InstaBidsPhoenix permit search: look up, apply and check a permit
Look up a City of Phoenix permit in the PDD Online Permits Search by permit number or street address; new single-family projects go through SHAPE PHX. The city says: “Residential construction permits are needed when existing homes are remodeled or additions are made.” Search permits on PDD Online
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Who issues building permits in Phoenix?
The City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department reviews plans, issues permits and inspects construction across the 519-square-mile city. Its residential pages cover single-family homes, duplexes and townhomes; triplexes, fourplexes, condominiums and apartments go through its commercial building pages. The department’s own line:
The department administers the zoning ordinance, reviews plans, issues permits, and inspects all construction projects.
Source: About Phoenix Planning and Development | City of Phoenix, read 2026-10-29
What needs a permit, from the department’s Residential Building page, with the line printed under it:
- “Construction permits are required for: New homes Remodels or additions, such as: Garage/carport construction or conversion Porch enclosures Demolition Patio covers Fences/walls Other construction projects”
- “For a detailed list of construction types requiring permits, refer to the Residential Single-Family Construction Permit Guide.”
Source: Residential Building | City of Phoenix, read 2026-10-29
Phoenix permit numbers, with their sources
| Building permits issued by the City of Phoenix, fiscal year 2025/26 (city five-year operational statistics) | 18,032five-yr-ops-report (PDF), City of Phoenix (authority grain), read 2026-10-29 |
|---|---|
| New single-family units issued, fiscal year 2025/26 | 2,854five-yr-ops-report (PDF), City of Phoenix (authority grain), read 2026-10-29 |
| Residential building inspections completed, fiscal year 2025/26, and the share done within the target turnaround time | 80,129; 97%five-yr-ops-report (PDF), City of Phoenix (authority grain), read 2026-10-29 |
| Average days for a first review of residential building plans, fiscal year 2025/26 | 33five-yr-ops-report (PDF), City of Phoenix (authority grain), read 2026-10-29 |
| Calendar-day goal and average for a first plan review of a minor remodel or addition (2,000 square feet or less, one level), September 2026 report | goal 20, average 22turnaround-times-report (PDF), City of Phoenix (authority grain), read 2026-10-29 |
| New privately-owned housing units authorized in 2025, Maricopa County (all permit-issuing places, not only Phoenix) | 31,651 units, 17,244 of them in one-unit buildingsCensus Bureau Building Permits Survey, annual county file 2025, Maricopa County, AZ (whole county, all permit-issuing places) (county grain), read 2026-10-29 |
How to search a permit by address in Phoenix
Phoenix runs two permit systems side by side: PDD Online, the older system (also called KIVA), whose Permits Search finds a permit by type and number or by address, and SHAPE PHX for new projects. The city’s SHAPE PHX FAQ:
- “New projects submitted on April 13, 2026, will be reviewed and processed in SHAPE PHX, including plan review and inspections.”
- “Projects created in the legacy system (PDD Online-KIVA) will not appear in SHAPE PHX. These records will continue to be managed through PDD Online and IVR.”
Source: external-faqs (PDF), read 2026-10-29
On the Permits Search page, fill in the address fields and run the search. The page’s own tips:
- “By Address (can use wildcard in number and street)”
- “A wildcard search character (*) may be used to replace any character in the search field.”
Source: Permits - PDD Online Search, read 2026-10-29
Results show issued permits unless you ask for more, and a permit whose status reads SHAP now lives in SHAPE PHX:
- “Clicking 'Yes' will include temporary/unissued permits in the results along with the issued permits.”
- “Permits below with a Status of "SHAP" have moved to the new SHAPE PHX application. Click on the SHAPE PHX Portal Link to view permit details.”
Source: Permits - PDD Online Search, read 2026-10-29
Open the search: Permits Search. The Residential Building page links the same tool as Search Permits & Applications, and SHAPE PHX opens from Visit the SHAPE PHX Portal.
Phoenix permit status
For a project filed in SHAPE PHX, the city’s SHAPE PHX FAQ gives two ways to see its status, both by address or record number:
- “You may use the Search Bar to look up an address, permit number, registration number, or license number to view the status.”
- “The Data/Reports section also shows record statuses. Select the appropriate search category, then search by address or record number. In the results, the status will display.”
Source: external-faqs (PDF), read 2026-10-29
A record from the older system does not show up in SHAPE PHX; look it up in the PDD Online Permits Search instead. The portal: Visit the SHAPE PHX Portal.
Do I need a permit for a fence in Phoenix?
Yes, once the fence is taller than three feet. Item 2 of the city’s building code section 105.2.1 exempts lower fences at one- and two-family homes and townhouses, and sends fences up to 6 feet through a building permit that looks at zoning and site drainage only:
2. Fences not over 3 feet (914 mm) high, accessory to one and two-family dwellings and townhouses. Fences not included in this exception, not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high, shall require a building permit demonstrating compliance with the zoning ordinance requirements and city code requirements for site drainage only.
Source: dsd_trt_pdf_00618 (PDF), read 2026-10-29
Above 6 feet, the permit has to show the fence meets the International Building Code and the city’s other adopted codes.
Do I need a permit to repair or replace a roof in Phoenix?
Not for a re-roof in the same type of material, as long as no more than two layers of asphalt shingles end up over an existing asphalt shingle roof. Item 16 of code section 105.2.1:
16. Re-roofing with the same type of material as the original roofing and provided not more than two layers of asphalt shingles are applied over an existing asphalt shingle roof.
Source: dsd_trt_pdf_00618 (PDF), read 2026-10-29
Changing the material is different: the city’s residential permit guide lists this job among the ones that need a permit:
Roofline extensions, replacing wood or asphalt shingles with a tile roof
Source: dsd_trt_pdf_00823 (PDF), read 2026-10-29
Do I need a permit for a shed in Phoenix?
Not for a one-story detached tool or storage shed, playhouse or similar structure of 200 square feet or less in total floor area. Item 1 of code section 105.2.1:
1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the aggregate floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 square meters).
Source: dsd_trt_pdf_00618 (PDF), read 2026-10-29
Two things change that: running utilities to the shed needs a permit for the utility work, and the city lists detached structures larger than 200 square feet among the new residential buildings that need one.
- “If utilities are provided to a detached accessory structure exempt from permit, a permit is required for the installation of the utilities.”
- “All new residential buildings, including detached structures larger than 200 square feet”
Source: dsd_trt_pdf_00618 (PDF), read 2026-10-29
Source: Residential Projects | City of Phoenix, read 2026-10-29
What work does not need a permit in Phoenix?
The city’s homeowner list of work that needs no permit:
Home improvement projects that do NOT require a permit: Painting Flooring - adding or replacing carpet, tile or other flooring Plumbing - replacing existing fixtures and existing landscape irrigation Air conditioner repairs or replacements that don't increase size and capacity or change location Minor repairs of "non structural" elements such as glass, wood trim, hardware, kitchen cabinets Kitchens –replacing cabinets and fixtures in existing locations with no new electrical or structural changes
Source: Residential Projects | City of Phoenix, read 2026-10-29
That list is partial; the city points to its Work Exempt from Permit document for the full set. Two items from it: an outdoor A/C unit of up to 5 tons repaired or replaced in kind at a one- or two-family home (one inside the house needs a permit), and a deck or platform no more than 30 inches above grade with no roof covering. Patio covers are on the city’s list of projects that do need a permit.
- “Air conditioner repairs or replacements that don't increase size and capacity or change location”
- “Commentary: Decks, sport courts and other similar uses with no roof covering shall also be included in this exception.”
Source: Residential Projects | City of Phoenix, read 2026-10-29
Source: dsd_trt_pdf_00618 (PDF), read 2026-10-29
Two limits come with the exempt list: separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits still apply unless those trades are exempted too, and an exemption does not allow work that breaks the code.
Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits will be required for the above-exempted items.
Source: dsd_trt_pdf_00618 (PDF), read 2026-10-29
Can a homeowner pull their own permit in Phoenix?
The city writes to homeowners directly. Its Help with My Home Project page opens with this line, and its Residential Projects list is addressed to a homeowner or property owner:
There are many projects you can do yourself although many require permits.
Source: Help with My Home Project | City of Phoenix, read 2026-10-29
To apply online you need a SHAPE PHX account, and a homeowner can open one without emailing city staff. The application asks for the owner’s name and contact details.
Individual homeowners or users accessing SHAPE PHX for personal use may create a Portal account directly without emailing SHAPE PHX staff.
Source: external-faqs (PDF), read 2026-10-29
Doing the work yourself makes you answerable for it; the city’s commentary on its exemption list:
It is further the intent of the code that even though work may be exempted for permit purposes, it must still comply with the code and the owner is responsible for proper and safe construction for all work being done.
Source: dsd_trt_pdf_00618 (PDF), read 2026-10-29
How much is a permit and how long does it take in Phoenix?
City of Phoenix building safety permit fees (PDD Fee Schedule, Phoenix City Code chapter 9, appendix A.2, effective 1/20/2026)
Permit fees follow the project valuation in Table A of the city’s fee schedule, and residential plan review adds a share of the permit fee. These are government permit fees, not a price for the work itself. The schedule: Development Fee Schedule (effective January 20, 2026).
$1 - $1,000 $98 Minimum for Residential Water Heaters and Fences*
Source: fee-schedule (PDF), read 2026-10-29
$1 - $1,000 $195 Base fee only*
Source: fee-schedule (PDF), read 2026-10-29
* Permits with project valuations of $1 - $1,000 include a maximum of two inspections, including reinspections. If additional inspections are needed they are charged at $195 per inspection.
Source: fee-schedule (PDF), read 2026-10-29
$1,001 - $10,000 $195 on first $1,000, plus $12 for each additional $1,000, or fraction thereof, to and including $10,000
Source: fee-schedule (PDF), read 2026-10-29
Swimming pools are subject to a minimum permit fee of $234. A $30 aquatics program surcharge is also added to every swimming pool permit in accordance to Ordinance G-3114.
Source: fee-schedule (PDF), read 2026-10-29
Residential with project valuations of $50K or less … 100% of the permit fee, minimum $195 (1-hour)
Source: fee-schedule (PDF), read 2026-10-29
Investigation Fee …………………………………………… $250 or the permit fee, whichever is greater, but not to exceed $2,500 for every day or portion of a day from the time unpermitted work began until a permit is obtained
Source: fee-schedule (PDF), read 2026-10-29
Review time depends on the job. The city’s September 2026 turnaround report sets a goal of 20 calendar days for a first review of a minor remodel or addition (2,000 square feet or less, one level), against an average of 22, and a goal of 5 calendar days for plot plans for standard-plan homes and residential pools. The report’s own caution:
Turnaround times can fluctuate as they are based on the monthly workload and complexity of the project. Plan review timeframes for the first and second correction cycles are typically slightly reduced if the corrections are not significant. For planning purposes please assume that staff will meet the longer of the two dates.
Source: turnaround-times-report (PDF), read 2026-10-29
All permitted residential jobs are inspected. The city lists the critical points, starting before any concrete is poured, and the utilities are turned on only after the final inspection passes.
Before any concrete is poured, underground plumbing and electrical, rebar for foundations, required hold-downs for structural elements, depth and width of footings, and placement of electrical grounding (UFER) are all critical points in construction that require an inspection.
Source: Residential Inspections | City of Phoenix, read 2026-10-29
Before you apply in Phoenix: checklist
Make sure the site meets the zoning rules first, then gather two complete sets of plans drawn to scale, the project address with its legal description and lot or parcel number, and a description of the work.
For a remodel or a small addition, the plans go to the residential permit counter with a Construction Permit/Plan Review Application; minor work may get its permit over the counter, and the permit is issued once you pay its fees.
(Note: Grading and drainage or hillside permits, if required, must be obtained before issuance of the building permit.)
Source: Residential Process Overview | City of Phoenix, read 2026-10-29
The full list of job types that need a permit: Residential Single-Family Construction Permit Guide.
How do I contact the Phoenix building department?
The Planning & Development Department keeps city business hours:
City business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for major holidays.
Source: Contact Planning and Development | City of Phoenix, read 2026-10-29
Its counters and contact lines are on the department’s Contact Us page.
Sources
- Residential Building | City of Phoenix (phoenix.gov), read 2026-10-29
- PDD Online - Search Utilities (apps-secure.phoenix.gov), read 2026-10-29
- external-faqs (PDF) (phoenix.gov), read 2026-10-29
- Permits - PDD Online Search (apps-secure.phoenix.gov), read 2026-10-29
- Help with My Home Project | City of Phoenix (phoenix.gov), read 2026-10-29
- Residential Additions and Remodels | City of Phoenix (phoenix.gov), read 2026-10-29
- About Phoenix Planning and Development | City of Phoenix (phoenix.gov), read 2026-10-29
- five-yr-ops-report (PDF) (phoenix.gov), read 2026-10-29
- turnaround-times-report (PDF) (phoenix.gov), read 2026-10-29
- Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, annual county file 2025 (www2.census.gov), row 2025,04,013 (Maricopa County, AZ, county file), sum of the Units columns: 1-based column 8 ('1-unit' Units) + column 11 ('2-units' Units) + column 14 ('3-4 units' Units) + column 17 ('5+ units' Units), columns counted from 1 as the file's header counts them; whole county, all permit-issuing places, read 2026-10-29
- Residential Projects | City of Phoenix (phoenix.gov), read 2026-10-29
- dsd_trt_pdf_00618 (PDF) (phoenix.gov), read 2026-10-29
- dsd_trt_pdf_00823 (PDF) (phoenix.gov), read 2026-10-29
- fee-schedule (PDF) (phoenix.gov), read 2026-10-29
- Fees, Valuations and Assurances | City of Phoenix (phoenix.gov), read 2026-10-29
- Residential Inspections | City of Phoenix (phoenix.gov), read 2026-10-29
- Residential Process Overview | City of Phoenix (phoenix.gov), read 2026-10-29
- Contact Planning and Development | City of Phoenix (phoenix.gov), read 2026-10-29