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

Permit FAQ

Tucson Development Center Online FAQ

Development Fee & Valuation Table FAQ 

If the above FAQ's did not answer your questions, please reach out to Planning and Development Services by sending an email to PDSDinquiries@tucsonaz.gov or calling (520) 791-5550.