Do I need a permit for addition or structural alteration in Tempe?
Yes. In Arizona, addition or structural alteration generally requires a permit, and Tempe is no exception.
Additions that change the building footprint require full plan review and typically involve zoning, setback, and structural review; scope and submittal lists vary by the city or county code edition adopted. Owner-builders acting under ARS 32-1121 may perform work on a home they occupy, but selling or renting it within one year is prima facie evidence it was built for sale, which removes the exemption. New construction, additions, and renovations to single-family residences, duplexes, and townhomes require Residential Plan Review and an approved permit before work begins, and all submittals are handled electronically through the Tempe Citizen Access Portal per the Electronic Plan (E-Plan) Review guidelines. Tempe adopted the 2024 I-Codes and 2023 NEC effective July 1, 2026 with a transition period through December 31, 2026, so confirm whether your plans are reviewed under the 2018 or 2024 code. After you pass your final inspection you may qualify for Tempe's Residential Rebate Program, which can rebate building permit fees; check eligibility on the city site.
Documents you may need
- Permit applicationrequired
- Construction drawings (floor plan, elevations, framing/structural)required
- Site plan with setbacks and lot coveragerequired
- Energy compliance and structural/engineering detailsSometimes required
- Building Permit (BP) application submitted through the Tempe Citizen Access Portalrequired
- Construction plans and structural details submitted for Electronic Plan (E-Plan) Reviewrequired
- Plot plan showing the lot, setbacks, and the addition locationrequired
Possible inspections
- Footing/foundation inspection
- Framing, electrical, plumbing and mechanical rough-in inspections
- Insulation inspection
- Final inspection
- Footing / foundation inspection
- Framing and rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections
- Building Final (199) inspection
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for addition or structural alteration in Tempe?
- Yes. In Arizona, addition or structural alteration generally requires a permit, and Tempe is no exception. Additions that change the building footprint require full plan review and typically involve zoning, setback, and structural review; scope and submittal lists vary by the city or county code edition adopted. Owner-builders acting under ARS 32-1121 may perform work on a home they occupy, but selling or renting it within one year is prima facie evidence it was built for sale, which removes the exemption. New construction, additions, and renovations to single-family residences, duplexes, and townhomes require Residential Plan Review and an approved permit before work begins, and all submittals are handled electronically through the Tempe Citizen Access Portal per the Electronic Plan (E-Plan) Review guidelines. Tempe adopted the 2024 I-Codes and 2023 NEC effective July 1, 2026 with a transition period through December 31, 2026, so confirm whether your plans are reviewed under the 2018 or 2024 code. After you pass your final inspection you may qualify for Tempe's Residential Rebate Program, which can rebate building permit fees; check eligibility on the city site.
- Who issues the permit in Tempe?
- The local building department for Tempe handles permitting. This page lists its contact details and online portal. Your mailing city is not always the permitting authority, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply.
- How do I find out the exact requirements for my project?
- Run the free PermitRoadmap check for your specific project and answers. It returns the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its official source.
PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.