Cool Roof Requirements: Phoenix vs Surprise
How do cool roof requirements rules compare between Phoenix, AZ and Surprise, AZ?
Surprise has fewer restrictions than Phoenix.
Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Phoenix Building Construction Code Chapter 11 (energy provisions) and amendments to the 2018 IECC require new low-slope roofs to meet cool-roof reflectance and emittance thresholds. Phoenix participates in the Cool Roof Coalition with ASU and EPA SmartGrowth.
View full Phoenix rules →Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
Arizona has no statewide energy code, and Maricopa County has not adopted a cool-roof ordinance for unincorporated areas. The county follows the 2018 International Residential Code with limited energy provisions, leaving roof-reflectance choices to the property owner.
View full Surprise rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Phoenix | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Code citation | Phoenix Ch. 11 IECC amendments | - |
| Low-slope reflectance | Aged 0.55 minimum | - |
| Low-slope emittance | 0.75 minimum | - |
| Verifying body | Cool Roof Rating Council | - |
| Permitting agency | Phoenix Planning and Development | - |
| Cool-roof mandate | - | None in unincorporated |
| Building code | - | 2018 IRC adopted |
| IECC | - | Not adopted |
| State energy code | - | None |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Phoenix FAQ
Does the cool-roof rule apply to my house?
Generally only to low-slope sections of new construction or major reroofs. Steep-slope shingled residential roofs are not required to meet cool-roof reflectance under Phoenix amendments to the 2018 IECC, though products are encouraged.
What products qualify?
Roofing materials labeled by the Cool Roof Rating Council with three-year aged solar reflectance of 0.55 or higher and thermal emittance of 0.75 or higher meet the Phoenix low-slope standard for plan-check approval.
Is there a rebate?
APS and SRP offer commercial cool-roof rebates through their energy-efficiency programs. Phoenix's Office of Sustainability publicizes seasonal incentive partnerships, especially through the Cool Roof Coalition with ASU and EPA.
Surprise FAQ
Will Maricopa County require a cool roof on a new home?
No. The 2018 IRC adopted by the county does not include cool-roof reflectance minimums, and the county skipped IECC adoption. Builders may install standard composition shingles without solar reflectance documentation.
Are there incentives for cool roofs in unincorporated areas?
APS and SRP offer rebates for ENERGY STAR roofing, and federal Inflation Reduction Act 25C credits cover qualifying products. Maricopa County does not provide a separate cool-roof grant or expedited permit.
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