Gilbert, AZ Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2018 IBC and 2018 IRC, Code of Gilbert § 10-31
- Permit exemption
- Accessory structures ≤200 sq ft, non-habitable
- First violation fine
- Up to $250
- Third violation fine
- Up to $1,000
- Jail exposure
- Up to 6 months after third violation
- Notice period
- At least 10 days before citation
- Enforcing officials
- Code compliance, building inspector, police
Summary
Gilbert adopts the 2018 International Building Code and 2018 International Residential Code by reference under Code of Gilbert Sec. 10-31, so most new construction, additions and alterations need a town-issued building permit. A locally amended Section R105.2 exempts only limited work, such as detached non-habitable accessory structures of 200 square feet or less, and violations bring escalating civil penalties under Sec. 10-50.
R105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemption from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following: Building: 1.One-story detached non-habitable accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2) and said structure is not used for any of the items listed below:1.1.Marijuana cultivation.1.2.Extraction processes.1.3.Industrial-type processes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 10-31(a) adopts the "International Building Code, 2018 Edition," with Appendices C, I and K, as the town's Building Code, filed with the town clerk for public inspection; subsection (b) separately adopts the 2018 International Residential Code with Appendices H, P and Q. Both incorporate the base codes' permit-application and inspection requirements as local law, with the town amending select sections. 2, "Work exempt from permit," makes clear that an exemption from the permit requirement does not authorize work done in violation of the code or any other town law or ordinance, and lists only one exempt building category: one-story detached non-habitable accessory structures with a floor area of 200 square feet or less, provided the structure is not used for marijuana cultivation, extraction processes, or industrial-type processes.
1 further amends how the residential code interacts with the building code where a residential occupancy is used for cultivation, extraction, or industrial-type processes permitted by zoning, directing those uses to the referenced commercial codes instead. Enforcement of Sec. 10-31 runs through Sec. 10-50: before a citation issues, the code compliance supervisor must give the builder, contractor, property owner, or authorized agent written notice describing the violation, what correcting it requires, and a cure period of at least ten days unless the building official finds an immediate safety concern.
Citations may be issued by the code compliance supervisor, a code compliance inspector, a building inspector, or a Gilbert police officer, and each day a violation continues after the notice period is a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Building without a required permit, or continuing work after a notice of violation's cure period expires, exposes the responsible builder, contractor, property owner, or authorized agent to a citation under Sec. 10-50. Penalties escalate: up to $250 for a first violation, up to $500 for a second, and up to $1,000 for a third or later violation, with each day of continued noncompliance a separate offense. After a third violation, the person may face up to six months in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gilbert require a permit for home construction or additions?
What building work is exempt from a Gilbert permit?
What happens if I build without a permit in Gilbert?
Does Gilbert give notice before citing an unpermitted building violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gilbert
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