Queen Creek building permits

Requirements

• Building permit required for all new single-family home construction within Town limits
• Plans must comply with the 2021 IRC and 2021 IBC as adopted by the Town of Queen Creek, effective for submittals on/after April 1, 2023
• Submittal via the Development Nexus / Accela Citizen Access online portal (aca-prod.accela.com/QC)
• Production homebuilders with an approved Standard Plan Review record ('Plan Review Approved' status) apply for a Standard Plan Permit, which clones the approved model plans rather than re-submitting a full plan set
• Standard Plan Permit applications require four separate uploaded documents: Site Plan, Water Sizing Worksheet, Master Community Permit Application, and Contractor Declaration
• Building permit fee is a Combination Permit charge (building + plumbing + electrical + mechanical together) computed from the Town's Fee Table against the greater of the ICC-derived Valuation Table or the applicant's declared valuation

Required documents

• RequiredPermit ApplicationTown of Queen Creek Permit Application, submitted via the Development Nexus / Accela Citizen Access portal
• OptionalMaster Community Permit ApplicationRequired for production/tract homebuilders using the Standard Plan Permit process
• RequiredSite Plan (Custom and Semi-Custom Homes)Town of Queen Creek Site Plan checklist for custom and semi-custom single-family homes
• RequiredWater Service Sizing WorksheetRequired supplemental form for water service sizing
• RequiredContractor DeclarationRequired supplemental form identifying the licensed contractor of record

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Permit explicitly required for: room additions, guest houses, garage additions, converting a garage to a living area, and remodeling (depending on project scope)
• Sheds, gazebos, pergolas, or ramadas exceeding 200 sq ft total aggregate area on-site require a permit; those at or under 200 sq ft aggregate do not
• Plans must comply with the 2021 IRC as adopted by the Town of Queen Creek
• Submittal via the Development Nexus / Accela Citizen Access online portal

Required documents

• RequiredPermit ApplicationTown of Queen Creek Permit Application, submitted via Development Nexus
• RequiredSite PlanShowing existing structure, addition footprint, and setbacks
• RequiredContractor DeclarationRequired supplemental form identifying the licensed contractor of record

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Permit explicitly required for additions or modifications to electrical systems, excluding fixtures
• Governed by the 2020 NEC as adopted by the Town of Queen Creek
• Stand-alone electrical permits are billed at 10% of the Fee Table amount plus a $20 administrative fee; plan review for a stand-alone electrical permit is billed separately at 65% of the applicable permit fee
• Apply via the Development Nexus / Accela Citizen Access online portal

Required documents

• RequiredPermit ApplicationTown of Queen Creek Permit Application (Electrical), submitted via Development Nexus
• RequiredContractor DeclarationRequired supplemental form identifying the licensed electrical contractor

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Permit explicitly required for water heater installations
• Governed by the 2021 IPC as adopted by the Town of Queen Creek
• Stand-alone plumbing permits are billed at 25% of the Fee Table amount plus a $20 administrative fee; plan review for a stand-alone plumbing permit is billed separately at 65% of the applicable permit fee
• Apply via the Development Nexus / Accela Citizen Access online portal

Required documents

• RequiredPermit ApplicationTown of Queen Creek Permit Application (Plumbing), submitted via Development Nexus
• RequiredContractor DeclarationRequired supplemental form identifying the licensed plumbing contractor

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Permit explicitly required for additions or modifications to air systems, excluding filters
• Governed by the 2021 IMC as adopted by the Town of Queen Creek
• Stand-alone mechanical permits are billed at 5% of the Fee Table amount plus a $20 administrative fee — the lowest percentage of the four trades; plan review for a stand-alone mechanical permit is billed separately at 65% of the applicable permit fee
• Apply via the Development Nexus / Accela Citizen Access online portal

Required documents

• RequiredPermit ApplicationTown of Queen Creek Permit Application (Mechanical), submitted via Development Nexus
• RequiredContractor DeclarationRequired supplemental form identifying the licensed mechanical/HVAC contractor

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Permit explicitly required for roofing work, per the Town's 'When is a Permit Required?' page
• Governed by the 2021 IBC/IRC roofing provisions as adopted by the Town of Queen Creek
• Flat fee of $150 covers the permit and 2 inspections
• Apply via the Development Nexus / Accela Citizen Access online portal

Required documents

• RequiredPermit ApplicationTown of Queen Creek Permit Application (Re-Roofing), submitted via Development Nexus
• RequiredContractor DeclarationRequired supplemental form identifying the licensed roofing contractor

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Solar energy systems explicitly require a permit per the Town's 'When is a Permit Required?' page
• An engineer's structural report for the mounting/racking is required ONLY if: (1) the system exceeds 5 lbs/sq ft distributed weight, OR (2) the system exerts a point load greater than 40 lbs, OR (3) the home is more than 35 years old
• Racking Configuration checklist document must be submitted as part of the plan set
• Flat fee of $375 covers the permit, one plan review, and two inspections for a standard single-family grid-tied system
• Apply via the Development Nexus / Accela Citizen Access online portal

Required documents

• RequiredPermit ApplicationTown of Queen Creek Permit Application (Solar PV), submitted via Development Nexus
• RequiredRacking ConfigurationTown of Queen Creek Plan Review Checklist detailing required racking/mounting configuration information
• RequiredContractor DeclarationRequired supplemental form identifying the licensed solar installation contractor

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Permit required for demolition of any structure, per the Town's 'When is a Permit Required?' page
• Fee varies by structure type: residential accessory structure and one/two-family dwelling are both $100; structures other than those categories are $200 per structure
• Demolition plan review is a flat $40, separate from the base demolition permit fee
• Apply via the Development Nexus / Accela Citizen Access online portal

Required documents

• RequiredPermit ApplicationTown of Queen Creek Permit Application (Demolition), submitted via Development Nexus
• RequiredContractor DeclarationRequired supplemental form identifying the licensed demolition contractor
• RequiredSite PlanShowing the structure to be demolished and other existing structures on the lot

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Permit explicitly required for fences and walls, per the Town's 'When is a Permit Required?' page
• Single-family open-style fences (e.g., rail or wire) are billed at a flat $98
• Single-family solid-style fences (any fencing that can divert water flow) are billed at a flat $198
• Subdivision perimeter fence/walls are billed at 40% of the Fee Table amount
• Fences/walls other than single-family are billed per the full Fee Table (valuation-based)
• A separate Fence/Wall Projects submittal guide document is published by the Town

Required documents

• RequiredPermit ApplicationTown of Queen Creek Permit Application (Fence/Wall), submitted via Development Nexus
• RequiredFence/Wall Projects checklistTown of Queen Creek submittal guide for fence and wall permit applications
• RequiredSite PlanShowing fence/wall location relative to property lines and setbacks

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Permit explicitly required for swimming pools and spas, per the Town's 'When is a Permit Required?' page
• Barriers are required for both above-ground and in-ground pools; acceptable methods include a 5-foot fence on three sides plus a motorized safety cover / self-closing-self-latching door / 4-foot house-side barrier, OR 5-foot fencing on all sides
• Pool barrier enclosures are billed separately, per the Fee Table based on valuation
• Governed by the 2021 International Pool and Spa Code as adopted by the Town
• A dedicated Swimming Pool Process (Residential) guide and Swimming Pool Projects checklist are published by the Town

Required documents

• RequiredPermit ApplicationTown of Queen Creek Permit Application (Swimming Pool/Spa), submitted via Development Nexus
• RequiredSwimming Pool Projects checklistTown of Queen Creek submittal checklist for swimming pool permit applications
• RequiredSite PlanShowing pool location, setbacks, and barrier/fence layout

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Permit required for the new/upgraded circuit and EVSE connection, governed by the 2020 NEC (including Article 625, Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System) as adopted by the Town of Queen Creek
• Stand-alone electrical permits are billed at 10% of the Fee Table amount plus a $20 administrative fee; plan review for a stand-alone electrical permit is billed separately at 65% of the applicable permit fee
• A dedicated branch circuit sized to the EVSE manufacturer's specifications is required; GFCI protection applies per NEC 625 where the EVSE is cord-and-plug connected
• Apply via the Development Nexus / Accela Citizen Access online portal
• If a panel/service upgrade is required, that scope may be combined with the electrical permit or filed as part of a Combination Permit

Required documents

• RequiredPermit ApplicationTown of Queen Creek Permit Application (Electrical), submitted via Development Nexus — no dedicated EV/EVSE application exists
• RequiredContractor DeclarationRequired supplemental form identifying the licensed electrical contractor

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building permit required for new commercial/industrial building construction Town-wide, reviewed against the 2021 IBC and Town of Queen Creek amendments
• Per the Town's Commercial/Industrial Project Submittal Requirements page: 'It is the owner's responsibility to obtain a permit by completing an application... submitted online along with the electronic site plans, building plans, specifications, and other applicable and required construction documents'
• Each building requires a separate application and building permit
• Electronic construction plans must be in PDF format, maximum plan size 36" x 48", drawn to scale; plans prepared by a registrant (Architect or Engineer) must contain a legible imprint of the registrant's seal and signature
• Cover sheet must include a code summary/list of design codes, description of the work covered, property description (legal description, street address, suite number), the Building Code Use/Occupancy designation, and a list of deferred items/special inspections if applicable, per Section 7.1.5 of the Town Building Code
• Applicant must provide an estimated construction valuation for the proposed work
• Fire sprinklers, fire alarms, and commercial kitchen hood fire suppression systems are explicitly NOT covered by this permit — per the Town's own page note, they 'require separate Fire permits'
• A Town of Queen Creek Business License is required before opening for business and must be displayed conspicuously on site (courtesy notice on the Town's Commercial Requirements page)
• Apply via the Development Nexus / Accela Citizen Access online portal

Required documents

• RequiredPermit ApplicationTown of Queen Creek Permit Application (single generic form with a 'PERMIT TYPE (Check one): RESIDENTIAL / NON-RESIDENTIAL' checkbox — there is no separate new-construction-specific application form), submitted via Development Nexus
• RequiredConstruction Documents (Site Plan, Building Plans, Specifications)Electronic site plans, building plans, specifications, and other applicable/required construction documents, combined per Development Nexus formatting rules; plans by an AZ-registered design professional must bear a legible seal/signature imprint
• OptionalSpecial Inspection CertificateRequired if special inspections apply: Sections A, B and C completed, bearing the seal/signature of the AZ-registered design professional and signed by the owner/agent, with all applicable special inspections checked to match the cover sheet
• RequiredContractor Declaration FormRequired prior to permit issuance; the declared Contractor License classification must allow the type and valuation of the proposed work

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Each tenant space requires a separate application and building permit
• Applicant must clearly indicate the suite or space to be occupied in the building (if applicable) and the type of business occupying neighboring suites, including Building Code Occupancy and Use if known
• Per the Town's Commercial Tenant Improvements page, the cover sheet's 'Work Covered' description must 'include a floor plan of the building depicting the tenant space for the proposed tenant improvement building permit and all occupied or unoccupied spaces in the building' — a requirement not stated on the new-construction Commercial Requirements page
• 'Only a licensed commercial contractor will be authorized to perform the construction work' — stated explicitly on the Commercial Tenant Improvements page and NOT repeated on the new-construction Commercial Requirements page
• Applicant must provide an estimated construction valuation for the tenant-improvement work
• Electronic construction plans must be PDF, maximum plan size 36" x 48", drawn to scale; plans by an AZ-registered design professional must bear a legible seal/signature imprint
• Fire sprinklers, fire alarms, and commercial kitchen hood fire suppression systems require separate Fire permits; for tenant improvements specifically, no fire-sprinkler submittal is required when adding or relocating 3 heads or fewer, per the Fire Sprinkler Submittal Requirements
• A Town of Queen Creek Business License is required before opening for business
• Apply via the Development Nexus / Accela Citizen Access online portal

Required documents

• RequiredPermit ApplicationTown of Queen Creek Permit Application (single generic form with a 'PERMIT TYPE (Check one): RESIDENTIAL / NON-RESIDENTIAL' checkbox — there is no separate tenant-improvement-specific application form), submitted via Development Nexus
• RequiredTenant Space Floor PlanFloor plan of the building depicting the proposed tenant space and all occupied or unoccupied spaces in the building — a document requirement specific to this permit type, not stated on the new-construction Commercial Requirements page
• OptionalSpecial Inspection CertificateRequired if special inspections apply: Sections A, B and C completed, bearing the seal/signature of the AZ-registered design professional and signed by the owner/agent
• RequiredContractor Declaration FormRequired prior to permit issuance; only a licensed commercial contractor is authorized to perform tenant-improvement construction work

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Permits are required for all new signs except as provided in Article 7 of the Zoning Ordinance (Zoning Ordinance Section 3.2.J.1)
• Alteration of sign faces by painting or overlay counts as construction of a new sign and requires a permit; touching up or repainting existing letters or symbols is maintenance/repair and does not require a permit (Zoning Ordinance Section 3.2.J.1)
• Per Zoning Ordinance Section 3.2.J.1, 'An application form and a site plan completed by a licensed sign contractor (the applicant), shall be submitted to the Development Services Department'
• Per Zoning Ordinance Section 7.4.A, building permits are NOT required for home occupation signs, temporary signs, or for minor repair or repainting of any permitted sign, unless otherwise provided in Article 7
• Per Zoning Ordinance Section 7.5.A, all temporary signs require a separate Temporary Sign Permit unless specifically exempted (A-frame and T-frame signs are allowed without permit for businesses in the Commercial, Industrial, Downtown Core, Office, Employment, and Public Facility or Institutional zoning districts, per Section 7.5.C.2.b)
• Both the property owner and the applicant must sign the Sign Permit Submittal Checklist; 'Anyone applying without authorization from the property owner(s) shall be subject to penalty under all applicable laws'
• Written consent of the owner of the building, structure or premises on which the sign is to be erected must accompany the application (Zoning Ordinance Section 7.4.B.4)
• Per Zoning Ordinance Section 7.4.D, every sign subject to a building permit must have affixed — visible from the adjacent grade, in letters not less than one inch (1") in height — the date of installation, the permit number, and the voltage of any electrical apparatus
• The Permanent Sign Permit Application states that permit applications expire after 180 days: 'An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of acceptance, unless such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued'
• Submittals missing any checklist item are considered incomplete and, per the Sign Permit Submittal Checklist, 'WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED'

Required documents

• RequiredPermanent Sign Permit ApplicationTown of Queen Creek Permanent Sign Permit Application (form version 'September 20, 2022 V1.0'), filed with Building Safety - Development Services. Captures general site information, construction & occupancy type, proposed use, total square footage, valuation of construction, and communication contacts (Owner / Applicant / Design Professional / General Contractor / Business Owner).
• RequiredSign Permit Submittal ChecklistCompanion checklist page bundled with the application PDF. Records sign type (Monument/Freestanding, Wall/Building-mounted, or Both), number of signs, illuminated vs. non-illuminated, valuation of sign(s), and height above grade for monument signs. Must be returned with the submittal.
• RequiredSign DesignsPer the Sign Permit Submittal Checklist, sign designs must indicate sign dimensions, sign copy, all materials and colors, method of construction and attachment to the building, and type of illumination (if any). Corroborated by Zoning Ordinance Section 7.4.B.2, which requires 'A scaled drawing indicating the dimensions of the sign, sign copy, all materials and the method of construction and attachment to the building'.
• RequiredElevationsPhotographs or scaled building elevations indicating the location of signs and the total street frontage or occupancy frontage for multi-tenant buildings.
• RequiredSite PlanSite plan indicating the location of sign(s) on the building. Zoning Ordinance Section 7.4.B.1 additionally requires the site plan to show the location of the sign in relation to nearby buildings, structures, right-of-way, easements and driveways.
• OptionalMonument/Freestanding Sign SupplementRequired only for monument/freestanding signs: location of sign(s) in relation to nearby buildings, structures, rights-of-way, property lines, easements and driveways, plus specifications, structural drawings, and foundation details.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Submit a minimum of 3 sets of all working drawings (both sprinkler and alarm submittals)
• For sprinklers: submit 3 sets of hydraulic calculations and manufacturer data sheets for all equipment, i.e. sprinkler heads and backflow preventer
• Acceptable paper size shall be limited to 24" x 36"
• Minimum scale shall be 1/8"; text height to be a minimum of 3/32"
• All submittals shall bear a dated review certification and signature of a minimum level III NICET certified engineering technician (CET) automatic sprinkler systems or an Arizona Registered Professional Engineer — the Town notes this 'shall not reduce the requirements required by the State of Arizona Board of Technical Registration for a registrant's seal'
• For fire alarms: include voltage drop calculations for each notification appliance circuit showing wire size, circuit current and voltage drop (optional if shown on plans)
• For fire alarms: include standby battery calculations for each control panel, sub panel, power booster, central station transmitter, and power supply
• For tenant improvements, no sprinkler submittal is required for adding or relocating 3 heads or less
• Deviations from approved plans will require approval from the fire code official
• Field inspection is required for both sprinkler and alarm systems
• Plan review fees are collected at the time of submittal

Required documents

• RequiredWorking Drawings (3 sets minimum)Minimum of 3 sets of all working drawings, maximum sheet size 24" x 36", minimum scale 1/8", minimum text height 3/32". Required for both fire sprinkler and fire alarm submittals.
• RequiredHydraulic Calculations and Manufacturer Data Sheets (3 sets)Fire sprinkler submittals only: 3 sets of hydraulic calculations plus manufacturer data sheets for all equipment, i.e. sprinkler heads and backflow preventer.
• RequiredNICET Level III / Arizona P.E. Review CertificationEvery submittal must bear a dated review certification and signature of a minimum level III NICET certified engineering technician (CET) for automatic sprinkler systems, or an Arizona Registered Professional Engineer.
• OptionalVoltage Drop CalculationsFire alarm submittals only: voltage drop calculations for each notification appliance circuit showing wire size, circuit current and voltage drop. The Town marks this optional if the information is shown on the plans themselves.
• RequiredStandby Battery CalculationsFire alarm submittals only: standby battery calculations for each control panel, sub panel, power booster, central station transmitter, and power supply.

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Zoning Ordinance Section 3.2.C.1: no person shall change the use of any structure or land until a zoning clearance has been obtained from the Development Services Department AND a building permit has been obtained from the Building Department
• Zoning Ordinance Section 3.2.L.1: no building shall be occupied or used (including change of use) until a certificate of occupancy has been issued by the Building Official
• Zoning Ordinance Section 3.2.C.4.b: the proposed building plan shall be in conformance with the land uses permitted in the zoning district in which the development project will be constructed
• Zoning Ordinance Section 3.2.C.5 (Validity): the building permit is valid for the use for which the zoning clearance was granted, as long as the use complies with applicable codes, provided that within six (6) months of issuance of the clearance a certificate of occupancy has been obtained; a new zoning clearance and any applicable fee are required for any approved project that did not commence construction within that six-month period
• Zoning Ordinance Section 3.2.L.2.a: the applicant shall submit the required materials with a request for final inspection, to the Planning Administrator
• Where the change of use involves physical work, the work is permitted under the Town's ordinary building/tenant-improvement track (see the commercial-tenant-improvement-permit entry) — including the requirement that each tenant space have its own application and building permit
• Fire sprinklers, fire alarms, and commercial kitchen hood fire suppression are permitted separately by Fire Prevention (see the fire-sprinkler-alarm-permit entry); a change to a higher-hazard occupancy commonly triggers those
• A Town of Queen Creek Business License is separately required before opening for business
• For a non-conforming use, Zoning Ordinance Section 2.7.C.1 permits a change of use only where the new use is a principal use permitted in the district, and the change is one-way — reverting to the former non-conforming use is not permitted
• Where the change of use is to a use requiring discretionary approval, a Conditional Use Permit may be required (Zoning Ordinance Section 3.5); the fee schedule prices Conditional Use at $250 + $30/acre + $50 fire review for residential and $1,000 + $30/acre + $50 fire review for commercial

Required documents

• RequiredPermit ApplicationTown of Queen Creek Permit Application — the Town's single generic form with a 'PERMIT TYPE (Check one): RESIDENTIAL / NON-RESIDENTIAL' checkbox, submitted via Development Nexus. There is no change-of-use-specific application form published by the Town.
• RequiredZoning ClearanceObtained from the Development Services Department. Zoning Ordinance Section 3.2.C.1 makes this a precondition to changing the use of any structure or land. Section 3.2.C.5 ties the building permit's validity to the use for which the zoning clearance was granted.
• RequiredCertificate of OccupancyIssued by the Building Official under Zoning Ordinance Section 3.2.L. Required before the building may be occupied or used following a change of use. The adopted fee schedule states a Certificate of Occupancy issued at the conclusion of all code required construction carries 'No additional charge (included with permit fee)'.

Fee schedule