Residential Construction

Residential Construction is defined as any construction that is not considered commercial in nature. The value, safety, and code compliance of your structure is heavily dependent on obtaining a building permit prior to construction or installation. You may submit for your Residential permit either online or in person by following the steps listed below.

  1. Apply Online
  2. Apply In Person

Step 1Get Prepared.

  Know what type of permit application you need to complete. Need help with this? Read the guide on application types.
  Make sure you have your site plans.  View a typical site plan example.
  Know what other required documents you'll need to provide. These are listed on the permit applications, provided in step 2.
  Have your contact information, owner & property information handy. Look up your parcel number for property information.
  Make sure your documents meet all requirements. See Document Guidelines and Check Your PDFs Before Submitting.
  Know your project's upfront fees (if any), and get an estimate for your project's permitting cost.

Step 2Fill Out the Application.

The applications are listed by category. Select the one that's right for your project. Don't see the application you're looking for? View all permits or call (602) 506-3301.

  Building

Addition, Accessory, Alteration, New Manufactured Home, Modification Form, New Standard Plan, Single Family Home

  Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing &  Solar

Compliance Inspection, Minor Mechanical, Minor Plumbing, Roof Mounted Solar Photovoltaic System, Ground Mounted Solar Photovoltaic System, Up to 400 Service and Shared Well Electrical 

NOTE: View the linked webpages for more information on the Compliance Inspection process and Roof Mounted Solar Photovoltaic process.

  Pool

Pool and Spa

  Fencing & Grading

Fence, Grading, Grading - Miscellaneous/Paving, Grading - Stockpile/Grading Only 


Step3Apply Online Using the Permit Tool.

Here you will either register as a first time user or sign in. The tool will walk you through a number of questions and prompts. You will be uploading the permit application you filled out, along with your required PDF documents and paying any upfront fees, if applicable.

Residential Construction Permit Information

The Maricopa County Planning and Development Department is responsible for regulating development activity and land use within the unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. Obtaining the necessary permits is the first step in ensuring your development activity is successful. There are several resources available to assist you with the permitting process.

Featured Permitting Solutions

Planning and Development has a number of programs to assist customers with proceeding quickly through the permitting process and reducing costs wherever possible. Learn more about Fast Track, Permit By Inspector, Annual Facilities Permit, and Standard Plans on our Featured Permitting Solutions page.

Permit Actions and Activities

Visit our Permit Actions and Activities page to learn more about permit actions (such as cancellation and extension requests), permit modifications, and permit research request options for permits and parcels located within the unincorporated areas of Maricopa County.

Go Solar for Residential Service

Thinking about adding solar service to your residential property? There are different ways to apply for your permit, depending on which solar service you choose – Roof-Mounted Photovoltaic (PV) system or Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic (PV) system. Review our Go Solar for Residential Service page to determine which option works best for you.

Drainage Review

Drainage Administration is one of the regulatory activities that the Planning and Development Department provides for the benefit of the residents of unincorporated Maricopa County to ensure compliance with County drainage regulations. Learn more about Drainage regulations, clearances, floodplains, and other resources on our Drainage Review page.

Fee Schedule and Estimators

Fee schedules are structured to cover the cost of service and will vary widely depending on the type of project, valuation, and other unique elements related to a particular parcel / site. To assist you in determining approximate permitting costs associated with your project, review our Fee Schedule and Estimators page for fee information and estimator tools for construction permits filed with the Planning & Development Department.

Additional Permit Information

The value, safety, and code compliance of your structure is heavily dependent on obtaining a building permit prior to construction or installation; a building permit is your reassurance that your building plans, as well as the structure you build, will be inspected for minimum code safety. For more information related to Compliance Inspections, grading and paving, manufactured housing, and signage, please visit our Additional Permit Information page.

Residential Use in Military High Noise or Accident Potential Zone:

Residential uses are not allowed within the high noise or accident potential zone of a military airport (Luke Air Force Base) or ancillary military facility (Luke Auxiliary Airfield Number 1 and the Gila Bend Auxiliary Airfield) unless both Luke Air Force Base and Maricopa County mutually agree that the residential use is compatible and consistent with the high noise or accident potential of the military airport or ancillary military facility. To make such a decision, an application for a Use Compatibility and Consistency Determination (UCCD) must be submitted and approved prior to application for a residential building permit.

Additional Resources

Please see Chapter 10, Section 1010 (PDF) of Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance for specific details. Check to see if your parcel is in a high noise or accident potential zone.

Information Packets

  1. Permit Process Overview (PDF)
  2. Residential Site Plan and Building Plan Checklist (PDF)
  3. Construction Plan Checklist (PDF)
  4. Typical Site Plan Example with Checklist (PDF)
  5. Submittal Matrix (PDF)
  6. Expired Permit Information (PDF)
  7. Inspection Information (PDF)
  8. Fast Track Program (PDF)
  9. Building Elevation Requirements (PDF)
  1. Attached Patio Carport Building Standards (PDF)
  2. Carport Enclosure Building Standards (PDF)
  3. Fence Details 2019 (PDF)
  4. Fence Details for Sun City and Sun City West (PDF)
  5. Permit Processing Change HB2443l Information (PDF)
  6. Pool and Pool Barriers (PDF)
  7. Public Utility Easement Waiver (PDF)
  8. Standard Plans 2018-03
  9. Permit by Inspector Guidelines (PDF)

Still Need Help?

You may not realize how connected the permitting departments of Maricopa County really are. There are easy-to-follow instructions and resources for first-timers or those looking for more guidance on their project: