Electrical Permit in Tempe, Arizona
Electrical work in Tempe is governed by the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) with Tempe amendments, adopted in Tempe City Code Chapter 8, Article VIII. Electrical permits are applied for through the Tempe Citizen Access Portal. A flat-rate fee applies for residential electrical service replacements or upgrades under 300 amps (Table 2-A); all other electrical work uses the valuation-based Table 1-A building permit fee, plus a 65% plan review fee where plan review is required.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
When you need this permit
- Electrical work must comply with the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) with Tempe amendments (Tempe City Code Ch. 8, Art. VIII)
- Apply electronically through the Tempe Citizen Access Portal (epermits.tempe.gov/CitizenAccess/Default.aspx)
- Contractor Affidavit required (State of AZ requirement per AZ Department of Revenue)
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)-licensed electrical contractor generally required; owner-builder exemptions may apply under ARS 32-1121
Required documents
- Req
Contractor Affidavit
State of Arizona legal requirement per AZ Department of Revenue; available on the Applications + Forms page
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replace/Upgrade Residential Electrical Service < 300 Amp — flat fee (Table 2-A, effective July 1, 2025) | $195 (includes plan review) | Table 2-A — Building Permit Flat Fees, effective July 1, 2025: 'REPLACE/UPGRADE RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL SERVICE < 300 AMP — $195 *Includes Plan Review fee.' Source: Table 2-A (library.municode.com/az/tempe/codes/city_code?nodeId=APXASCFECH_TA2UIPEFLFE). |
| Temporary Power Pole or Pedestal — flat fee (Table 2-A, effective July 1, 2025) | $97 (includes plan review) | Table 2-A — Building Permit Flat Fees: 'TEMPORARY POWER POLE OR PEDESTAL — $97 *Includes Plan Review fee.' Source: Table 2-A (library.municode.com/az/tempe/codes/city_code?nodeId=APXASCFECH_TA2UIPEFLFE). |
| Other electrical work — valuation-based (Table 1-A, effective July 1, 2025) | Per Table 1-A tiers. Plan Review Fee is 65% of the building permit fee, collected separately at application. | For electrical work not covered by a Table 2-A flat rate, the valuation-based Table 1-A applies. Source: Table 1-A (library.municode.com/az/tempe/codes/city_code?nodeId=APXASCFECH_TA1UIPEFE). |
Review timeline
~1–10 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Tempe building department
Inspection process
- 1
Rough electrical (before covering)
Rough wiring, conduit, and electrical rough-in inspected before walls are closed; all work must be approved by the inspector before proceeding.
- 2
Final electrical
Final inspection of all completed electrical work per approved plans and the 2017 NEC with Tempe amendments; scheduled through the Citizen Access Portal or 24-hour IVR.
Tips
- Tempe adopted the 2017 NEC with Tempe amendments — not the 2020 or 2023 NEC; verify work is designed to the 2017 edition.
- A flat $195 fee (Table 2-A, includes plan review) applies to replacement or upgrade of residential electrical service under 300 amps — no separate plan review fee.
- All permit applications must be submitted electronically through the Citizen Access Portal.
Frequently asked questions
- Which electrical code does Tempe use?
- Tempe adopted the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) with Tempe amendments, codified in Tempe City Code Chapter 8, Article VIII. Source: Tempe Building Codes and Amendments page (tempe.gov/businesses/building-code) and Tempe City Code (library.municode.com/az/tempe/codes/city_code?nodeId=CH8BUBURE_ARTVIII2017NAELCO).
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.
- City of Tempe Community Development Department — Building Safety Division / Permit Center — official building department
- Building Codes and Amendments | City of Tempe (2017 NEC with Tempe amendments)
- 2017 NEC Tempe Amendments | Tempe City Code Ch. 8, Art. VIII (Municode)
- Table 2-A Building Permit Flat Fees (2025–2026) | Tempe City Code Appendix (Municode)
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 Tempe building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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