Residential Permits

Tucson Development Center Online is a self-service portal that provides customers with a complete online permit process.
TUCSON DEVELOPMENT CENTER ONLINE

Integrated into Tucson Development Center (TDC) Online, TDC Online Navigator is a tool designed to direct customers to the correct permit type before they apply.
TDC ONLINE NAVIGATOR

PDSD has adjusted target review times according to the scale of the project.
PERMIT REVIEW LANES

A permit and inspections are required for most residential projects including porches, additions, and equipment such as air conditioners and water heaters. If new work is performed such as replacement of gas piping, a plan may be necessary to obtain the permit.

It is the homeowner/property owner’s responsibility to provide plans and obtain a permit for:

All new residential buildings
Electrical reconnections, service increases, panel replacement or repair
Gas lines pressure tests (new or replacement lines)
Water heater installation (including replacements)
Furnaces, Heat Pumps, Air Conditioners (new or replacement) & Evaporative Coolers (new only) NOTE: Load and sizing calculations are required for new AND replacement HVAC equipment
All residential walls or fences must have a site plan review for Zoning Compliance. Additionally, walls and fences over 7 feet tall require a building permit with a structural engineered design
Detached accessory structures over 200 square feet (e.g. Storage Sheds)
Porches, additions or garages
Remodeling of existing structures

Planning and Development Services can review construction plans submitted by the customer but we cannot design the plans for you. If you need help in designing a plan you will need to contact a design professional. All plans are required to be neat, legible and well organized. 

Rental units are considered commercial property and all commercial permits require a licensed contractor.

When you submit your plans they will be reviewed by different staff to determine compliance with building codes, zoning codes, floodplain regulations, fire safety and other topics. Be sure to review applicable codes as you design your project.

It is possible to obtain a permit for work that has already occurred. However, the same requirements will apply to include a full set of construction drawings and completed inspections. A permit authorizes work to be done so if the project has already begun, please discontinue work until you obtain your permit.

Residential Permit Submittal Requirements

Reconnect Permits

A permit is required to reconnect electric or gas service to a residence. This is sometimes referred to as "jurisdictional clearance" by utility companies. Reconnect permits are required if the utility has been shut off to a residential structure for 6 consecutive months. The permit cost is $135.59 which covers administrative and inspection costs. If you are installing water or gas piping, a drawing must be submitted that identifies the size and length of all piping. Include the Gas Piping Template(PDF, 308KB) with your application.

We inspect for any obvious code violations relating to the utility being connected or other life safety hazards are addressed prior to approving release of electrical power or gas to the premises.

We recommend that you review the Electrical Reconnect Guidelines(PDF, 102KB) and pre-inspect the dwelling prior to your inspection. New equipment is not considered a reconnect and will be charged according to the proposed work.

If you require a reconnect for a duplex or similar multi-structure dwelling, any building with independently metered units, building number and/or unit number is required for utility confirmation and approval. Please confirm your address(es) with Pima County Addressing before applying for a reconnect.

Owner/Builder Affidavit

In lieu of hiring a general contractor, A.R.S.§ 32-1121.A. provides guidance for residential home owners to assume responsibility for the projects on their homes and be exempt from the State of Arizona contractors’ license laws. Homeowners who wish to use the exemption must be listed as the owner on the permit, complete the Owner/Builder Affidavit form and submit the form during the application process using Tucson Development Center Online.

Homeowners who intend to use the exemption must understand that the conditions of A.R.S.§ 32-1121.A.14 (the Handyman Exemption) does not apply to any construction project which requires a building permit and/or the cost of materials and labor exceed $1000.00.

Completing this document for the purpose of evading State licensing laws is a Class II misdemeanor pursuant to A.R.S.§13-2704.

Review Full Text: A.R.S.§ 32-1121.A.

Residential Solar

Licensed solar contractors can use the SolarAPP+ review process for residential solar projects that meet the eligibility criteria. Projects that do not meet the requirements for this same-day process must use the 30-day review process through Tucson Development Center Online to apply.

Criteria: Residential solar projects are eligible as long as they are attached to a roof and are NOT located in a Historic Preservation Zone (HPZ) or Neighborhood Preservation Zone (NPZ).If your property is in an HPZ or NPZ, please apply through Tucson Development Center Online.

Learn More

Casitas/Accessory Dwelling Units

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs, or casitas) are now allowed in Tucson. One unit is allowed per residential lot. Each casita must comply with the applicable regulations regarding maximum size, height, and other standards.

Use this worksheet to learn more about the regulations, and the process to design and permit a casita