Residential Permits
If you are just getting started and need to research your project before you get started, below are some helpful links:
- Property Research Online (PRO): PRO is a tool for locating property information. You can find the parcel data by searching for an address or Assessor Parcel Number including Development Activity. If you do not have this information, you can visually search for the property on a map
- Records Requests: Requests for public records and building permit records not already uploaded to PRO must be submitted through Tucson Development Center (TDC) Online
- Map Tucson: View neighborhoods, zoning districts, liquor licenses, code violations, historic resources, voting precincts and more. The map is searchable by: Address, Parcel, Street Intersections, Neighborhood, Schools, and Subdivision
- Permit Exemptions: Determine if your project needs a permit. If you are located in a Historic Preservation Zone (HPZ), Neighborhood Preservation Zone (NPZ), or Historic Landmark (HL), any development requires a permit and a Historic Preservation Design Review
- Development Impact Fees: The City assesses a one-time fee on new development to help fund a proportionate share of the cost of infrastructure needed to serve that development. Impact fees are also assessed when there is an expansion of the development or a change in use that requires a higher service need. Fees are assessed in all City of Tucson Service Areas.
Permit Review Lanes
Planning and Development Services has enhanced the permit review process, resulting in faster review times for specific permit types. PDSD has adjusted target review times according to the scale of the project, streamlining the turnaround time for smaller projects.
- Express Lane provides same-day service for tasks like solar applications (originating from the SolarApp), residential electrical and plumbing projects, and electrical reconnections.
- Fast Lane has a 15-day review target and covers tasks such as residential model homes, commercial trade projects, special inspections, manufactured homes, residential and commercial fences, and pool construction.
- Standard Lane has a 30-day review goal and covers tasks such as residential and commercial alterations, new building permits, and non-SolarApp solar installations.
- Complex Lane involves projects requiring approval for city zoning changes, special districts, and extensive development plans. This lane may have a dedicated project manager assigned. The timetable for review on this lane depends on the project's scale.
Learn more about Permit Review Lanes
Permit Dashboard
The interactive permit dashboard provides insight into the permitting process. Users can gain an understanding of current department review times, allowing staff and customers to pinpoint areas of improvement or excellence. Data is updated daily at 5 a.m. MST. Target review timeframes shown are typical timeframes for that work class – some specific permits may have a target review time that varies from this standard.
Explore the Permit Dashboard
Planning and Development Services launched an innovative decision tree designed to direct customers to the correct permit type before they apply. Integrated into Tucson Development Center (TDC) Online, TDC Online Navigator is a tool that aims to enhance the customer experience by simplifying the permit application process.
TDC Online Navigator Features:
- User-Friendly Interface: Easily navigate through a series of guided selections to determine the appropriate application type
- Accurate Permit Selection: Minimize the risk of applying for the wrong permit, saving time and resources for both customers and administrative staff within Planning and Development Services
- Streamlined Process: Experience a more efficient permit application process, reducing delays and improving overall satisfaction
- Resource Connection: Improved access to application resources built into TDC Online Navigator
Explore TDC Online Navigator
Tucson Development Center Online is a self-service portal that provides customers with a complete online process. The system functions as a one-stop shop for customers seeking permits across the City of Tucson. It provides customers transparency throughout the permitting process with email notifications and a personal dashboard to track applications from submittal to issuance. Customers can make real-time payments, schedule inspections, and create templates for frequently used applications.
Tucson Development Center Online
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 line 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 structurally 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, different staff will review them to determine compliance with building codes, zoning codes, floodplain regulations, fire safety, and other requirements. Be sure to review applicable codes as you design your project.
You may 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(PDF, 158KB), 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
Building Permit Requirements
All submissions should use Tucson Development Center Online.
Residential Permit Submittal Requirements
Residential Building Permit Application Checklists:
Other materials that may be required:
Demolition of a Structure
Electrical Work
Gas Work
Mechanical Work
Adult and Child Care