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Building Safety in Arizona (2026)

127 rules on the books across Arizona, 23 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.

Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions

Fire Sprinkler Requirements

When residential and commercial buildings must install fire sprinkler systems, including new-construction triggers and major-renovation thresholds.

Glendale

Heavy Restrictions

Glendale requires an approved automatic sprinkler system throughout the entire building for every newly constructed…

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Mesa

Heavy Restrictions

Mesa's amended Building Code requires an approved automatic fire sprinkler system in all areas of new buildings and…

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Chandler

Significant Restrictions

Chandler's amended Building Code requires automatic fire sprinklers throughout every Group R occupancy, apartments…

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Peoria

Significant Restrictions

Every new single-family or duplex home in Peoria (Group R-3) must be built with a residential fire sprinkler system…

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Goodyear

Some Restrictions

Goodyear requires automatic sprinklers throughout every Group R building, including Build-for-Rent multifamily…

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Maricopa

Some Restrictions

Maricopa requires automatic sprinklers throughout new Group R (residential) buildings, including "Build for Rent"…

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Queen Creek

Some Restrictions

The Town of Queen Creek amends International Fire Code Section 903.2 to require automatic sprinklers throughout all new…

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Sahuarita

Some Restrictions

Sahuarita's I-1 Light Industrial zone requires sprinkler systems in every hotel, motel, lodge, or inn permitted there…

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Scottsdale

Some Restrictions

Scottsdale requires an automatic sprinkler system, installed to NFPA 13, 13-R, or 13-D, throughout every new Group R…

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Tempe

Some Restrictions

Tempe's amended 2024 Fire Code requires an automatic sprinkler system throughout every Group R residential fire area…

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Maricopa County

Light Restrictions

Unincorporated Maricopa County's own building code sets no fire-sprinkler mandate for homes: the Local Additions and…

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Yavapai County

Light Restrictions

Yavapai County does not mandate whole-house fire sprinklers in the unincorporated area. Its amended IRC only requires…

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Pinal County

Few Restrictions

Pinal County cannot require a fire sprinkler system in an accessory dwelling unit or force it onto a commercial…

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Yuma

Few Restrictions

Yuma does not require automatic fire sprinklers in new one- and two-family homes. The city's 2024 IRC amendments strike…

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Childcare Center Rules

Building safety standards specific to family childcare homes and centers, including egress, sprinklers, lead and asbestos clearances, and outdoor play standards.

Peoria

Significant Restrictions

A Peoria day care serving five or more children in a residential district must hold Arizona Department of Health…

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Sahuarita

Significant Restrictions

A child care center attached to a religious use, school or membership organization needs a Type 1 conditional use…

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Yuma

Significant Restrictions

A day care serving six or more children in a Yuma residential zone needs a conditional use permit and must meet fixed…

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Maricopa

Some Restrictions

Maricopa zoning sets siting, hours, and licensing standards for day care facilities, whether stand-alone centers or…

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Phoenix

Some Restrictions

Phoenix zoning allows home-based child care for up to six dependents by right; seven or more requires a use permit, a…

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Queen Creek

Some Restrictions

Commercial daycare facilities in the Town of Queen Creek must hold a fire operational permit and pass a thorough Fire…

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Scottsdale

Some Restrictions

Scottsdale's zoning code ties a day care center's location to its distance from housing: under Table 11.201.A of §…

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Sedona

Some Restrictions

Sedona's building code lets a small in-home day care operate as a residential building instead of an institutional one…

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Tucson

Some Restrictions

Tucson's Unified Development Code sets detailed siting standards for child care centers in residential and office…

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Yavapai County

Some Restrictions

Yavapai County's amended building code sets the occupancy class for small child care group homes in the unincorporated…

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Green Building Code

CALGreen and equivalent state green building codes, plus reach codes that go further (electric-only new construction, EV-readiness, low-VOC materials).

Chandler

Some Restrictions

Chandler has no separate green-building ordinance; its energy-efficiency mandate is the 2024 International Energy…

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Scottsdale

Some Restrictions

Scottsdale adopted the 2021 International Green Construction Code by reference, applying sustainability, water, energy…

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Sedona

Some Restrictions

Sedona's adopted 2018 energy code requires new construction with more than nine parking spaces to make 5 percent of…

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Tucson

Some Restrictions

Tucson does not mandate green building citywide, but a developer using the Flexible Lot Development Maximum Density…

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Yuma

Some Restrictions

Yuma's energy-efficiency standard is the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code, adopted by City Code § 150-020…

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Pima County

Light Restrictions

In unincorporated Pima County, a legally nonconforming building doesn't have to be brought up to current zoning…

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Gilbert

Few Restrictions

Gilbert has adopted a green building standard, but it is optional. Code of Gilbert Sec. 10-40 adopts the "International…

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Glendale

Few Restrictions

Glendale adopted the 2024 International Green Construction Code as Sec. 9-26 of its municipal code, but the city made…

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Maricopa

Few Restrictions

Maricopa has no mandatory green building code: its Sustainable Development Incentive Program lets developers earn…

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Maricopa County

Few Restrictions

Unincorporated Maricopa County has adopted the International Green Construction Code, but only as a voluntary standard…

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Tempe

Few Restrictions

Tempe adopted the 2024 International Green Construction Code as Article XI of City Code Chapter 8, but Sec. 8-1100…

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Building Permits

When a building permit is required, new work, renovations, reroofing, decks, the small-project exemptions, and what unpermitted work costs when it surfaces at sale or inspection.

Avondale

Some Restrictions

Avondale adopts the 2024 International Building Code and nine companion I-Codes by reference as its Building Codes and…

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Buckeye

Some Restrictions

Buckeye's local amendment to the adopted International Building Code exempts minor, non-structural interior repairs…

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Coconino County

Some Restrictions

Coconino County requires a Building Permit or Engineering Permit before any construction, reconstruction, alteration…

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Gilbert

Some Restrictions

Gilbert adopts the 2018 International Building Code and 2018 International Residential Code by reference under Code of…

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Glendale

Some Restrictions

Glendale requires a permit under the adopted 2024 International Building Code for nearly every construction…

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Goodyear

Some Restrictions

Goodyear requires a building permit before anyone builds, alters, repairs, moves, or demolishes a structure, or…

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Maricopa

Some Restrictions

In the City of Maricopa, interior renovations, remodels, and repairs require a building permit under the adopted 2024…

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Maricopa County

Some Restrictions

In unincorporated Maricopa County, low patios and terraces can extend into required yards without a Zoning Clearance…

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Mesa

Some Restrictions

Mesa requires anyone who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a…

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Peoria

Some Restrictions

Peoria requires a building permit for nearly all construction under its locally amended 2018 International Building…

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Phoenix

Some Restrictions

In Phoenix, decks and patios attached to buildings or elevated more than 30 inches above grade generally require…

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Pima County

Some Restrictions

Unincorporated Pima County requires building permits under the locally adopted 2024 International Building Code…

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Pinal County

Some Restrictions

Pinal County requires a building permit for construction of buildings and appurtenant structures in the unincorporated…

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Queen Creek

Some Restrictions

The Town of Queen Creek requires a permit from the Building Official before anyone constructs, enlarges, alters…

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Sahuarita

Some Restrictions

Sahuarita adopts the 2018 International Building Code, as locally amended by Resolution No. 2019-0596, to govern when a…

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Scottsdale

Some Restrictions

Scottsdale amends IBC Section 105 to run its own annual-permit and exemption system. City Code § 31-5 lets the building…

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Sedona

Some Restrictions

Sedona adopts the 2018 International Building Code and requires a permit for virtually all construction, alteration or…

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Surprise

Some Restrictions

Surprise adopts the 2024 International Building Code and 2024 International Residential Code by ordinance as its local…

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Tempe

Some Restrictions

Tempe requires a building official-issued permit under City Code Sec. 8-105 before constructing, altering, moving or…

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Tucson

Some Restrictions

Tucson has adopted the International Building Code, 2024 Edition, with local amendments, and Tucson Code § 6-37…

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Yavapai County

Some Restrictions

Yavapai County requires a building permit for construction in the unincorporated county unless the work falls on the…

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Yuma

Some Restrictions

Yuma enforces the 2024 International Building Code through City Code § 150-015, with local fee and process amendments…

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Chandler

Light Restrictions

Chandler exempts a straight re-roof from a building permit on Group R-3 or U occupancies (houses and accessory…

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Electrical Permits

Which electrical work (panel upgrades, EV chargers, solar inverters, sub-panels) requires a licensed-electrician permit vs. an owner-builder permit.

Avondale

Some Restrictions

Avondale requires an electrical permit from the chief building official before any electrical installation, alteration…

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Buckeye

Some Restrictions

Buckeye, Arizona adopts the 2023 National Electrical Code by reference for all electrical work, with local amendments…

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Chandler

Some Restrictions

Chandler adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code and requires a permit for electrical work under the amended Building…

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Gilbert

Some Restrictions

Electrical work in Gilbert must comply with the "National Electrical Code, 2017 Edition," which Code of Gilbert Sec…

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Glendale

Some Restrictions

Glendale adopts the 2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) by reference, and any electrical work must be permitted and…

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Goodyear

Some Restrictions

Goodyear requires all electrical construction and installation to comply with the 2023 NFPA 70 National Electrical…

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Maricopa

Some Restrictions

Maricopa adopts the 2023 National Electrical Code for all electrical work, with a local amendment to kitchen-island…

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Maricopa County

Some Restrictions

Unincorporated Maricopa County wires new construction to the National Electrical Code as locally amended by the Local…

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Mesa

Some Restrictions

Mesa enforces the National Electrical Code, adopted locally as the Mesa Electrical Code (§ 4-1-2(F)(3)), and requires a…

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Peoria

Some Restrictions

Peoria enforces electrical work under the 2017 National Electrical Code, adopted and locally amended by City Code…

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Phoenix

Some Restrictions

Phoenix adopts its Construction Code by reference, and that code, covering the City's Electrical Code, is what requires…

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Pima County

Some Restrictions

Unincorporated Pima County wiring and electrical installations must meet the 2023 National Electrical Code, adopted as…

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Pinal County

Some Restrictions

Electrical work in unincorporated Pinal County must comply with the National Electric Code, 2017 Edition, adopted by…

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Queen Creek

Some Restrictions

Queen Creek has adopted the 2020 National Electrical Code under Town Code Section 7-1-1-4-4, and Section 7-1-4-1…

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Sahuarita

Some Restrictions

Sahuarita governs electrical wiring, service equipment and installations through the 2017 National Electrical Code…

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Scottsdale

Some Restrictions

Scottsdale enforces the 2020 edition of the National Electrical Code as part of its Building Code, adopted by reference…

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Sedona

Some Restrictions

Sedona adopts the 2017 National Electrical Code for all electrical permits, but with one hard local rule: every…

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Surprise

Some Restrictions

Surprise adopts the 2023 National Electrical Code by ordinance as its governing electrical code, modified by local…

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Tempe

Some Restrictions

Tempe adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code by Tempe City Code § 8-800, and its Article 90 amendments make it…

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Tucson

Some Restrictions

Tucson Code § 6-84 adopts the National Electrical Code, 2023 Edition, with local amendments, and § 6-83 puts the…

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Yavapai County

Some Restrictions

Unincorporated Yavapai County enforces the 2023 National Electrical Code under Ordinance No. 2025-8 and requires an…

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Yuma

Some Restrictions

Yuma enforces the 2020 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code under City Code § 150-076, adopted by Resolution R2022-021…

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Plumbing Permits

Which plumbing work (water heaters, sewer-line replacement, repipe, gas-line) requires a permit, and which minor repairs are typically exempt.

Avondale

Some Restrictions

Avondale adopts the 2024 International Plumbing Code, with its own amendments and Appendices B, C and E, as the city's…

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Buckeye

Some Restrictions

Buckeye plumbing work runs on the locally adopted 2024 International Plumbing Code under City Code § 15-2-4, with local…

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Chandler

Some Restrictions

Chandler enforces the 2024 International Plumbing Code and requires a permit for plumbing work, but Section 29-2.11…

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Gilbert

Some Restrictions

Plumbing work in Gilbert must follow the "International Plumbing Code, 2018 Edition," which Code of Gilbert Sec. 10-34…

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Glendale

Some Restrictions

Glendale adopts the 2024 International Plumbing Code by reference, administered by the Building Safety Division, and…

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Goodyear

Some Restrictions

Goodyear adopts the 2024 International Plumbing Code by reference to govern plumbing installation, alteration and…

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Maricopa

Some Restrictions

Maricopa enforces the 2024 International Plumbing Code as its local plumbing code, with the Building Official or a…

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Maricopa County

Some Restrictions

Unincorporated Maricopa County regulates plumbing under the locally titled "Plumbing Code of Maricopa County," its…

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Mesa

Some Restrictions

Mesa enforces the International Plumbing Code, adopted locally as the Mesa Plumbing Code (§ 4-1-2(F)(4)), and requires…

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Peoria

Some Restrictions

Peoria enforces plumbing work under the 2018 International Plumbing Code, adopted and locally amended by City Code…

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Phoenix

Some Restrictions

Phoenix requires a plumbing permit from the Planning and Development Director before any building sewer construction…

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Pima County

Some Restrictions

Unincorporated Pima County plumbing work must meet the 2024 International Plumbing Code, adopted by the county as its…

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Pinal County

Some Restrictions

Plumbing installations in unincorporated Pinal County must follow the International Plumbing Code, 2018 Edition…

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Queen Creek

Some Restrictions

Queen Creek has adopted the 2021 International Plumbing Code under Town Code Section 7-1-1-4-5, and Section 7-1-4-1…

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Sahuarita

Some Restrictions

Sahuarita requires plumbing work to follow the 2018 International Plumbing Code, adopted by STC § 15.05.020(A)(4) with…

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Scottsdale

Some Restrictions

Scottsdale adopted the 2021 International Plumbing Code, renamed locally the 'Plumbing Code of the City of Scottsdale,'…

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Sedona

Some Restrictions

Sedona runs plumbing work under the 2018 International Plumbing Code, adopted with local amendments covering fees…

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Surprise

Some Restrictions

Plumbing work in Surprise must comply with the 2024 International Plumbing Code, adopted by reference under City Code §…

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Tempe

Some Restrictions

Tempe adopted the 2024 International Plumbing Code by reference under general code § 8-600, and § 8-105.1 of the Tempe…

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Tucson

Some Restrictions

Tucson adopts the 2024 International Plumbing Code with local amendments as its plumbing code under City Code § 6-124…

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Yavapai County

Some Restrictions

Yavapai County Ordinance No. 2025-3 amends Section 101.4.3 of the adopted building code to apply the 2024 International…

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Yuma

Some Restrictions

Plumbing work in Yuma is governed by the locally amended 2018 International Plumbing Code, adopted at City Code §…

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Building Inspections

Required inspection types (rough framing, electrical, plumbing, final), how to schedule, what inspectors look for, and how to handle a failed inspection.

Maricopa

Significant Restrictions

The Building Official keeps a comprehensive record of every inspection made under Maricopa's building codes, and…

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Chandler

Some Restrictions

When Chandler's building official finds a structure, premises, vehicle or outdoor area out of compliance with an…

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Glendale

Some Restrictions

Glendale's Building Safety Division inspects work under the adopted 2024 International Building Code at rough-in and…

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Maricopa County

Some Restrictions

Before final sign-off, Maricopa County requires a floor/stemwall/foundation inspection ahead of the final building…

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Mesa

Some Restrictions

Mesa's Building Safety Director makes a set sequence of required inspections on every permitted job, footing and…

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Peoria

Some Restrictions

Peoria's building official inspects all permitted construction under the local IBC amendments at City Code Sec…

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Queen Creek

Some Restrictions

The Town of Queen Creek requires ten distinct inspection stages under Town Code Section 7-1-8-3, from footing and…

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Sahuarita

Some Restrictions

Sahuarita charges $100 for every reinspection triggered by a failed building inspection, and a separate $60 fee for…

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Scottsdale

Some Restrictions

Scottsdale's building official can order any inspection needed to verify code compliance beyond the standard required…

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Tempe

Some Restrictions

Tempe requires every permitted project to pass staged inspections by the Building Safety Division before work can…

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Tucson

Some Restrictions

Tucson Code § 6-33 puts one office in charge of every building inspection in the city: the building inspection…

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Yavapai County

Some Restrictions

Yavapai County requires a set sequence of 15 inspections under Ordinance No. 2019-1 Sec. 110, from footing through…

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Yuma

Some Restrictions

Yuma's Building Safety Division inspects under the amended 2024 IBC. Standard weekday inspections are covered by the…

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