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Residential Addition / Remodel / Accessory Structure Permit in Apache Junction, Arizona

Required for room additions, interior remodels, garage/carport conversions, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and enclosed accessory structures over 120 sq ft in Apache Junction. Reviewed against the 2018 IRC as adopted and amended by the City, using the same New Residential Construction (and Additions) Building Application Guide as new dwellings.

Verified 2026-07-06 · Source

When you need this permit

  • Building permit required for residential additions, interior remodels, garage/carport-to-living-space conversions, ADUs (guest houses), and enclosed accessory structures larger than 120 sq ft
  • One-story detached enclosed accessory structures 120 sq ft or smaller (9 ft max to roof midpoint, 6 ft from other structures, no plumbing, max two 20A circuits, no habitable space) are exempt from a building permit per Article 7-1, § 7-1-6(B)(1)(a)
  • Unenclosed shade structures (ramada, carport, horse-shade) up to 200 sq ft and 10 ft tall are exempt per § 7-1-6(B)(1)(b)
  • Additions and ADUs must comply with the City's completed IRC Table R301.2(1) design criteria and mandatory heating/cooling requirements (R303.10)
  • Same Required Application Materials Checklist as new construction applies, adjusted for addition/remodel/ADU/accessory-structure scope (e.g., delineation between existing and proposed construction required on elevations)
  • Submitted electronically via the MyGovernmentOnline (MGO) system

Required documents

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Fee schedule

Residential Addition (1 to 3 stories, each floor, per sq ft)Apache Junction City Code, Vol. I, Ch. 4, Art. 4-4, § 4-4-1, One and Two Family Residential
$1.05/sq ft ($425 minimum)
Residential Addition — add additional story above existingApache Junction City Code, Vol. I, Ch. 4, Art. 4-4, § 4-4-1
$1.20/sq ft ($535 minimum)
Residential Accessory Dwelling (Guest House / ADU)Apache Junction City Code, Vol. I, Ch. 4, Art. 4-4, § 4-4-1
$1.20/sq ft ($475 minimum)
Residential Interior RemodelApache Junction City Code, Vol. I, Ch. 4, Art. 4-4, § 4-4-1
$0.60/sq ft ($145 minimum)
Convert Carport or Garage to Living Space (habitable)Apache Junction City Code, Vol. I, Ch. 4, Art. 4-4, § 4-4-1
$0.75/sq ft ($195 minimum)
Enclosed Accessory Structure, 241 sq ft or larger (detached garage/other)Apache Junction City Code, Vol. I, Ch. 4, Art. 4-4, § 4-4-1
$1.00/sq ft ($425 minimum)
Accessory structure over 120 sq ft, less than 241 sq ft (no MEP, 2 inspections)Apache Junction City Code, Vol. I, Ch. 4, Art. 4-4, § 4-4-1
$190 flat
Accessory structure over 120 sq ft, less than 241 sq ft (with any MEP, 3 inspections)Apache Junction City Code, Vol. I, Ch. 4, Art. 4-4, § 4-4-1
$240 flat

Review timeline

Plan reviewApache Junction’s published plan-review target
15–20 business days

How long did your Residential Addition / Remodel / Accessory Structure Permit permit actually take in Apache Junction?

Anonymous — one question, no email. Answers are combined and only shown once at least 5 people have reported.

Inspection process

  1. 1

    Foundation/Footing

    Required before concrete pour for additions and accessory structures

  2. 2

    Framing

    Structural connections to existing structure

  3. 3

    Final

    Completed work verified against approved plans

See the full Apache Junction inspection guide — scheduling & re-inspection fees →

Tips

  • One-story detached enclosed accessory structures 120 sq ft or smaller (9 ft max height, 6 ft from other structures, no plumbing) do NOT require a building permit — but must still meet zoning setback/compliance rules.
  • Additions and ADUs are reviewed using the same 'New Residential Construction (and Additions) Building Application Guide' and the same concurrent Building Safety + Planning review process and timeline as new dwellings.
  • A Limited Liability Company (LLC) cannot use the owner-builder exemption; a licensed Arizona contractor is required for LLC-owned remodel/addition projects. Owner-builder

Frequently asked questions

Yes, a building permit is required for residential additions and remodels, reviewed against the 2018 IRC as adopted and amended by the City, using the New Residential Construction (and Additions) Building Application Guide.

In Apache Junction, the published Residential Addition (1 to 3 stories, each floor, per sq ft) is: $1.05/sq ft ($425 minimum). Additional published fees: Residential Addition — add additional story above existing — $1.20/sq ft ($535 minimum); Residential Accessory Dwelling (Guest House / ADU) — $1.20/sq ft ($475 minimum); Residential Interior Remodel — $0.60/sq ft ($145 minimum); Convert Carport or Garage to Living Space (habitable) — $0.75/sq ft ($195 minimum); Enclosed Accessory Structure, 241 sq ft or larger (detached garage/other) — $1.00/sq ft ($425 minimum); Accessory structure over 120 sq ft, less than 241 sq ft (no MEP, 2 inspections) — $190 flat; Accessory structure over 120 sq ft, less than 241 sq ft (with any MEP, 3 inspections) — $240 flat. These are the jurisdiction's own published figures — see the fee schedule table and source citations on this page.

Apache Junction's published plan-review target for a residential addition / remodel / accessory structure permit is 15–20 business days.

You'll need: Residential Permit Application; New Residential Construction (and Additions) Building Application Guide (rev. 03/11/2024); Scaled Site Plan. See the required-documents checklist on this page for details on each.

Apache Junction requires 3 inspection(s) for a residential addition / remodel / accessory structure permit, in order: Foundation/Footing, Framing, Final. Schedule each through City of Apache Junction Development Services Department — Division of Building Safety and Inspection (480-474-5156).

Apply through City of Apache Junction Development Services Department — Division of Building Safety and Inspection at 300 E. Superstition Blvd. (Building D), Apache Junction, AZ 85119. Phone: 480-474-5156, email: buildingpermits@apachejunctionaz.gov. Office hours: Building and Safety Manager/Building Official: Adrian Alegria (buildingpermits@apachejunctionaz.gov, 480-474-5156). All building permit applications must be submitted electronically through the MyGovernmentOnline (MGO) online permit system; a public kiosk with an 11x17 flat scanner is available in the Development Services Lobby at the city complex, 300 E. Superstition Blvd. Building D, for applicants who need accommodation. Division main line 480-982-8002; inspections may be scheduled by phone at 480-474-5101 or via the MGO customer portal. Source: City of Apache Junction Division of Building Safety and Inspection staff directory page; New Residential Construction (and Additions) Building Application Guide (rev. 03/11/2024).. Official information: https://www.apachejunctionaz.gov/622/Permits.

Apache Junction, Arizona has adopted: Arizona has NO statewide mandatory building code floor for general construction — code adoption is a per-city/county authority under state enabling statutes (e.g., A.R.S. Title 9 for municipalities). The City of Apache Junction independently adopts and administers its own construction codes through its Development Services Department / Division of Building Safety and Inspection. Source: City of Apache Junction Division of Building Safety and Inspection (apachejunctionaz.gov/85/Building-Safety-and-Inspection); Apache Junction City Code, Volume I, Chapter 7 (Buildings).; 2018 International Building Code (IBC), formally adopted by the Apache Junction City Council on June 18, 2019, effective July 18, 2019, with City of Apache Junction amendments (Apache Junction City Code, Volume I, Article 7-2: Building Code, § 7-2-2 Amendments to the 2018 International Building Code). Source: City of Apache Junction 'Currently Adopted Building Codes' notice (Division of Building Safety and Inspection, 300 E. Superstition Blvd.).; 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), adopted June 18, 2019, effective July 18, 2019, with City of Apache Junction amendments (Article 7-4: Residential Code), including a City-completed Table R301.2(1) Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria and amendments to R301.5 (Live Loads), R302.1(1), R302.2.6, and R303 (mandatory heating/cooling). Confirmed as the applicable code on the City's own 'New Residential Construction (and Additions) Building Application Guide' coversheet requirement ('Applicable code 2018 IRC'). Source: City of Apache Junction 'Currently Adopted Residential Code & Design Criteria' notice; New Residential Construction (and Additions) Building Application Guide (rev. 03/11/2024), p.2.; 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), as published by the National Fire Protection Association, adopted June 18, 2019, effective July 18, 2019 — one edition behind the 2018 ICC set (the City has not since adopted the 2020 or 2023 NEC per the City's own currently-adopted-codes notice and FAQ page). Source: City of Apache Junction 'Currently Adopted Building Codes' notice; City of Apache Junction Building Division FAQ (apachejunctionaz.gov/faq.aspx?TID=20).; 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), adopted June 18, 2019, effective July 18, 2019, with City of Apache Junction amendments (Article 7-6: Plumbing Code, § 7-6-2 Amendments to the 2018 International Plumbing Code). Source: City of Apache Junction 'Currently Adopted Building Codes' notice.; 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), adopted June 18, 2019, effective July 18, 2019. Source: City of Apache Junction 'Currently Adopted Building Codes' notice.; 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), adopted June 18, 2019, effective July 18, 2019. Source: City of Apache Junction 'Currently Adopted Building Codes' notice.; 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), adopted June 18, 2019, effective July 18, 2019. Source: City of Apache Junction 'Currently Adopted Building Codes' notice.; 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), adopted June 18, 2019, effective July 18, 2019, governs energy-efficiency requirements for new residential and commercial construction (Manual J/D/S calculations required per the City's Residential Building Application Guide). Source: City of Apache Junction 'Currently Adopted Building Codes' notice; New Residential Construction (and Additions) Building Application Guide (rev. 03/11/2024).; 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), adopted June 18, 2019, effective July 18, 2019, governs residential and public/semi-public pool and spa construction. Source: City of Apache Junction 'Currently Adopted Building Codes' notice.; 2018 International Fire Code (IFC), adopted as the City's uniform fire code (Article 7-1 references the 'Technical Codes' collectively); administered in coordination with the Building Safety and Inspection Division. Source: Apache Junction City Code, Volume I, Article 7-1: Division of Building Safety and Inspection Administrative Code.; Accessibility: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, as published by the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division (appendices B and D to 36 CFR 1191 (2009) and 28 CFR part 35.151 (2011) for public entities; 28 CFR 36.401-36.406 (2011) for places of public accommodation and commercial facilities), adopted June 18, 2019, effective July 18, 2019. Source: City of Apache Junction 'Currently Adopted Building Codes' notice.; Fee schedules were revised in conjunction with the 2018/2019 code adoption, effective July 1, 2019, and the Development Services Fees (Apache Junction City Code, Volume I, Chapter 4, Article 4-4) were most recently revised October 31, 2022. The ICC codes' own fee/valuation sections are superseded for practical billing purposes by Article 4-4, which is the City's operative fee authority (though commercial valuation itself is still calculated per the ICC Building Valuation Data table). Source: City of Apache Junction 'Currently Adopted Building Codes' notice; Apache Junction City Code, Vol. I, Chapter 4, Article 4-4: Development Services Fees (rev. 10/31/22).. Local amendments apply — see the Apache Junction overview page for the full list.

Yes — a one-story detached enclosed accessory structure of 120 sq ft or less, no taller than 9 ft to the roof midpoint, at least 6 ft from other structures, served by no more than two 20-amp circuits, with no plumbing and no habitable space, is exempt from a building permit under Apache Junction City Code § 7-1-6(B)(1)(a). Structures larger than 120 sq ft (up to 241 sq ft) still require a permit, though at a reduced flat fee.

Sources & verification

Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-06.

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 Apache Junction building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.