By Doug Rusk, Architect

The City of Tempe offers an accelerated process to obtain building permits for minor remodels.

Obtaining approved building permit  in Tempe has been put on a “fast track” for those who are planning for minor commercial tenant improvement for your business OR for a minor home renovation.  These special programs will significantly shorten the plan review and building permit approval process.

City of Tempe Building Permits

Over The Counter Plan Review

If you meet the following criteria and have a form of payment with you, you may be eligible for an Over the Counter Permit.  The Building Permit may be processed while you wait, depending on the complexity of the project.   Plan check and building permit fees vary depending upon the type of work being done and the valuation.

1. Minor residential additions not exceeding $10,000.00 valuation, patio covers, interior remodels, detached accessory structures, carport to garage conversions, covered patio to livable, and mobile home permits.
2. Residential Fire Damage Repairs under 50% damage if the Fire Damage Report is available.
3. Counter plan review may be provided for commercial Tenant Improvements (TIs) given the following situations:

• Under 3,000 sq. ft. for Business Offices (no medical offices)
• Under 1,500 sq. ft. for Mercantile space
• Under 15,000 sq. ft. for storage of Low Hazard Storage less than 12’ in height.
• Fire Damage “ Restore to Original” with no structural requirements
• Depending upon the complexity of the work to be constructed, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) plans for any tenant space under a, b, or c above.
• All other Occupancies—Multi-Family Residential, Medical Office, Assembly, Educational, Factory or Manufacturing, Hazardous, and Institutional Occupancies will require submittal.

3.    A counter plan review will NOT be provided when any of the following conditions exist:

• A Notice to Comply has been issued for Construction Without Permits
• A Change of Occupancy or revision of required exiting will occur upon completion of construction
• A Use Permit, Parking Variance, etc. is required from Planning
• Changes to the exterior of the building which will require Planning approval, including roof top changes that add equipment extending above the parapet, exterior lighting changes, window and door changes, paint scheme changes, etc.
• Residential expansion larger than 25% on retention lots requiring engineering approval.
• Mechanical, electrical, plumbing which is part of a pending building project or a building project not suitable for over the counter permits.
• Projects where structural calculations are required.

Please Note:  The counter plan review is usually available on TUESDAY and THURSDAY (only) from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.   To learn more, call (480) 350-8341 to verify availability of services.

City Of Tempe Building Permits

How Do I Know if I Need a Permit in Tempe?

You May Need a Tempe Building Permit, if you’re:

• - Moving a sink- requires the proper extension of plumbing.
• - Demolishing a load-bearing wall- means redistributing weight from above.
• - Changing the home’s roof line framing.
• - Punching in a new window or door- requires a new header that carries weight from above.
• - Altering the footprint of your house.
• - Installing new electrical wiring.

You May NOT Need a Tempe Building Permit, if you’re:

• - Putting in hardwood floor.
• - Installing carpeting.
• - Upgrading your counter tops.
• - Paint

For more Building Permit specific details related to cities that you live or work, click on one of the following links: Phoenix, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Scottsdale.

About the Author

A Tempe architect will help you avoid many common mistakes that are made with construction projects. No matter what kind of space you need today, we’ll make sure it’s designed for your needs in the future.  This will give you future function built into today’s home addition.  To discuss your Tempe building permit needs, contact Doug Rusk at 480-710-3861 or email us at drusk@designlinearchitects.com.

Architect in Tempe

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