What is a permit and why do I need one?

How do I get a building permit?

To obtain a permit, construction plans, including a site plan, must be prepared and submitted to Pima County Public Service Division. At a minimum, these plans must indicate the location of the proposed improvements and the type of construction. The permit application may be required to be reviewed by some or all of the Development Services Departments. Additional information may be required based on the specific project. To determine the type of information required contact the Pima County Development Services Department at (520) 740-6520.

Upon submittal, the plans are reviewed for compliance with all applicable code requirements. Once approved, construction must be performed in accordance with the approved plans. Any changes to an approved plan require approval of the Pima County Development Services Department.

When is a building permit not required?

A building permit is not required for work such as wallpapering, painting, tiling, carpeting, countertops, or similar finish work. In addition, fences and block walls six feet (6') tall or less, sidewalks and driveways not over thirty inches (30") above grade do not require a building permit. However, a zoning permit is still required. Likewise, certain plumbing, mechanical and electrical work, including the replacement or repair of fixtures does not require a permit.

Other projects, which do not require a building permit, are identified in the 2006 International Building Code Chapter 1 with amendments.

How long does it take to get a plan reviewed by Building Codes Plan Review?

Time frames for building permit review and issuance may vary depending on the project being permitted. Some projects can be fully permitted over-the-counter.

Every Monday and Tuesday between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. the Building Safety and Sustainbility Division has walk-through reviews for small residential additions of four hundred square feet or less.

More extensive small residential projects will require the plan to be left with the Building Safety and Sustainbility Division for a short term. (Approximately one to three days)

By appointment, every Wednseday and Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. the Building Safety and Sustainbility Division has walk-through reviews for small commercial tenant improvements of 3000 sq. ft. or less.

Extensive Commercial Tenant improvements greater than 3000 sq. ft. will require the plan to be left with the Building Safety and Sustainbility Division for a short term. (Approximately one to three days)

Generally, residential plan reviews are preformed within ten working days and residential additions are completed within ten working days. Commercial plan reviews are performed within ten working days.

If a plan is required to be returned to the applicant for corrections, and the applicant returns the plan to the Building Safety and Sustainbility Division with the corrections made, it may take up to five working days to complete the re-review depending on the total number of plans under review by the Building Safety and Sustainbility Division and the availability of the appropriate plans examiner.

The actual length of time required to review plans may vary depending on the complexity of the plans, the total number of plans under review by the Building Safety and Sustainbility Division and the availability of the appropriate plans examiner.

• Note: Time frames given are only for the Building Code Division. The total time required to receive a project’s permit will also depend on the time other departments spend reviewing the plans.

What if I do not get a building permit?

If a required building permit is not obtained prior to the start of construction, the property owner may be subject to fines, penalties, and/or legal action. The property owner must immediately obtain permits for the work and pass all required inspections. If permits are not acquired, the structure or site must be returned to its original condition.

What about inspections?

Whether a homeowner or a contractor performs work, the inspection phase is a method to verify that the installation is correct. It is the permit holders’responsibility to call for inspections at specific times during the construction phase. A contractor may request inspections, but it is the permit holders’ responsibility to ensure that all required inspections are made. The type of inspections required will vary depending on the project. Remember, a project is not complete until it has passed the final inspection.

What if I have a permit, but do not call for inspections?

A project is not complete until it passes the final inspection. Permits expire after one year if a required inspection has not been performed. If a permit expires before the final inspection, all work must be ceased. In order to continue work after the expiration of a permit the permit must be reactivated or another permit obtained. If a permit has expired, please contact the Development Services Department at (520) 740-6520 for assistance.

What are the permit fees for a typical room addition?

All permit fees are based on the current fee schedule as adopted by Pima County. Individual projects fees will vary depending on the replacement value of the proposed project. Please consult with the Public Service Division at (520) 740-6510 to determine approximate fees.

Do I need a permit for a slab?

No. As long as the slab is not over 30" above the finish grade. However a permit is required if a roof structure is built over the slab.

Our house is fairly old and we would like to replace the wiring and install additional outlets. Is a permit required?

Yes, replacing an existing electrical wiring system or adding new electrical outlets requires a permit to ensure that the wiring is installed correctly.

I would like to replace old light switches and electric outlets. Do I need a permit?

No, a permit is not required to replace these units. However, installing additional outlets or relocating fixtures does require a permit. When replacing electrical fixtures, be sure to turn off the power to the switches and plugs. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or death. To determine if the power has been properly turned off, follow these steps:

1. Switch the proper circuit breaker to the “OFF” position or remove the appropriate fuse
2. Turn the light switch to the “ON” position or plug a light fixture into the outlet to be removed. If the light does not come on, the power has been properly turned off.

Be sure to replace old switches and outlets with a like model. Homes built before 1958 have non-ground electrical outlets. However, newer homes have grounded outlets. Since many older homes do not have a grounded system, there is no way to properly ground the fixture. Therefore, a grounded outlet cannot be installed on a circuit that formerly held a non-grounded device. If you are unsure which switch or outlet to use, please call the Building Safety and Sustainbility Division at (520) 740-6490.

Do I need a permit to install a fireplace?

Yes, there are basically two (2) types of fireplaces:

1. Prefabricated fireplace
2. Brick or Masonry fireplace

The Building Safety and Sustainbility Division reviews these plans to ensure that installing the fireplace and flue does not compromise the structural integrity of the home. The plans are also reviewed to verify that the fireplace is properly vented and that the chimney is a safe distance above the roof. The installation of a wood burning stove or other heater also requires a permit.

Which of the following items require a permit?