Building Safety in Tempe, AZ (2026)
8 verified building safety rules for Tempe, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Sprinkler Requirements
Tempe's amended 2024 Fire Code requires an automatic sprinkler system throughout every Group R residential fire area, covering apartments, condos and assisted-living buildings. Detached one- and two-family homes and R-3 townhomes of 5,000 square feet or less are excepted from the mandate.
Tempe Residential Sprinkler Rules
Some RestrictionsTempe City Code § 14-41 (2024 IFC §§ 903.2.8, 903.2.8.1)
903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings and portions thereof with a Group R fire area. ... 903.2.8.1 Group R-3. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 shall be permitted in Group R-3 occupancies and their attached accessory occupancies. Exceptions: 1. R-3 occupancie...
Anti-Mansionization
Tempe requires a discretionary Use Permit before any existing single-story, single-family home can add, expand or rebuild a second story. Zoning and Development Code Section 3-420 puts second-story additions, including detached structures like play structures, through public Use Permit review.
Tempe Use Permit for Second-Story Additions
Significant RestrictionsTempe Zoning and Development Code § 3-420(B)
B.Applicability: A Use Permit is required for any single story, single-family residence to add, expand, or rebuild for a second story. This provision is applicable to viewing decks, play structures and detached accessory buildings and structures that have a second story. See procedures and criteria identified in Section 6-308.
Green Building Code
Tempe adopted the 2024 International Green Construction Code as Article XI of City Code Chapter 8, but Sec. 8-1100 makes its use optional unless a separate ordinance specifically requires it. The code is an overlay document only: it is not a standalone construction regulation, and the city does not issue building permits under it.
Tempe Green Construction Code (IgCC) Rules
Few RestrictionsTempe City Code § 8-1100, Art. XI, Sec. 101.2 (2024 IgCC)
101.2 (2.3) General. - The use of this code is optional, unless specifically required through ordinance by the City of Tempe. This code is an overlay document to be used in conjunction with the other codes and standards adopted by the jurisdiction. This code is not intended to be used as a standalone construction regulation document and permits are not to be issued under this code. This code is...
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Tempe's amendment to Section R311.6 of its adopted 2024 International Residential Code requires carbon monoxide alarms in dwellings to draw primary power from the building's wiring, with battery backup only, not battery power alone. The Tempe Building Safety Division checks this at the permit and inspection stage for new construction and qualifying remodels.
Tempe Carbon Monoxide Alarm Power Rule
Some RestrictionsTempe City Code § 8-300 (adopting 2024 IRC § R311.6)
R311.6 Power source. Carbon monoxide alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring where such wiring is served from a commercial source and, where primary power is interrupted, shall receive power from a battery. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for overcurrent protection. Exceptions: 1.Carbon monoxide alarms shall be per...
Building Permits
Tempe requires a building official-issued permit under City Code Sec. 8-105 before constructing, altering, moving or demolishing a building, or before touching its electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems, with permits applied for through the online portal.
Tempe Building Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsTempe City Code Sec. 8-105.1
105.1 Required. Any owner or owner's authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, change the occupancy or change character/use within an occupancy group of a building or portion thereof or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this c...
Electrical Permits
Tempe adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code by Tempe City Code § 8-800, and its Article 90 amendments make it unlawful to connect any electrical installation to a power supply without the required permit and inspections. The Building Official administers approvals, rough-in checks and final energization sign-off.
Tempe Electrical Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsTempe City Code § 8-800 (2023 NEC § 90.1.4(A))
90.1.4 Connection to Electricity Supply. Connections to the electric supply shall conform to 80.25(A) through (C). (A)Authorization. Except where work is done under an annual permit and except as otherwise provided in 80.25. it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to make connection to a supply of electricity or to supply electricity to any electrical equipment installation fo...
Plumbing Permits
Tempe adopted the 2024 International Plumbing Code by reference under general code § 8-600, and § 8-105.1 of the Tempe Administrative Code requires a permit before installing, altering, or replacing any plumbing system, issued by the Building Official after plan review. Minor repairs like clearing a stoppage or fixing a leak without replacing pipe or fixtures are exempt under § 8-105.2.
Tempe Plumbing Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsTempe City Code § 8-105.1
105.1 Required. Any owner or owner's authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, change the occupancy or change character/use within an occupancy group of a building or portion thereof or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this c...
Building Inspections
Tempe requires every permitted project to pass staged inspections by the Building Safety Division before work can continue or a building can be occupied. Permit holders must request each inspection, keep the site accessible, and post an inspection record card on site under City Code Sec. 8-110.
Tempe Building Inspection Process
Some RestrictionsTempe City Code § 8-110 (110.5, 110.6)
110.5 Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the holder of the permit or the authorized agent to notify the building official when work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to provide access to and means for the inspection of such work as required by this code. The building official may require that every request for inspection be filed at least one working d...
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