Permit Services
Permits safeguard the health, property, safety and welfare of citizens as they ensure that construction complies with building codes and that structural, fire safety, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical system standards are met.
Permits are typically issued following the Plan Review phase of the Development Process, though some smaller home improvement projects may not require a plan review to obtain a permit.
There are several permit types to choose from depending on the scope of your project. Smaller projects may not require a permit. Learn more about when a permit is required and the types of permits below. Work completed without a permit will be fined an amount equal to double the permit fee.
All permit requests require a completed application to be submitted through Scottsdale SPUR, our planning and permitting portal. Create a SPUR account to apply and pay applicable fees. Payments are also accepted in person at the One Stop Shop located at 7447 E. Indian School Road.
Permits for Home Improvement Projects
Not all home improvement projects require a permit, and some may only require an administrative plan review. Visit the Home Improvement Project Guidance page for more details.
Permit Types
To apply for a permit, enter the permit type or keywords in the Application Assistant field of the planning and permitting portal, Scottsdale SPUR, or click on the “Permit” tab to see the full list of available permit options. Below are some of the most common permit types.
- Building Permit
- Required for all construction work including additions, patio covers, carport enclosures, walls/fences, retaining walls, and accessory buildings (storage buildings 200 sq. ft. or less only requires a site plan and review).
- Electrical Permit
- Required to install, alter, reconstruct or repair electrical wiring on any building, structure, swimming pool, or mechanical equipment.
- Mechanical Permit
- Required to install, alter, reconstruct or repair any furnace, refrigeration or other air conditioning equipment or system, except portable or window units.
- Minimum Permits (Single Family Residential)
- A plan review is not required for most single-family residential electrical, mechanical and plumbing work. These types of improvements are classified as "minimum" permits and easily can be obtained online. The inspection process is used to ensure correct installation per building codes. See Home Improvement Project Guidance for examples of minimum permit projects.
- Minor remodels and/or additions (Single Family Residential)
- Permits are required to move walls and add electrical and/or plumbing features. If the area being remodeled is a single story and less than 1,000 sq. ft., download the Minor Addition / Remodel Submittal Packet (PDF).
- Plumbing Permit
- Required to install, alter, reconstruct, or repair any plumbing system, gas system, or lawn sprinkler supply, or for water heater replacement.
Requirements for Specific Permit Types
Find additional details and requirements related to the following specific permit types.
Permit Expiration and Extensions
Following permit issuance, the first inspection must be completed within 180 days or the permit will expire. Information on extensions by permit type is explained below.
Right-of-Way Permits
A one-time extension for a permit may be granted under certain circumstances. Contact Inspection Services at 480-312-5750.
Building Permits
Each proceeding inspection must occur within 180 days of the latest inspection.
The Building Official is authorized to grant one or more building permit extensions for additional periods not exceeding 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
Any person holding an expired building permit may request the reactivation of the permit. Permit reactivation requests made up to 90 days after the permit expiration may be granted at no charge by the Building Official due to justifiable cause. Permit reactivation requests made 91 or more days from the permit expiration shall be charged as set forth in the city fee schedule.
Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Permits
Each proceeding inspection must occur within 180 days of the latest inspection.
Permit Revocation
The city may revoke a permit upon reasonable notice to the permit holder.
The Zoning Administrator or Building Official may revoke a permit or approval if any false statement or misrepresentation was made in the application or plans on which the permit or approval was based.
Last Updated: Sep 10, 2026
Hours
| 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 |