Peoria, AZ Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Section 18-21 adopts the 2018 International Building Code as the Building Code of the City of Peoria and locally amends its permit sections. 4 makes it unlawful to perform any work for which a permit is required until the permit has been obtained and posted on the premises, and treats working beyond a permit's authorized scope as working without one. 2 then spells out the narrow list of work that does not need a permit at all: one-story detached tool or storage sheds under 200 square feet, fences up to 3 feet (fences up to 7 feet still need a permit for zoning and drainage compliance only), retaining walls up to 40 inches measured from the top of the footing to the top of the wall unless the wall holds back a surcharge or Class I, II or IIIA liquids, above-ground water tanks under 5,000 gallons, platforms and driveways under 30 inches high, and narrow categories of minor electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing work.

Everything else, from a new single-family home to a room addition or a commercial tenant improvement, needs a permit before work begins. 3 requires the applicant to file a written application on a Development and Engineering Department form identifying the work, describing the property by legal description or address, stating the intended occupancy and valuation, including construction documents under Section 107, and signed by the owner or an authorized agent. 2 lets an application sit for 180 days before it is deemed abandoned unless pursued in good faith or extended in writing by the Building Official for up to 180 more days. 5 expires a permit 24 months after issuance, or sooner if work does not start within 180 days or is suspended for 180 days.