Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family / Addition / Remodel) in Scottsdale, Arizona
A building permit is required for all construction work in Scottsdale including new single-family custom homes, additions, patio covers, carport enclosures, walls and fences, retaining walls, and accessory buildings greater than 200 sq. ft. Smaller residential remodels and additions under 500 sq. ft. (single story, no second-floor additions) may qualify for a Small Scope Review (SSR). All permit applications are submitted through the Scottsdale SPUR planning and permitting portal. Fees are square-footage-based, not valuation-based.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
When you need this permit
- Submit all permit applications through the Scottsdale SPUR portal (cityofscottsdaleaz-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice); create a SPUR account before applying
- Plans must comply with the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) with Scottsdale amendments (effective January 7, 2023) and the 2021 IECC energy code
- Use the 2021 IRC Building Code Plan Review Checklist (PDF published at scottsdaleaz.gov/codes-and-ordinances/building-codes) when preparing residential plans
- Small Scope Reviews (remodels/additions under 500 sq. ft., covered patio additions, carport enclosures, garage conversions, non-habitable accessory buildings under 1,000 sq. ft., and solar compliant with placement guidelines) may be submitted as SSR in SPUR
- Projects in FEMA (A) flood zones or Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL) zoning do not qualify for Small Scope Review and must be submitted for full plan review
- Detached non-habitable structures smaller than 200 sq. ft. in floor area do not require a permit but a site plan is required for a courtesy plan review
- Work completed without a permit is fined double the permit fee
Required documents
- Req
Application for Single Family Residential (Excludes Demo, Fire, Pools & Backflow Preventer)
Scottsdale's SFR permit application form; available on the Planning and Development Forms page
- Req
2021 IRC Building Code Plan Review Checklist
Checklist for residential plan submittals under the 2021 IRC; published on the Building Code Information page
- Req
2021 Residential Energy Compliance Certificate
Required for new homes and additions; available on the Building Code Information page
- Opt
Minor Addition / Remodel Submittal Packet
For single-story remodels and additions under 1,000 sq. ft.; available on the Permit Services page (PDF)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Family Custom (new home) — permit fee | $237 base fee + $0.94/sq. ft. (livable area with A/C) + $0.54/sq. ft. (covered area non-A/C) + $195 Certificate of Occupancy + $379 GIS fee | Permit Fee Schedule – Single Family Residential, Exhibit A, Resolution No. 13661 (FY 2026/27 effective July 1, 2026; same rates as FY 2025/26 Resolution No. 13391). Source: scottsdaleaz.gov/planning-development/fees. |
| Single Family Addition — permit fee | $237 base fee + $0.94/sq. ft. (livable area with A/C) + $0.54/sq. ft. (covered area non-A/C) + $195 Certificate of Occupancy + $379 GIS fee | Single Family Addition Less than 500 sq. ft. omits the Certificate of Occupancy and GIS fee. Source: Permit Fee Schedule – SFR, Resolution No. 13661. |
| Single Family Remodel — permit fee | $237 base fee + $0.94/sq. ft. × 30% (livable area with A/C) + $0.54/sq. ft. (covered area non-A/C). Remodel with roof modification: $237 base + $0.94/sq. ft. × 70% (livable A/C) + $0.54/sq. ft. (covered non-A/C) | Source: Permit Fee Schedule – SFR, Resolution No. 13661. |
| Plan review fee (Single Family Custom / Addition) | $0.54/sq. ft. (livable area with A/C) + $0.34/sq. ft. (covered area non-A/C) | Plan Review Fee Schedule – SFR, Resolution No. 13391 (current FY 2025/26). Note: Minimum permit projects (water heater, HVAC change-out, electrical minimum work) do not require a plan review. Source: scottsdaleaz.gov/planning-development/fees. |
| Re-inspection | $121 per re-inspection | Permit Fee Schedule – Miscellaneous, Resolution No. 13661. |
Review timeline
~5–20 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Scottsdale building department
Inspection process
- 1
Foundation inspection
When the excavation for footings is completed, with steel reinforcement in place, but before any concrete is placed.
- 2
Under-slab or under-floor inspection
When under-slab or under-floor plumbing, mechanical and/or electrical is installed, including the subfloor.
- 3
Masonry inspection
When required reinforcing steel is in place, but before grouting.
- 4
Roof deck — strap & shear wall
When all roof sheathing is nailed, straps and tie-downs are in place.
- 5
Framing inspection
When all walls, fire blocking, draft stops and fireplaces are completed and all electrical, plumbing and mechanical work are roughed in, but before any of this work is covered.
- 6
Insulation inspection
When insulation is in place, prior to installation of gypsum board.
- 7
Lath or gypsum board inspection
When all lath is in place, but before any plastering is applied.
- 8
Final inspection
When the building or construction is complete and all electrical, plumbing and mechanical fixtures are in place but before the structure is occupied. A Certificate of Occupancy is issued when all required inspections pass with no code violations.
Tips
- Scottsdale adopted the 2021 I-Codes effective January 1, 2023 (IRC effective January 7, 2023) — ensure your plans are designed to the 2021 editions.
- Small Scope Reviews (remodels/additions under 500 sq. ft., single story only) can be submitted online through SPUR with faster turnaround than full plan review.
- Work done without a permit is fined double the permit fee.
- Scottsdale's permit fees are square-footage-based, not valuation-based — the fee is calculated on livable (A/C) and covered (non-A/C) square footage, not project cost.
- Inspections are scheduled through the Scottsdale SPUR portal (projects after Jan. 6, 2026) or the legacy eServices portal (older projects).
Frequently asked questions
- How do I apply for a residential building permit in Scottsdale?
- All permit applications must be submitted through the Scottsdale SPUR planning and permitting portal. Create a SPUR account, then select 'Apply' and enter the permit type in the search field. Fees can be paid online or in person at the One Stop Shop (7447 E. Indian School Road). Source: City of Scottsdale Permit Services page, scottsdaleaz.gov.
- How are residential permit fees calculated in Scottsdale?
- Scottsdale uses a square-footage-based fee structure, not a valuation-based one. For a new single-family custom home: $237 base fee + $0.94/sq. ft. of livable (A/C) area + $0.54/sq. ft. of covered (non-A/C) area + $195 Certificate of Occupancy + $379 GIS fee. Source: Permit Fee Schedule – Single Family Residential, Resolution No. 13661 (effective July 1, 2026).
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.
- City of Scottsdale Planning and Development Services — official building department
- Permit Services | City of Scottsdale Planning and Development
- Building Code Information | City of Scottsdale
- Permit Fee Schedule – Single Family Residential (FY 2026/27, Resolution No. 13661) — PDF
- Plan Review Fee Schedule – SFR (FY 2025/26, Resolution No. 13391) — PDF
- Inspection Services | City of Scottsdale Planning and Development
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 Scottsdale building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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