-Discipline)
VerifiedRequired for standalone electrical work such as panel repair, in the Town of Fountain Hills, governed by the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted and amended by the Town (Ordinance No. 25-06). Larger electrical scope tied to new construction or remodels is billed under those permit types instead.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required for panel repair and other standalone hard-wired electrical work not part of a larger building permit
- Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted by the Town of Fountain Hills
- One-Discipline Permit classification applies to standalone building, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work; a Combination Permit applies where multiple disciplines are involved in one minor scope
- Apply via T.O.P.P.S. online portal only
Required documents
- RequiredT.O.P.P.S. ApplicationFiled through the Citizenserve-hosted Town's Online Permitting and Planning System portal
- OptionalElectrical Load Calculation / One-Line DiagramRequired for service upgrades and panel work per Town electrical submittal practice
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical — Panel Repair (minor) | $150.00 | Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027, Commercial Building Fees section (also applied to comparable residential minor electrical scope as the Town's published one-discipline minor rate). |
| One Discipline Permit (building, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical) | $140.00 | Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027, Building Fees section. |
| Addendum | $115.00 per addendum | Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027. |
| Reinspection Fee | $170.00 per inspection | Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027. |
Plumbing Permit (Water Heater / Minor)
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installation, alteration, or repair such as water heater replacement/solar minor work in the Town of Fountain Hills, governed by the 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted and amended by the Town (Ordinance No. 25-06).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plumbing permit required for water heater replacement/solar (minor) and other standalone plumbing work
- Governed by the 2024 IPC as adopted by the Town of Fountain Hills
- Apply via T.O.P.P.S. online portal only
Required documents
- RequiredT.O.P.P.S. ApplicationFiled through the Citizenserve-hosted Town's Online Permitting and Planning System portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing — Water Heater Replacement/Solar (minor) | $140.00 | Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027, Commercial Building Fees section (published minor-scope rate; applied uniformly to comparable residential minor plumbing scope). |
| One Discipline Permit (building, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical) | $140.00 | Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027, Building Fees section. |
| Reinspection Fee | $170.00 per inspection | Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027. |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit (Minor Replacement)
VerifiedRequired for HVAC replacement in the Town of Fountain Hills, governed by the 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) as adopted and amended by the Town (Ordinance No. 25-06).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Mechanical permit required for HVAC replacement (minor) and other standalone mechanical work
- Governed by the 2024 IMC as adopted by the Town of Fountain Hills
- Apply via T.O.P.P.S. online portal only
Required documents
- RequiredT.O.P.P.S. ApplicationFiled through the Citizenserve-hosted Town's Online Permitting and Planning System portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical — HVAC Replacement (minor) | $140.00 | Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027, Commercial Building Fees section (published minor-scope rate; applied uniformly to comparable residential minor HVAC scope). |
| One Discipline Permit (building, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical) | $140.00 | Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027, Building Fees section. |
| Reinspection Fee | $170.00 per inspection | Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027. |
Solar Photovoltaic & Energy Storage Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop or ground-mounted residential solar photovoltaic systems and battery energy storage systems (ESS) in the Town of Fountain Hills. Governed by the Town's dedicated Solar Photovoltaic & Energy Storage Submittal Checklist (NEC 2023) and IRC R330 (energy storage).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- System must comply with NEC 2023 Article 690 (solar PV) and Article 706 (energy storage) as adopted by the Town of Fountain Hills
- Roof access/pathway requirements per IFC 1205: not fewer than two 36-inch-wide pathways from lowest roof edge to ridge on separate roof planes (or one on the street/driveway side), plus a ridge setback of 18 inches (arrays ≤33% of roof area) or 36 inches (arrays >33% of roof area)
- Rapid shutdown compliance required for rooftop systems per NEC 690.12
- One-line (single-line) diagram required showing PV array to battery storage, inverters, and main service panel; three-line diagram required if wire sizes/conduit/overcurrent protection/disconnects/grounding are not shown on the one-line
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (ESS) restricted to specific locations under IRC R330 — detached garages/accessory structures, attached garages separated from living space, outdoors 3+ ft from doors/windows, or fire-rated enclosed utility/storage spaces — and prohibited in sleeping rooms or closets/spaces opening into sleeping rooms
- Individual ESS units capped at 20 kWh; aggregate ESS capped at 40 kWh (utility closets/basements/storage), 80 kWh (attached/detached garages), or 80 kWh (exterior walls or outdoors on the ground)
- Structural load calculations (engineer-certified) required for roof-mounted systems; wind load compliance for attachment methods per local design criteria
- Apply via T.O.P.P.S. online portal only
Required documents
- RequiredSolar Photovoltaic & Energy Storage Submittal Checklist (NEC 2023)Official Town checklist covering site plan, system description, equipment cut sheets, one-line/three-line diagrams, array requirements (NEC Article 690), inverter/interconnection details, grounding/bonding, labeling, structural considerations, and battery/ESS requirements (NEC Article 706, IRC R330)
- RequiredT.O.P.P.S. ApplicationFiled through the Citizenserve-hosted Town's Online Permitting and Planning System portal
- RequiredEquipment Cut Sheets & Manufacturer SpecificationsData sheets for solar panels, inverters, charge controllers, and batteries
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Photovoltaic (Includes Permit and Plan Review) | $150.00 | Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027, Building Fees — Specialized Permits section. |
| One Discipline Permit (if applicable to scope) | $140.00 | Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027. |
Swimming Pool & Spa Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction of swimming pools and spas in the Town of Fountain Hills. Reviewed against the 2024 International Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code (ISPSC) as adopted and amended by the Town (Ordinance No. 25-06), including barrier/VGBA anti-entrapment requirements.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for any structure intended for swimming, recreational bathing, or wading that contains water more than 18 inches deep and/or more than 8 feet across
- Barrier top must be not less than 60 inches (Pool Checklist: 60 in. min / 72 in. max) above grade around the entire perimeter and 3 feet horizontally from the barrier
- Vertical clearance between grade and bottom of barrier not to exceed 2 inches (non-solid surfaces, e.g. grass/gravel) or 4 inches (solid surfaces, e.g. concrete)
- Barrier openings shall not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere; horizontal/vertical member spacing rules apply where barrier members are spaced less than 54 inches apart
- Pedestrian access gates must swing away from the pool, be self-closing, and self-latching, with specific release-mechanism height/setback rules
- All pumps, motors, drains, grates, return and suction fittings must comply with VGBA (Virginia Graeme Baker Act) anti-entrapment standards, with manufacturer cut sheets required
- Pool electrical panel location/ampacity, one-line drawing, and load calculations required; lighting cut sheets required to verify Dark Sky ordinance compliance
- Apply via T.O.P.P.S. online portal only
Required documents
- RequiredFountain Hills Pool Requirements & Pool ChecklistOfficial Town checklist covering site plan, barrier details/layout, engineering, electrical one-line/calculations/panel schedules, heater/pump/drain cut sheets, and VGBA compliance method
- RequiredT.O.P.P.S. ApplicationFiled through the Citizenserve-hosted Town's Online Permitting and Planning System portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pools & Spas Attached | $320.00 up to 450 sq ft, plus $0.72 per sq ft above 450 sq ft | Includes Permit and Plan Review. Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027, Building Fees — Specialized Permits section. |
| Stand Alone Spas | $140.00 | Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027. |
| Landscape Deposit | $2,500.00 refundable deposit | Required if landscaping is not installed at Certificate of Occupancy; refundable upon Town approval within 6 months. Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027. |
Fence and Retaining Wall Permit
VerifiedFences and retaining walls in Fountain Hills are regulated with a limited no-permit exception for very short fences and low retaining walls, and full permit/engineering requirements above those thresholds.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Fences not over 30 inches high do NOT require a building permit (Ordinance No. 25-06 amendment to IRC/IBC 105.2) — this is a materially lower no-permit threshold than many neighboring Maricopa County cities
- Retaining walls not over 2 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) do NOT require a permit, UNLESS the wall supports a surcharge (or, under the IBC amendment, impounds Class I/II/IIIA liquids)
- Retaining walls above the 2-foot threshold require structural calculations and a building permit
- Apply via T.O.P.P.S. online portal only
Required documents
- RequiredT.O.P.P.S. ApplicationFiled through the Citizenserve-hosted Town's Online Permitting and Planning System portal
- RequiredSite Plan and Structural CalculationsRequired for retaining walls exceeding the Town's 2-foot no-permit threshold or supporting a surcharge
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence Walls | $200.00 for first 100 linear feet, plus $2.00 per linear foot thereafter | Includes Permit and Plan Review. Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027, Building Fees — Specialized Permits section. |
| Retaining Walls | $300.00 for first 100 linear feet, plus $3.20 per linear foot thereafter | Town of Fountain Hills Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY2026-2027. |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-06.
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 Fountain Hills building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.