Do I need a permit to remodel or add onto my Phoenix home?

Yes for most work. Phoenix requires a residential construction permit when existing homes are remodeled or additions are made — including garage/carport conversion, porch enclosure, patio cover, partial/interior demolition as part of a remodel, and fences/walls. (Whole-structure demolition has its own Demolition Permit.) Minor work may be issued over the counter; otherwise plans are routed for review. Source: City of Phoenix Residential Additions and Remodels page, phoenix.gov.

Residential Addition / Remodel Permit in Phoenix, Arizona

Required when existing homes are remodeled or additions are made. Examples include garage/carport construction or conversion, porch enclosure, partial/interior demolition done as part of a remodel, patio cover, and a fence or wall. (Whole-structure demolition is permitted separately — see the Demolition Permit.) The customer submits two sets of building plans to the residential permit counter along with a completed Residential Construction Permit / Plan Review Application. If the proposed work is minor, an over-the-counter permit may be possible; otherwise review fees are collected and plans are routed for review. The permit is issued after plans are approved and fees are paid.

Verified 2026-06-29 · Source

When you need this permit

Submit two sets of building plans to the residential permit counter with a completed Residential Construction Permit / Plan Review Application
Staff reviews the submittal for completeness; minor work may be issued over the counter, otherwise review fees are collected and plans are routed for review
A plot plan is required for additions (Residential Addition Plot Plan Review applies)
Grading and drainage or hillside permits, if required, must be obtained before issuance of the building permit
See the Residential Single Family Construction Permit Guide for the detailed list of construction that requires a permit

Required documents

Req
Residential Construction Permit / Plan Review Application (TRT/DOC/00030)
Universal residential application used for additions and remodels; available on the PDD Residential Applications & Checklists page
Req
Plot Plan (TRT/DOC/00285)
Plot/site plan; required for additions and where the work affects the building footprint

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Building permit — valuation-based (Table A)	Same valuation-based Table A as new construction: e.g. $1,001–$10,000 = $195 on first $1,000 plus $12 per additional $1,000; $10,001–$50,000 = $303 on first $10,000 plus $10 per additional $1,000. $1–$1,000 = $195 base fee (or $98 minimum for residential water heaters and fences).	PDD Fee Schedule, Table A (Ordinance G-7465, effective 1/20/2026, Appendix A.2).
Plan review — Residential Addition Plot Plan Review	$195 per hour, minimum $98 (1/2-hour)	PDD Fee Schedule — Building Safety Plan Review Fees, Plot Plan Review (Ordinance G-7465)
Plan review — General Plan Review (residential)	100% of the permit fee, minimum $195 (1-hour) for valuations of $50K or less; 80% of the permit fee, minimum $195 for valuations over $50K (where valuation exceeds $5,000 and review is required)	PDD Fee Schedule — Building Safety Plan Review Fees. Project valuation under $5,000 with a counter review of 15 minutes or less = no plan review fee.

Review timeline

~5–20 business days

Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Phoenix building department

Inspection process

1
Pre-pour / footing (if foundation work)
For additions involving new foundation: underground plumbing/electrical, rebar, hold-downs, footing depth/width, and UFER grounding before concrete is poured
2
Rough trades / framing
Rough plumbing, mechanical, and electrical, and framing (strap & brace) inspected before insulation and drywall
3
Final
All work complete per approved plans; fixtures, devices, smoke detectors, and equipment inspected at final

Tips

Minor remodel work may qualify for an over-the-counter permit at the residential permit counter.
Many common projects (garage conversion, porch enclosure, patio cover, fence/wall) require a permit — consult the Residential Single Family Construction Permit Guide before assuming a project is exempt.
Grading/drainage or hillside permits, if required, must be obtained before the building permit is issued.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remodel or add onto my Phoenix home?: Yes for most work. Phoenix requires a residential construction permit when existing homes are remodeled or additions are made — including garage/carport conversion, porch enclosure, patio cover, partial/interior demolition as part of a remodel, and fences/walls. (Whole-structure demolition has its own Demolition Permit.) Minor work may be issued over the counter; otherwise plans are routed for review. Source: City of Phoenix Residential Additions and Remodels page, phoenix.gov.

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 Phoenix building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.

Other permits in Phoenix

Residential Building Permit (New Home / Custom Residence)Commercial / Multifamily Building Permit Electrical Permit Plumbing Permit (incl. Water Heater)Mechanical / HVAC Permit Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit — SolarAPP+Residential Pool / Spa Permit Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit Fence and Retaining Wall Permit Demolition Permit

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