You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-06-29.
Surprise building permits
VerifiedSurprise, Arizona — as published 2026-06-29.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Custom Home)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family dwellings and custom residences in Surprise. Applications are submitted online through the Permits & Applications Portal (Clariti/Oncamino); after initial approval, plans are uploaded and reviewed via ProjectDox. Permit fees are valuation-based: a flat $100 base fee plus $6 per each $1,000 of valuation up to $999,999.99 (then $5 per $1,000 beyond the first $1 million), plus an administrative processing fee of 0.50% of valuation (for the first $1 million). Plan review is 65% of the permit fee. Custom homes submitted on or after January 1, 2026 must comply with the 2024 I-Codes as locally amended.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
Requirements
- Submit the permit request online through the Permits & Applications Portal at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az; after approval, upload construction documents via ProjectDox
- Plans must comply with the 2024 International Residential Code (for one- and two-family dwellings) or 2024 IBC (for commercial/multifamily), with Surprise local amendments adopted under Ordinance 2025-14, effective January 1, 2026
- A licensed Arizona contractor is generally required; property owners building their own primary residence may qualify for an owner-builder permit under applicable Arizona law
- Permit is valid for 24 months from issuance; work must commence within 180 days of issuance; more than 180 days between inspections will void the permit
Required documents
- RequiredPermits & Applications Portal submission (Clariti/Oncamino)Initial permit request submitted at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az
- RequiredConstruction documents uploaded via ProjectDoxFull plan set (architectural, structural, MEP as applicable) uploaded to ProjectDox after Portal approval
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building/Fire Permit Fee — base + valuation tiers | Base: $100 per permit (Fee 1 of 3). Valuation $1.00–$999,999.99: $6.00 per each $1,000 of valuation (Fee 2 of 3). Valuation $1,000,000+: $5.00 per each $1,000 beyond the first $1,000,000 (Fee 3 of 3). | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. Valuation is determined by the City based on ICC Building Valuation Data. |
| Building Permit Administrative Processing Fee | 0.50% of valuation (for first $999,999.99); 0.052% of valuation beyond the first $1,000,000. | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
| Building/Fire/Landscape Plan Review Fee | 65% of the permit fee | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. Applied per permit. |
| Re-inspection | $100 per hour ($200.00 minimum) | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
| After-hours inspection | $100 per hour ($200.00 minimum); weekends/holidays/3rd shift: $100 per hour ($300.00 minimum) | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. Subject to availability; requires After Hours Inspection Form submitted to Development Center and fee paid prior to appointment. |
Residential Addition / Alteration Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions and alterations to existing single-family dwellings in Surprise, including room additions, garage conversions, patio covers, carports, and interior remodels. Permit exemptions include: one-story detached accessory structures ≤200 sq ft; fences ≤6 ft high; decks ≤200 sq ft at ≤30 inches above grade and not attached to the dwelling; re-roofing with the same material type (max 2 layers asphalt over existing asphalt). Applications are submitted online through the Permits & Applications Portal (Clariti/Oncamino) with plans uploaded via ProjectDox. Patio covers, awnings, and carports use a fee based on 50% of the ICC valuation per square foot rather than full valuation.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
Requirements
- Submit permit request through the Permits & Applications Portal at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az; upload plans via ProjectDox after initial approval
- All work must comply with the 2024 IRC / IBC and Surprise local amendments (Ordinance 2025-14, effective January 1, 2026)
- Fences not over 6 feet high are permit-exempt under Surprise's local amendment to IRC R105.2; fences over 6 feet require a permit
- Decks ≤200 sq ft, ≤30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving a required exit door are permit-exempt under Surprise's local amendment to IRC R105.2
- Re-roofing with the same type of material (and no more than two layers of asphalt shingles over existing asphalt shingles) does not require a permit
Required documents
- RequiredPermits & Applications Portal submission (Clariti/Oncamino)Initial permit request at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az
- RequiredConstruction documents via ProjectDoxPlans uploaded to ProjectDox after Portal approval; scope and complexity determine required plan set elements
- OptionalPatio Cover Handout (PDF)Surprise's guide for patio cover permit requirements, available on the Permits & Applications page
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building/Fire Permit Fee — valuation-based | Base: $100 per permit. Valuation $1.00–$999,999.99: $6.00 per each $1,000 of valuation. Patio covers/awnings/carports: 50% of cost per square foot of ICC valuation (per square foot of ICC valuation). | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
| Building Permit Administrative Processing Fee | 0.50% of valuation (for valuation up to $999,999.99) | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the permit fee | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
| Re-inspection | $100 per hour ($200.00 minimum) | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical work in Surprise beyond the code-permitted exemptions. Surprise adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) with local amendments, effective January 1, 2026. Permit-exempt electrical work under the Surprise local amendment to IRC R105.2 includes: replacement of receptacles or light fixtures in a dwelling that does not change the wiring (where the electric box is rated for the fixture weight); installation or replacement of a ceiling fan/light on an 'approved for fan support' box installed with a valid prior permit; installation or replacement of solar attic fans; installation or replacement of an electric circuit to a landscape timer. All other electrical work requires a permit submitted via the Permits & Applications Portal and ProjectDox.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
Requirements
- Submit permit through Permits & Applications Portal at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az with plans uploaded via ProjectDox
- All work must comply with the 2023 NEC and Surprise local amendments (Ordinance 2025-14, effective January 1, 2026)
- Permit-exempt under Surprise local IRC R105.2: replacement receptacles/light fixtures (no wiring change, box rated for fixture); ceiling fan/light on code-compliant box; solar attic fans; electric circuit to landscape timer
Required documents
- RequiredPermits & Applications Portal submission (Clariti/Oncamino)Initial permit request at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical permit — valuation-based | Base: $100 per permit. Valuation $1.00–$999,999.99: $6.00 per each $1,000 of valuation. Plus 0.50% administrative processing fee on valuation. | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. Electrical work is permitted under the standard valuation-based building/fire permit fee; no separate flat electrical fee table is published. |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the permit fee (where plan review is required) | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
Plumbing Permit (incl. Water Heater)
VerifiedRequired for plumbing work in Surprise beyond the code-permitted exemptions. Surprise adopted the 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) with local amendments, effective January 1, 2026. Permit-exempt plumbing work under the Surprise local amendment to IRC R105.2 includes: replacement of existing water heaters of the same size, type, and method of operation that were previously installed with a valid permit; hot water re-circulators; water softeners and soft water loops; solar pool/spa heating equipment installation or replacement; water filtration/purification systems; water lines for landscape irrigation. All other plumbing work, including new water heater installations (not in-kind replacements), new fixtures, or line replacements, requires a permit.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
Requirements
- Submit permit through Permits & Applications Portal at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az with plans uploaded via ProjectDox
- All work must comply with the 2024 IPC and Surprise local amendments (Ordinance 2025-14, effective January 1, 2026)
- In-kind replacement water heaters (same size, type, method of operation, previously installed with a valid permit) are permit-exempt under Surprise local IRC R105.2 Plumbing item 5
Required documents
- RequiredPermits & Applications Portal submission (Clariti/Oncamino)Initial permit request at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing permit — valuation-based | Base: $100 per permit. Valuation $1.00–$999,999.99: $6.00 per each $1,000 of valuation. Plus 0.50% administrative processing fee on valuation. | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. Plumbing work is permitted under the standard valuation-based building/fire permit fee. |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the permit fee (where plan review is required) | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for mechanical and HVAC work in Surprise beyond the code-permitted exemptions. Surprise adopted the 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) with local amendments, effective January 1, 2026. Permit-exempt mechanical work under the Surprise local amendment to IRC R105.2 includes: replacement of air-conditioning/heating equipment of equal or lesser size, same method of operation, placed in the same location as the existing equipment; replacement of gas AC, direct-vent equipment, or furnaces of equal or lesser BTU capacity placed in the same location. Work requiring a permit includes: new HVAC systems, ductwork modifications, equipment in new locations, and increases in capacity.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
Requirements
- Submit permit through Permits & Applications Portal at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az with plans uploaded via ProjectDox
- All work must comply with the 2024 IMC, 2024 IFGC, and Surprise local amendments (Ordinance 2025-14, effective January 1, 2026)
- In-kind HVAC replacement (equal or lesser size, same method, same location) is permit-exempt under Surprise local IRC R105.2 Mechanical/Gas exemptions
Required documents
- RequiredPermits & Applications Portal submission (Clariti/Oncamino)Initial permit request at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical/HVAC permit — valuation-based | Base: $100 per permit. Valuation $1.00–$999,999.99: $6.00 per each $1,000 of valuation. Plus 0.50% administrative processing fee on valuation. | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. Mechanical work is permitted under the standard valuation-based building/fire permit fee. |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the permit fee (where plan review is required) | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedA building permit is required for residential solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in Surprise. Surprise publishes a distinct three-part fee structure for solar PV permits: a Solar Admin Fee, Solar Plan Review Fee, and Solar Permit Fee. Applications are submitted through the Permits & Applications Portal (Clariti/Oncamino) with plans uploaded via ProjectDox. Plan review for residential solar takes approximately 4 working days for the first review. Surprise's local amendment to IRC R105.2 exempts solar attic fans from permits, but PV panel systems require a permit.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
Requirements
- Submit permit through Permits & Applications Portal at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az with plans uploaded via ProjectDox
- All work must comply with the 2023 NEC (electrical) and 2024 IRC/IBC (structural) and Surprise local amendments
- Solar attic fans are permit-exempt; rooftop PV panel systems are not exempt and require a permit
Required documents
- RequiredPermits & Applications Portal submission (Clariti/Oncamino)Initial permit request at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az
- RequiredPV system plans via ProjectDoxSingle-line diagram, site plan, panel layout, structural calculations (if required) uploaded via ProjectDox
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Admin Fee (1 of 3) | $109.00 per permit | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
| Solar Plan Review Fee (2 of 3) | $128.00 per permit | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
| Solar Permit Fee (3 of 3) | $63.00 per permit | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. Total solar permit cost = $109 + $128 + $63 = $300 per permit. |
| Re-inspection | $100 per hour ($200.00 minimum) | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
Swimming Pool Permit
VerifiedA building permit is required for the installation of a swimming pool in Surprise (except prefabricated pools less than 18 inches deep, which are permit-exempt under the Surprise local amendment to IRC R105.2). Surprise's pool barrier ordinance requires all residential pools to comply with barrier requirements — all openings from the house to the pool area must meet the barrier requirements (48-inch minimum fence height, self-closing/self-latching gates). Applications are submitted through the Permits & Applications Portal. Note: per IBC local amendment, the IBC Section 3109 (Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs) is deleted; swimming pools are governed by Maricopa County Environmental Services Department standards in addition to Surprise building permit requirements.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
Requirements
- Submit permit through Permits & Applications Portal at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az with plans uploaded via ProjectDox
- Pool barrier compliance is required for all residential pools regardless of whether children live in the home
- Fences must be a minimum 48 inches high; pedestrian gates must be self-closing and self-latching; RV gates must be pinned and padlocked
- Pet doors providing direct access to the pool area are not allowed
- All openings from the house must meet pool barrier requirements (alarmed doors or self-closing/self-latching at ≥54 inches from floor)
- Pool signs (provided at first inspection) must be permanently installed with metal screws on both sides of every gate before the final inspection
- Inspections are typically scheduled 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; the City does not set specific appointment times
Required documents
- RequiredPermits & Applications Portal submission (Clariti/Oncamino)Initial permit request at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az
- OptionalPool Barrier OrdinanceSurprise's pool barrier code language, available on the Swimming Pool Barrier Information page
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming pool permit — valuation-based | Base: $100 per permit. Valuation $1.00–$999,999.99: $6.00 per each $1,000 of valuation. Plus 0.50% administrative processing fee on valuation. | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the permit fee | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
| Swimming Pool Signs | Actual cost to jurisdiction per sign (signs are provided at first inspection and sold at the Development Services counter) | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
Commercial / Multifamily Building Permit
VerifiedRequired for non-residential construction, tenant improvements, additions, remodels, and multifamily residential construction in Surprise. All commercial projects must comply with the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) with Surprise local amendments (Ordinance 2025-14, effective January 1, 2026). Under Arizona law (ARS § 9-462.13) and Surprise's local amendment to IBC 101.2, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes that are prohibited by state law from being required to comply with a commercial building code may instead comply with the 2024 IRC as adopted and amended by Surprise. Applications are submitted online through the Permits & Applications Portal (Clariti/Oncamino) with plans uploaded via ProjectDox.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
Requirements
- Submit permit through Permits & Applications Portal at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az with plans uploaded via ProjectDox
- All work must comply with the 2024 IBC and Surprise local amendments (Ordinance 2025-14, effective January 1, 2026)
- Triplexes and fourplexes protected by ARS § 9-462.13 may comply with the 2024 IRC rather than IBC
- Commercial projects designed under the 2018 codes that cannot be submitted before January 1, 2026 may file a code modification request for up to 90 days after the effective date of the new codes
Required documents
- RequiredPermits & Applications Portal submission (Clariti/Oncamino)Initial permit request at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az
- RequiredConstruction documents via ProjectDoxFull commercial plan set (architectural, structural, MEP, civil, fire protection, landscape as applicable) uploaded via ProjectDox
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building/Fire Permit Fee — valuation-based | Base: $100 per permit. Valuation $1.00–$999,999.99: $6.00 per each $1,000 of valuation. Valuation $1,000,000+: $5.00 per each $1,000 beyond the first $1,000,000. | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
| Building Permit Administrative Processing Fee | 0.50% of valuation (up to $999,999.99); 0.052% of valuation beyond the first $1,000,000. | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the permit fee | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
| Deferred Permit Submittal | $165.00 per deferral | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
| Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) | $500 for first 30 days; $1,000 for each subsequent 30-day period. Issued in 30-day increments only. | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. Excludes phased multifamily projects when approved by the Community Development Director. |
| Print/Reproduction of Certificate of Occupancy Only | $75.00 per address | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
Roofing Permit
VerifiedA roofing permit is required for most roofing work in Surprise except for specific exemptions in the Surprise local amendments. Under IRC R105.2 local amendment, re-roofing with the same type of material as the original roofing is permit-exempt provided that no more than two layers of asphalt shingles are applied over an existing asphalt shingle roof. All other roofing work — including change of roofing material type, structural roof work, or roofing that exceeds the two-layer asphalt limit — requires a building permit submitted through the Permits & Applications Portal.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
Requirements
- Submit permit through Permits & Applications Portal at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az with plans uploaded via ProjectDox
- In-kind re-roofing (same material type, ≤2 layers asphalt over existing asphalt) is permit-exempt under Surprise local IRC R105.2
- All roofing work must comply with the 2024 IRC and Surprise local amendments (Ordinance 2025-14, effective January 1, 2026)
Required documents
- RequiredPermits & Applications Portal submission (Clariti/Oncamino)Initial permit request at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing permit — valuation-based | Base: $100 per permit. Valuation $1.00–$999,999.99: $6.00 per each $1,000 of valuation. Plus 0.50% administrative processing fee on valuation. | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. No separate flat roofing fee; uses the standard valuation-based building/fire permit fee. |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the permit fee (where plan review is required) | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
VerifiedThe City of Surprise has no dedicated electric-vehicle-charging-station permit type or fee line. An EV charger installation is electrical work requiring a permit under the City's adopted 2023 NEC (with local amendments, Ordinance 2025-14), submitted through the same Permits & Applications Portal (Clariti/Oncamino) as any other electrical work, and billed under the standard valuation-based Electrical Permit fee documented in this file's Electrical Permit entry — no distinct EV/EVSE dollar figure was found on the Citywide Fee Schedule (Resolution #2026-16). The City's local code amendments (reviewed directly) list specific permit-exempt electrical work (receptacle/fixture replacement, code-compliant ceiling fans, solar attic fans, landscape timer circuits) but do not name EV chargers among the exemptions, confirming a permit is required.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Submit permit through Permits & Applications Portal at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az with plans uploaded via ProjectDox
- All work must comply with the 2023 NEC and Surprise local amendments (Ordinance 2025-14, effective January 1, 2026)
- EV chargers are not among the permit-exempt electrical work categories listed in Surprise's local IRC R105.2 amendment (receptacle/fixture replacement, ceiling fans, solar attic fans, landscape timer circuits) — a permit is required
- No dedicated EV/EVSE line-item, application, or checklist was found on the City's Citywide Fee Schedule or Currently Adopted Building Codes page
Required documents
- RequiredPermits & Applications Portal submission (Clariti/Oncamino)Initial permit request at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az; no dedicated EV/EVSE checkbox exists
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical permit — valuation-based (EV charger circuit, no dedicated EV/EVSE line) | Base: $100 per permit. Valuation $1.00-$999,999.99: $6.00 per each $1,000 of valuation. Plus 0.50% administrative processing fee on valuation. | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026 — same valuation-based mechanism documented in this file's Electrical Permit entry; no separate EV/EVSE fee line is published |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the permit fee (where plan review is required) | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026 |
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 Surprise building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.