Scottsdale's Plan Review Services Department determines whether planned construction projects are in compliance with building codes and ordinances adopted by the city. Once the construction plans and documents are determined to be in compliance and fees are paid, a permit is issued.
Counter Plans are now processed as Small Scope Reviews (SSR) and must be done digitally. Type "SSR" in the project name to identify the submittal as a Small Scope Review. SSR's are completed in 7 days following payment of the plan review fee. See more on SSRs below.
To arrange for payments and permit services not available online, please contact us at [email protected].
A commercial preliminary plan review meeting gives architects and engineers the opportunity to ask questions specific to their commercial projects and get clarification on code related items prior to the formal submittal of plans. This type of meeting is beneficial for large and/or complex projects and can result in a more efficient review process.
Apply for a building permit by submitting construction documents and other required data. The construction documents shall indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show, in detail, that it will conform to the provisions of the applicable adopted construction codes and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. Visit the Plan Submittal Requirements page to learn more about what is required based on the type of project.
Plan submittal, payment and staff review/approval can be completed electronically through the digital plan submittal process. This process reduces (and potentially eliminates) trips to the One Stop Shop and enhances collaboration -- resulting in plans being finalized as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Start a Digital Plan Submittal
How-to submit a digital plan:
Small Scope Reviews (SSR) include smaller residential remodels/additions; all submittal and reviews are digital.
At Risk submittals apply to preliminary grading and drainage only. This type of permit allows contractors to begin moving dirt and start rough grading activities only before a permit for improvement plans may be issued. Please refer to Scottsdale's Design Standards & Policies Manual (DSPM) for more information.
The following civil plans should have already been submitted for review before applying for At Risk Grading:
A permit is required for all utility work, public and private, that occurs within the City's right-of-way or public utility easements.
Fees are to be paid at the time of application for plan review.
The customer is charged for both the air-conditioned and the non air-conditioned square footage of the house. In addition, the customer is charged for the grading and drainage, per sheet, based on landform. Fences and retaining walls are charged per linear foot.
Plan reviews for home improvements, new single-family residences and other new construction can be made over the counter at the One Stop Shop.
Payment options:
Check and cash payments are accepted at the One Stop Shop counter at
7447 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Scottsdale reviews plans based upon five disciplines: Planning, Building, Engineering, Stormwater and Fire. The resources provided below are to assist you in each phase of review. Case documents identify specific items required for final plan submittal, including additional documents, such as design reports and dedication documents. Refer to the Submittal Checklist from the case file for this information.
Scottsdale is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program. Portions of the City of Scottsdale are designated as “special flood hazard areas.” Buildings in these areas are subject to mandatory flood insurance.
| Plan Type | Administrative Review (includes verification of submittal documents for completeness) | Substantive Review |
|---|---|---|
| Small Scope Review (SSR), X, D - Flood Zones | 1 day | 7 days |
| Pools/Fences/Walls/Signs | 5 days | 7 days |
| Tenant Improvements | 10 days | 14 days |
| All Other Plan Types | 10 days | 21 days |
| XLT projects (commercial, multi-family, 50,000 SF+, 4 stories) | 10 days | 28 days |
The plan review time frame is a maximum time frame. The city's standard turnaround goals remain the same.
Scottsdale’s Green Building Program advances sustainable construction practices that promote energy efficiency, resource conservation, and healthier indoor environments. During the Plan Review process, projects are evaluated for compliance with the adopted International Green Construction Code (IgCC).
Please visit Green Building Program for more information and access Green Building resources.
A permit is issued once plans are approved and permit fees are paid.
A permit application for any proposed work shall be deemed “abandoned” 180 days after the date of the last completed review for correction or approval, unless the application has been pursued in good faith, or a permit has been issued.
Failure to obtain a permit within 180 days of plan approval will require plans and payment of the appropriate plan review fees to be resubmitted.
Prior to the plan review expiration date, the building official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding 180 days each and depending on whether any required Development Review Board (DRB) approval has expired. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. Extension of time does not apply to any Design Review Board stipulations.
This is applicable to Improvement Plans, Building Plans, Improvement Permits and Building Permits.
Last Updated: Jun 4, 2025
| Monday | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 1 - 5 p.m. |
| Thursday | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
| Friday | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |