Pima County Development Services - Do I Need a Permit?

Below is a list of the most common projects that may or may not require a permit. Depending on the complexity of the project, multiple work units may be required to review the project’s compliance with a variety of codes and ordinances. The columns of the table list the various work units and whether or not they will be required to review a given project. The far right column answers the question of whether or not a permit is required. Please note that this list is a sample, and due to the specifics of your given project, you may still need a permit. Examples of special cases would include compliance with the Native Plant Preservation Ordinance (NPPO) and the Buffer Overlay Zone Ordinance (BOZO). Information about NPPO can be found at http://www.pimaxpress.com/FAQs/NPPO_FAQ.htm. Information about BOZO can be found at http://www.pimaxpress.com/FAQs/BOZO_FAQ.htm. This list is not applicable if your project is located in a Floodplain. The determination of whether or not your property is in the Floodplain is made by the Regional Flood Control District. Information on this topic can be found at http://buzz.dot.pima.gov/rfcdapps/parcelsearch/ or they may be reached at (520) 243-1800.

Top 25 Requested Permits

Click here to download the complete list (xls)

	Work/Structure	Zoning	Waste-Water	HDZ / Grading	Floodplain	DEQ	Building Safety	Permit Required?
1	A/C unit - central installation (new)	YES	NO	NO	NO	NO	YES	YES
2	Bathroom remodel	YES	YES	NO	NO	YES	YES	YES
3	Carport	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
4	Demolition of building or structure	NO	NO	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES
5	Detached accessory structures, one-story, used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet	NO	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES
6	Fences, less than 6 feet tall	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES
7	Garage or carport conversion	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
8	Garage, detached	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
9	Grading	NO	NO	YES	YES	NO	NO, but if the fill is over 24" deep, contact Building Safety	YES
10	Manufactured home	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES, but only for the electric pedestal	YES
11	Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO
12	Patio cover	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
13	Porch enclosure	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
14	Re-roofing of existing buildings with similar materials regardless of value (e.g. replacing shingles with shingles)	YES	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	YES
15	Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. (Note: A retaining wall is a wall that holds back earth from a building or other structure.)	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids	YES
16	Room addition	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
17	Signs	YES					YES	YES
18	Single family residence	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
19	Sinks, toilets, tubs or showers to be added or relocated	YES	YES	NO	NO	YES	YES	YES
20	Swimming pool and spa	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	YES, unless prefabricated residential swimming pool that is less than 24 inches deep and does not exceed 5000 gallons	YES
21	Wall, block or concrete, 4 feet to 6 feet tall	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES
22	Wall, block or concrete, over 6 feet tall	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
23	Wall, block or concrete, up to 4 feet tall	Patio wall - NO. Retaining wall - YES.	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES
24	Water heater installation (new)	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	YES	YES
25	Window replacement or relocation	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	YES	YES

NOTES: 1) This list is a sample and may not cover all permit requirements or code requirements for your project, including the Native Plant Preservation Ordinance (NPPO) and the Buffer Overlay Zone Ordinance (BOZO). 2) This list is not applicable if your project is located in a Floodplain.

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Do You Need a Permit ?