Maricopa County covers Phoenix and dozens of surrounding cities in the Arizona desert, making it one of America's fastest-growing metro areas. Most construction projects here require permits to ensure buildings are safe and up to code.
This guide explains the Maricopa County permit system simply, covering:
- Building permit requirements
- How to apply for a permit
- What fees to expect
- Approval timelines
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What requires a building permit in Maricopa County?
In Maricopa County, the Planning & Development Department requires permits for:
- New buildings/room additions, garage/carport/patio enclosures; most structural work
- Electrical upgrades (e.g., service >200A), shared-well service, roof-mounted PV, roof-mounted A/C / HVAC / coolers, propane tanks >250 gal, fountains/water features
- Masonry or concrete fences/walls and retaining walls
- Window/door size changes, structural alterations, interior remodels that move walls/utilities
- Temporary event structures standing more than 96 continuous hours
For projects within city limits, like the City of Maricopa, requirements may differ. The city operates its own permit portal and inspection process.
Key distinction: If your project lies within an incorporated city (e.g., City of Maricopa, Phoenix, Mesa), follow that city's permitting guidelines. For unincorporated land, refer to Maricopa County permitting guidelines.
What doesn’t require a building permit in Maricopa County?
According to Maricopa County permitting policies, the following may not need a permit:
- Above-ground residential pools <5,000 gallons (barrier requirements still apply)
- Shade-cloth structures for nursery/agricultural use
- Playground equipment at detached 1- & 2-family dwellings
- Movable fixtures/cases/racks/partitions <5′-9″ high
- Radio/TV antenna towers/flagpoles <200 lb or <45 ft high
- Re-roof with the same type of material (like-for-like roof covering)
- New non-structural exterior weatherproof covering over existing, if it doesn’t change the fire-resistance rating
- Minor in-kind repairs to non-structural components (glass, sash, doors/hardware, patching walls/ceilings, small siding/soffit/fascia pieces)
- Temporary-use structures erected under an approved Temporary Use Permit, if standing <96 consecutive hours, and documentation is filed as required
- Existing lawful buildings/uses (grandfathered) with no visible defects/unsafe conditions, subject to verification procedures
- Roadway gates in private road easements (not private street tracts); note ROW gates need an MCDOT permit
For full details on what projects don't require a building permit, review the Maricopa County local additions & addenda page. Still, always verify with the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department or the relevant city before proceeding without a permit.
Maricopa County building permit cost
Permit costs in Maricopa County are generally based on project valuation, square footage, and inspection needs. Fees may vary between the county and the city of Maricopa.
Building code/permit fees
Residential fees
Commercial fees
Additional/general fees
To get more information on other types of projects and their fees, refer to the summary of the fee schedule.
City of Maricopa permit fees
The City of Maricopa has a separate permit fee structure available via its Permit Center. For example:
Residential fees
Commercial fees
More resources on City of Maricopa fees are available on the development services fee schedule page.
How long do building permits last in Maricopa County?
Maricopa County permits are valid for 1 year from the date of issuance. If the project shows continuous progress with inspections, the permit can remain active. Permits without activity for 1 year may expire and require renewal or reapplication.
Maricopa County trade permits
Plumbing permits
A plumbing permit is required for any new installations, major repairs, or system expansions in both residential and commercial projects.
Electrical permits
Electrical permits are required for service upgrades, new circuits, or full electrical installations.
HVAC permits
Permit required for installing or replacing HVAC systems in any habitable structure.
To get a full list of fees available, go to the summary of the fee schedule page.
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How to get a building permit in Maricopa County
Step 1: Prepare your plans and documents
Have your completed Maricopa County building permit form, site plan, construction drawings, contractor info, and any required technical documents ready before you apply. The County’s “Obtain a Building Permit” page walks you through account setup, applying, and what you’ll need.
Learn more in these checklists:
Step 2: Submit your Maricopa County building permit application online
All County permitting, plan review, inspections, and invoice payments run through Permit Center, Maricopa County’s consolidated online system. Create/login to your Permit Center account and submit your application and files there.
Step 3: Plan review
Your submittal is routed to County Planning & Development for the applicable reviews (e.g., zoning, drainage, building/structural, etc.). Status and comments are tracked in the Permit Center.
Note: Use the Maricopa County permit search to find the status of your application.
Step 4: Pay fees and receive your permit
Invoices are issued through Permit Center; pay online and, once approved and paid, the County issues the permit. (The County specifically notes that all P&D invoices and payments are handled in the Permit Center.)
Step 5: Begin work and schedule inspections
After issuance, request and manage inspections from your Permit Center account.
Maricopa County permitting resources
- Maricopa County Planning & Development Department
- Address: 501 N 44th Street, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85008
- Phone: 602-506-3301
- Permit Portal
- Office Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM
- City of Maricopa Permit Center
- Summary of the fee schedule
- Maricopa County permit search
- Maricopa County local additions & addenda
- Obtain a building permit
- Maricopa County’s permit center
- Forms/applications
- Construction permit information
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