Do I need a permit for a fence in Surprise?

Fences not over 6 feet high do not require a permit (Surprise local amendment to IRC R105.2, reduced from the standard 7-foot threshold). Fences over 6 feet high require a building permit. Swimming pool barrier fences are always subject to pool barrier requirements regardless of height. Source: City of Surprise Local Amendments to the 2024 IRC, Ordinance 2025-14.

Do I need a permit to re-roof my house in Surprise?

Re-roofing with the same type of material as the original does not require a permit, provided no more than two layers of asphalt shingles are applied over an existing asphalt shingle roof. Roofing that changes the material type or exceeds these limits requires a permit. Source: City of Surprise Local Amendments to the 2024 IRC, Section R105.2, Ordinance 2025-14.

Residential Addition / Alteration Permit in Surprise, Arizona

Required 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

When you need this permit

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

Req
Permits & Applications Portal submission (Clariti/Oncamino)
Initial permit request at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az
Req
Construction documents via ProjectDox
Plans uploaded to ProjectDox after Portal approval; scope and complexity determine required plan set elements
Opt
Patio 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.

Review timeline

8–16 business days

Surprise’s published plan-review target

Inspection process

1
Rough Framing and Trades (where applicable)
Rough framing, rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspected before insulation and drywall, as applicable to the scope of work.
2
Final
All permitted work complete per approved plans; final inspection before Certificate of Completion or Certificate of Occupancy.

Tips

Fences over 6 feet require a building permit in Surprise; the Surprise local amendment reduced the permit-free threshold from 7 feet (standard code) to 6 feet.
Patio covers, awnings, and carports use a reduced fee: 50% of the ICC valuation per square foot, rather than the full valuation-based fee.
One-story detached accessory structures up to 200 sq ft do not require a permit.
A patio cover handout with specific requirements is available on the Permits & Applications page.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for a fence in Surprise?: Fences not over 6 feet high do not require a permit (Surprise local amendment to IRC R105.2, reduced from the standard 7-foot threshold). Fences over 6 feet high require a building permit. Swimming pool barrier fences are always subject to pool barrier requirements regardless of height. Source: City of Surprise Local Amendments to the 2024 IRC, Ordinance 2025-14.
Do I need a permit to re-roof my house in Surprise?: Re-roofing with the same type of material as the original does not require a permit, provided no more than two layers of asphalt shingles are applied over an existing asphalt shingle roof. Roofing that changes the material type or exceeds these limits requires a permit. Source: City of Surprise Local Amendments to the 2024 IRC, Section R105.2, Ordinance 2025-14.

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.

Other permits in Surprise

Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Custom Home)Electrical Permit Plumbing Permit (incl. Water Heater)Mechanical / HVAC Permit Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit Swimming Pool Permit Commercial / Multifamily Building Permit Roofing Permit

Get the AI compliance checklist

Upload your project scope, get a jurisdiction-specific checklist of everything you need. Coming soon.

We only use your email to send permit updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.