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Panel upgrade permits in Arizona

Last updated September 13, 2026

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.

A plain-English starting point for electrical contractors. This is general Arizona guidance — fees, forms, and timelines are set by each city.

Short answer

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.

The general picture

Replacing a panel or upgrading a service is permitted electrical work, and in Arizona the process scales with size. Up to 200 amps, the permit is often quick: Phoenix issues it over the counter and unincorporated Maricopa County classifies it as a Non-Technical permit. Above 200 amps, expect plan review with a site plan, one-line diagram, and load calculations — Scottsdale plan-reviews service upgrades above 200 amps. The utility is the other half of the job: APS, SRP, or a city utility like Mesa's schedules the disconnect, and service comes back only after the jurisdiction clears the work. See the verified notes for Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and unincorporated Maricopa County.

Typically needs a permit

Replacing a panel or meter base, increasing the service size, adding a subpanel, or relocating the service. Replacing breakers in kind is usually exempt — but not the service disconnect.

Usually doesn't (general norm)

Replacing a breaker or fuse in kind, other than the service disconnect
Replacing a receptacle or switch like for like

Documents & plans generally required

Electrical permit application with the existing and new service size
ROC license number and class
Load calculation (NEC Article 220) for a service increase
One-line diagram and panel schedule, especially above 200 amps
Site plan showing the meter and service location if it moves
Service upgrade request with the serving utility

Common reasons panel upgrade applications get bounced

Code-rooted patterns across Arizona — not a city-specific rejection rate.

No load calculation for a service size increase
Service relocated without a site plan or utility coordination
Working space in front of the panel doesn't meet NEC 110.26
Grounding and bonding not brought up to the adopted NEC
Utility wires or meter disconnected without scheduling it with the utility
Plans for a larger service not prepared by a qualified designer where the jurisdiction requires one

The inspection sequence

A typical order — the number of stops and exact sequence vary by jurisdiction and scope.

1Rough or service inspection while trenches or walls are open, when applicable
2Final inspection, after which the jurisdiction sends its electrical clearance to the utility
3Utility meter set and reconnection

Licensing — who can pull it

Panel and service upgrades in Arizona are done by an ROC-licensed electrical contractor — R-11 (residential), CR-11 (dual), or C-11 (commercial). An air-conditioning contractor's R-39 license covers equipment circuits, not a new panel.

How this works in your Arizona city

Cities marked have verified local data — portal, fee schedule, adopted code edition, and local permit notes sourced from public city and county documents. Every city page links to its official building department.

Phoenix Mesa Scottsdale Unincorporated Maricopa County

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to upgrade to a 200-amp panel in Arizona?

Generally yes. In Phoenix, service upgrades up to 200 amps are over-the-counter express permits; in unincorporated Maricopa County they're Non-Technical permits. Larger services go to plan review.

Who disconnects the power for a panel upgrade?

The serving utility. Mesa, for example, tells contractors not to disconnect utility wires or meters and to schedule disconnects and reconnects with the utility. APS requires its own inspection when a meter is relocated or replaced, and SRP restores service after the jurisdiction's electrical clearance.

When do I need a load calculation?

Whenever the service size increases, and for larger services generally. Above 200 amps, expect a one-line diagram and NEC Article 220 load calculations as part of plan review.

Other common jobs

AC changeout Battery storage EV charger install All jobs All Arizona guides

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