Building Safety in Glendale, AZ (2026)
6 verified building safety rules for Glendale, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Sprinkler Requirements
Glendale requires an approved automatic sprinkler system throughout the entire building for every newly constructed commercial and residential structure, with the code's only blanket carve-out for one- and two-family dwellings covered by the Residential Code.
Glendale Automatic Fire Sprinkler Mandate
Heavy RestrictionsGlendale Code of Ordinances § 16-52
In addition to the requirements of this Code, an approved automatic sprinkler system shall be required as follows: (a)Throughout the entire building of all newly constructed commercial and residential structures. Exception:1.Where specifically omitted or otherwise not required in accordance with this Code.2.In one- and two-family dwellings regulated by the International Residential Code and in...
Green Building Code
Glendale adopted the 2024 International Green Construction Code as Sec. 9-26 of its municipal code, but the city made every substantive requirement in the code optional. Compliance is left entirely to the design professional's choice on each project.
Glendale Green Construction Code Is Voluntary
Few RestrictionsGlendale Code of Ordinances § 9-26
IgCC Table 101.5.1 Requirements Determined by the Jurisdiction, is amended as follows: All of the code sections listed in the Table are adopted as "optional" requirements. Compliance with the 2024 International Green Construction Code is voluntary as determined by the design professional. IgCC Chapter 1, Administration is amended by the deletion of Sections 102 through 110. For administration o...
Building Permits
Glendale requires a permit under the adopted 2024 International Building Code for nearly every construction, alteration, or repair project, enforced by the city's Building Safety Division. Glendale Code § 9-17 exempts only specific items from IBC Section 105.2, including fences 7 feet or under and agricultural hoophouses and polyhouses built under A.R.S. § 9-469. Anything else needs a permit before work starts.
When a Building Permit Is Required in Glendale
Some RestrictionsGlendale Code of Ordinances § 9-17 (2024 IBC § 105.2)
2.Fences, other than swimming pool barriers and perimeter subdivision fences, not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high. ... 14.Hoophouses and polyhouses used exclusively for producing and storing live plants, constructed in accordance with A.R.S. § 9-469. Mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems constructed in these structures shall require the appropriate permits in accordance with this code.
Electrical Permits
Glendale adopts the 2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) by reference, and any electrical work must be permitted and inspected by the Building Safety Division. Violating the adopted code is a misdemeanor, and certain high-voltage or life-safety installations require an independent special inspector before a certificate of occupancy issues.
Glendale Electrical Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsGlendale Code of Ordinances § 9-16
The following publications, one (1) copy each of which is on file in the office of the city clerk, are adopted by reference as if set out at length in this Code....(7)2023 National Electrical Code, as published by the National Fire Protection Association;...(b)Any person violating any of the provisions of the publications adopted in subsection (a) shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Plumbing Permits
Glendale adopts the 2024 International Plumbing Code by reference, administered by the Building Safety Division, and requires permits for plumbing installations with fees set annually by council resolution. Local amendments set minimum sewer depths, water-closet flow limits, and route sewage disposal issues to the Water Services Department.
Glendale Plumbing Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsGlendale Code of Ordinances § 9-21
Section 305.4.1 Sewer Depth is amended as follows: Building sewers that connect to private sewage disposal systems shall be installed not less than 12 inches below finished grade at the point of septic tank connection. Building sewers shall be installed not less than 12 inches below grade.
Building Inspections
Glendale's Building Safety Division inspects work under the adopted 2024 International Building Code at rough-in and final stages for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems, plus special inspections on complex work under Section 110.3.11. Section 109.6 lets the city charge a reinspection fee whenever a called inspection finds incomplete work, uncorrected deficiencies, no access, or missing inspection records, and it will not inspect again until that fee is paid.
Glendale Building Inspection and Reinspection Rules
Some RestrictionsGlendale Code of Ordinances § 9-17 (2024 IBC §§ 109.6, 110.3.11)
110.3.11 Special Inspections. In addition to the inspections required by Section 110, the engineer or architect of record acting as the owner's agent shall employ one or more special inspectors who shall provide inspections during construction for types of work outlined in Chapter 17 and as outlined below: ... 109.6 Reinspection fees. Permit fees provide for customary inspections only. A reinsp...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Glendale city rules.
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