Unincorporated Maricopa County building permit requirements

Maricopa County Planning and Development Department

Verified 2026-06-29 · Source

9 permit types602-506-3301Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Department information

Address: 301 W. Jefferson, Suite 170, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: 602-506-3301
Email
Office hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Website: Official site

Codes adopted

Arizona has no statewide building code for non-state buildings; codes are adopted locally. According to the International Code Council, codes are adopted locally in Arizona and are predominantly the I-codes, with different cities and counties choosing their own editions and local amendments. The Arizona State Fire Code (adopting the 2018 IFC) applies only to state and county buildings, public and private schools, and non-residential occupancies in areas without a locally adopted fire code — it does not establish a statewide residential or commercial building code floor. Each city and county adopts its own code editions independently, resulting in different I-Code years and amendment sets across jurisdictions. There is no state-mandated minimum edition; enforcement is entirely local. Always confirm the adopted edition and any local amendments with the specific jurisdiction before submitting plans.

2018 International Building Code (IBC) — adopted by Maricopa County Board of Supervisors 17 August 2022 (with AZBO/MAG amendments); Local Additions and Addenda TA2022001 dated 19 September 20222018 International Residential Code (IRC) — adopted 17 August 2022 (BOS vote, with AZBO/MAG amendments and Local Additions and Addenda)2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC) — adopted 17 August 2022 (BOS vote, with AZBO/MAG amendments)2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — adopted 17 August 2022 (BOS vote, with AZBO/MAG amendments)2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — adopted 17 August 2022 (BOS vote, with AZBO/MAG amendments)2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — adopted 17 August 2022 (BOS vote, with AZBO/MAG amendments)2018 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) — adopted 17 August 2022, optional use2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — adopted 17 August 2022, optional use2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) — adopted 17 August 2022 (BOS vote, with AZBO/MAG amendments)

Permit types

Residential Building Permit (New Construction, Addition, Accessory Structure)

Required for new single-family dwellings, residential additions, detached garages, carports, accessory structures, and other residential construction in the unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. The Maricopa County Planning and Development Department regulates all residential development in unincorporated areas (areas outside any incorporated city or town). Applications and all required documents are submitted online through the county's Permit Center portal.

Commercial Building Permit (New Construction, Tenant Improvement, Remodel)

Required for all new commercial, industrial, and multi-family buildings, tenant improvements, remodels, and change-of-use projects in the unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. The Maricopa County Planning and Development Department enforces the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) with local amendments for commercial construction in unincorporated areas. Applications are submitted online through Permit Center.

Electrical Permit

Required for electrical service installations, upgrades, and repairs in the unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. Maricopa County Planning and Development issues electrical permits under the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) with local amendments. Several categories are available: web-issued (instant, automated), non-technical (1–2 business day staff processing), and technical/standard review. Applications are submitted online through Permit Center.

Plumbing Permit

Required for plumbing installations and repairs in the unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. Maricopa County Planning and Development issues plumbing permits under the 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC) with local amendments. Web-issued (instant) and standard-review categories apply depending on project type. Water heater replacement does not require a permit if done per manufacturer's specifications. Applications are submitted online through Permit Center.

Mechanical / HVAC Permit

Required for HVAC and mechanical system installations in the unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. Maricopa County Planning and Development issues mechanical permits under the 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) with local amendments. A/C, evaporative cooler, and like-for-like mechanical replacement permits are web-issued (instant). Roof-mounted HVAC units require technical/standard review. Apply through Permit Center online.

Solar PV Permit (Roof-Mounted and Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic)

Required for residential photovoltaic (solar PV) system installations in the unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. Two distinct permit types apply: roof-mounted PV systems (minor residential electrical permit, flat fee of $300) and ground-mounted PV systems under 6 feet high (minor residential permit, flat fee of $500). Ground-mounted systems over 6 feet high are treated as accessory structures and have higher upfront fees. All applications submitted through Permit Center online.

Pool / Spa Permit (In-Ground and Above-Ground)

Required for swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and other contained bodies of water in the unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. Any body of water greater than 18 inches deep and/or wider than 8 feet at any two measured points requires both a pool permit and a barrier. In-ground pool fees are valuation-based (at $200 per perimeter foot for valuation); above-ground pools/spas are a flat $75 fee. Pool barriers must be permitted and ISSUED before the pool is plastered or filled with water. Apply through Permit Center online.

Fence / Block Wall Permit

Required for fences and block walls in the unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. Permit fees are valuation-based using per-lineal-foot rates published in the county's Local Additions and Addenda (e.g., chain link at $6/LF, CMU 4-inch block at $14–$21/LF, wrought iron at $16/LF, wood at $11/LF). The county publishes Fence Details drawings for various block wall and fence types. Apply through Permit Center online.

Demolition Permit

Required for demolition of structures in the unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. Demolition permits are a flat-rate fee of $50, processed as a non-technical permit. Apply through Permit Center online.

Tips & gotchas

All permit applications and document submissions are online-only through the Permit Center portal at https://maricopacountyaz-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice. Paper submittals are no longer accepted.
Before applying, create a Permit Center account (personal or company). Use the county's guides: How to Create a Personal Account at https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/93564 and How to Create a Company Account at https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/94607.
All PDFs submitted through Permit Center must be properly rotated, flattened, and optimized. Check your PDFs before submitting at https://scout.eplansoftreview.com/#!/scout.
Water heater replacement does NOT require a permit in unincorporated Maricopa County, provided the work follows the manufacturer's specifications. A voluntary inspection permit is available if you want the work inspected.
HOA CC&Rs are not superseded by county building permits. It is the property owner's responsibility to review and comply with CC&Rs before any construction or modification.
Inspection scheduling: contact the assigned inspector listed in Permit Center ONLY on the date of your scheduled inspection. For general information and scheduling questions call 602-506-3301.
Virtual inspections are available for select permit types: Electrical Service Replacement or Upgrade to 400A; Main Breaker Derate for PV Prep; Minor Electrical Repairs; Repair/Replace Gas Line; Minor Plumbing Repairs; Gas/Electrical Clearances; Sewer/Septic Lines.
Pool barrier permit must be ISSUED by the county BEFORE the barrier is installed, the pool is plastered, or the pool is filled with water. Do not begin these steps without a permit in hand.
If you cannot find a document in Permit Center (during the document search conversion period), use the Historical Plan Document search at https://edms.maricopa.gov/eplpav/ and enter your permit or planning case number.
Maricopa County building fees are adopted by the Board of Supervisors and published in the Local Additions and Addenda (TA2022001, September 2022) and summarized in the June 2024 Summary of Fee Schedule. The June 2024 summary reflects updated fee names after migration to the Permit Center system, not fee increases.
Properties in the High Noise or Accident Potential Zone of Luke Air Force Base or its auxiliary airfields cannot receive residential building permits for new residential land uses. Check your parcel at https://gis.maricopa.gov/PND/PlanNet.
Drainage review may be required separately from your building permit. A drainage fee may be assessed depending on site conditions. See https://www.maricopa.gov/1635/Drainage-Review for drainage permit requirements.
The Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance was updated effective January 9, 2026 (superseding the November 15, 2023 version). All planning and permitting applications on or after January 9, 2026 are reviewed under the updated Zoning Ordinance.

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 Unincorporated Maricopa County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.

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