Commercial / Multifamily Building Permit in Mesa, Arizona
Required in Mesa for new commercial buildings, tenant improvements, alterations, changes of occupancy, multi-family residential developments, and new accessory structures over 200 sq ft. Submit electronically through the DIMES portal. Mesa reviews commercial plans within 18 working days (Monday–Thursday, holidays excluded). Expedited review (10 working days) and Super-Expedited review (5 working days) are available for an additional premium. A Self-Certification Program allows a registered professional to certify code compliance, expediting permit issuance to within 5 days.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
When you need this permit
- Apply through the DIMES online permit system; all submissions are electronic
- A permit is required for: new buildings; tenant improvements / alterations / modifications; changes of occupancy; building systems (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas); safety systems (fire sprinklers, alarms, hoods, ADA compliance); accessory structures; swimming pools; perimeter fences and entry gates; demolition; at-risk grading; after-hours work
- Required documents: Contractor Licensure Verification Form; fully dimensioned site plan; code data sheet with scope of work; architectural, structural, and engineer-sealed drawings; grading, drainage, and utilities plan (if applicable); electrical, plumbing, and mechanical plans
- If property is in a flood zone, obtain Maricopa County Flood Control District approval before applying for a Mesa permit
- Maricopa County Dust Control approval required for soil disturbance over 1/10 acre prior to Mesa permit issuance
- Permit applications received on or after January 8, 2026 must comply with the 2024 I-Codes
Required documents
- Req
Contractor Licensure Verification Form
Required prior to permit issuance; verifies contractor licensure per Arizona Registrar of Contractors
- Req
Fully Dimensioned Site Plan
Plot plan showing all property lines, new and existing buildings with distances to property lines, and utility right-of-way
- Req
Architectural, Structural, and Engineer-Sealed Drawings
Complete construction plans prepared by licensed design professionals; engineer-sealed where required
- Req
Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Plans
Trade-specific plans included in the plan set
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit — Commercial Rate Table (valuation-based) | $0–$8,333: $220; $8,334–$16,667: $330; $16,668–$24,999: $440; $25,000–$500,000: $500 plus $10/each $1,000 or portion thereof over $25,000; $500,000.01–$1,000,000: $5,250 plus $5/each $1,000 or portion thereof over $500,000; $1,000,000.01–$5,000,000: $7,750 plus $4/each $1,000 or portion thereof over $1,000,000; $5,000,000.01–$10,000,000: $23,750 plus $2/each $1,000 or portion thereof over $5,000,000; over $10,000,000: $33,750 plus $1/each $1,000 or portion thereof over $10,000,000 | Mesa Development Services Schedule of Fees and Charges (Dec 2025), Commercial Rate Table. Valuation = Building Area × current ICC Building Safety Journal $/sq ft. Fees include plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and all other work in the valuation (Mesa City Code § 4-1-8(J)). A 4% Technology Improvement Fee (capped at $800) is added to every permit fee. |
| Change of Occupancy Permit | Minimum $500; fee calculated same as Renovation Permit | Mesa Development Services Schedule of Fees and Charges — Change of Occupancy Permits section. A Change of Occupancy requires a new Building Permit regardless of the extent of construction. |
| Expedited Review Premium | Expedited (10 working days): 100% of total permit fee; Super-Expedited (5 working days): 200% of total permit fee | Mesa Development Services Schedule of Fees and Charges, Special Services — Expedited Projects. Super-Expedited requires prior approval from PermitServices@MesaAZ.gov. |
| Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (extensions) | Initial issuance (up to 30 days): No charge; next three months or portion (up to 30 days each): $500 per extension, or $20/day whichever is less; each month after the fourth: $1,000 per extension, or $40/day whichever is less | Mesa Development Services Schedule of Fees and Charges — Temporary Certificates of Occupancy section. |
Review timeline
18–18 business days
Mesa’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Inspections at each stage prior to concealment
Inspections are conducted at each construction stage. Approved inspections allow work to proceed; failed inspections require corrections and rescheduling. Schedule via DIMES, by text to 480-644-2428, or by phone. Inspection hours: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday–Friday.
- 2
Final Inspection / Certificate of Occupancy
Final inspection is conducted when all work is complete. A Certificate of Occupancy is automatically generated upon completion. A Certificate of Occupancy may also be required for a Change of Use even without physical construction.
Tips
- Mesa's commercial plan review turnaround is 18 working days (Mon–Thu) for regular review; 10 working days for Expedited (100% premium); 5 working days for Super-Expedited (200% premium, requires prior approval via email).
- The Self-Certification Program allows a registered professional to certify code compliance, reducing permit issuance time to within 5 days — see Self Certification Eligible Projects PDF on the Forms page.
- Permit-by-Inspection (PBI) is available for minor interior remodels for tenant improvements in specific occupancy groups.
- Annual Facilities Permits (AFP) are available for qualified facilities managing specialized buildings.
- A Change of Occupancy requires a new Building Permit even if no physical changes are made.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does Mesa take to review commercial permit applications?
- Regular review: 18 working days (Mon–Thu, holidays excluded). Expedited review: 10 working days (100% premium). Super-Expedited: 5 working days (200% premium, requires prior email approval from PermitServices@MesaAZ.gov). These are maximum timeframes and depend on workload. Source: City of Mesa Commercial Construction page.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.
- City of Mesa Development Services Department — Permit Services — official building department
- Commercial Construction | City of Mesa Development Services
- Development Services Schedule of Fees and Charges (Dec 2025) — PDF
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 Mesa building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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