Permits by job in Arizona
Early Arizona guides. getPermit is California-first — these pages share what we've verified in Arizona so far, and they don't mean getPermit covers Arizona yet. Join the waitlist with your city to tell us where to go deeper.
Direct answers to “do I need a permit to {job} in Arizona, and how does it work?” — general Arizona code and process for the most common contractor jobs. City-specific fees and timelines are confirmed with the local building department on each job's page.
Electrical
Battery storage
Home battery storage needs a permit in the Phoenix-area jurisdictions that address it: Phoenix requires a Planning & Development permit plus a Phoenix Fire permit for energy storage systems, and Mesa requires a Development Services permit for any solar system that includes a battery. Batteries also take a system out of Phoenix's SolarAPP+ path. The work is done by an ROC-licensed electrical contractor.
EV charger install
A Level 2 EV charger means a new 240-volt circuit, which needs an electrical permit in Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale. The paperwork varies: Phoenix issues it over the counter when the existing service is 200 amps or less and needs no upgrade, Scottsdale lists new circuits as Minimum Permits, and Mesa's checklist asks for a site plan, panel schedule, and load calculations. The work is done by an ROC-licensed electrical contractor.
Panel upgrade
A panel replacement or service upgrade generally needs an electrical permit in Arizona. Upgrades up to 200 amps are often quick — Phoenix issues them over the counter and unincorporated Maricopa County classifies them as Non-Technical permits — while larger services go to plan review with load calculations and a one-line diagram. The utility controls the disconnect and reconnect. The work is done by an ROC-licensed electrical contractor.
Solar interconnection
Rooftop solar in Arizona needs two approvals: a permit from the city or county and interconnection approval from the utility before the system operates. Permit paths vary widely — Phoenix and unincorporated Maricopa County accept SolarAPP+ for qualifying rooftop systems, Scottsdale gives arrays that meet its guidelines a small-scope review, and Mesa's code exempts listed systems installed by a licensed contractor unless a battery or meter panel upgrade is involved. Installers are ROC-licensed electrical contractors.
Plumbing
Gas line
Adding or extending gas piping generally needs a permit in Arizona, with a pressure test before the gas is turned on and a gas clearance to the utility after inspection. Expect to show every appliance's load and the pipe sizing — Mesa and unincorporated Maricopa County publish specific gas piping requirements. The work is done by an ROC-licensed plumbing contractor; Arizona's handyman exemption never covers gas connections.
Repipe
Repiping a home generally needs a plumbing permit in Arizona. Under the model International Building Code permit exemptions that Arizona jurisdictions adopt, stopping a leak is a repair, but replacing defective concealed piping with new material counts as new work. Some jurisdictions exempt narrow cases, such as Mesa's exemption for an equal replacement of the exterior water supply line. The work is done by an ROC-licensed plumbing contractor.
Sewer line replacement
Replacing a building sewer line generally needs a plumbing permit in Arizona, and work in the street or public right-of-way — like a new connection to the public sewer — often needs a separate right-of-way permit. Some jurisdictions exempt narrow cases, such as Mesa's exemption for an equal replacement of the exterior drain line outside easements and City right-of-way. The work is done by an ROC-licensed plumbing contractor.
Water heater replacement
Water heater replacement is where Arizona jurisdictions differ most. Phoenix, Mesa, and unincorporated Maricopa County exempt like-for-like replacements under specific conditions, while Scottsdale requires a Water Heater Permit, issued as a Minimum Permit. Converting a gas tank to tankless or increasing gas input generally needs a permit, and Arizona's handyman exemption never covers gas connections.
HVAC
AC changeout
In Arizona, whether an AC changeout needs a permit depends on the city or county. Arizona has no statewide building code, and several Phoenix-area jurisdictions exempt certain like-for-like replacements, while relocated, upsized, or rewired equipment generally needs a mechanical permit — with electrical scope when the circuit changes. The work is done by a Registrar of Contractors (ROC) licensed air-conditioning contractor.
Furnace replacement
In Arizona, whether a furnace replacement needs a permit depends on the city or county. Mesa exempts furnaces of equal or less amperage or gas input; where no exemption applies, expect a mechanical permit. A higher-input unit typically brings gas piping sizing into the job. The work is done by an ROC-licensed air-conditioning contractor.
Mini-split install
A new ductless mini-split generally needs a permit in Arizona: it's new mechanical equipment plus a new electrical circuit, and the like-for-like exemptions some Phoenix-area jurisdictions offer cover replacements, not new installs. The work is done by an ROC-licensed air-conditioning contractor; an R-39 license covers the equipment's circuit but not a new panel or subpanel.
Roofing
Looking for the Arizona city your project is in? Every job page links back to the city's issuing department and the general Arizona rules. Start at the Arizona city guides.
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