Permits and HOA approvals are the part of a remodel homeowners see least and worry about most. Here is how they work across the Phoenix metro — and why we handle them for every client.
When does a remodel need a permit?
As a rule, work that changes structure, plumbing, electrical or mechanical systems needs a building permit: moving or removing walls, relocating a sink, drain or gas line, adding circuits, changing HVAC, and building any addition, casita or ADU. Purely cosmetic work — new cabinets in the same place, countertops, flooring, paint — usually does not. Your city makes the final call, so we confirm requirements during design.
Permits protect you. An inspected project meets code, and unpermitted work can cause trouble with insurance and when you sell.
Who reviews plans in each city
- Phoenix: the City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department. See home remodeling in Phoenix.
- Scottsdale: City of Scottsdale Planning & Development Services. See Scottsdale.
- Paradise Valley: the Town of Paradise Valley Community Development Department, which also enforces hillside and lot-coverage rules. See Paradise Valley.
- Tempe: the City of Tempe’s Community Development Department. See Tempe.
- Mesa: the City of Mesa’s Development Services. See Mesa.
- Chandler: the City of Chandler’s Development Services. See Chandler.
- Gilbert: the Town of Gilbert. See Gilbert.
HOA design review
Many Valley homes sit in gated or master-planned communities with an architectural review committee. HOAs mainly review exterior changes — additions, casitas, windows, doors, colors, roofing and landscaping — and usually need a plan package: drawings, elevation renderings, paint swatches and material specifications. Interior remodels rarely need design approval, but most HOAs set rules for contractor registration, work hours, parking and dumpsters. We prepare the submissions and follow the rules for you.
Arizona’s 2024 ADU law
HB 2720 requires cities and towns with more than 75,000 residents — including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and Tempe — to allow at least one attached and one detached accessory dwelling unit on a single-family lot. Covered cities may not require owner-occupancy or extra parking, may not require the ADU to match the main home, and may not require side or rear setbacks over five feet; an ADU may be up to 1,000 square feet or 75% of the main home, whichever is smaller. Smaller towns such as Paradise Valley and Fountain Hills set their own rules, and private HOA covenants still apply everywhere. See casitas & ADUs.
How long permits take
Simple permits can move quickly; additions, casitas and structural work take longer because plans go through full review. We build plan review into your schedule from the start, so the timeline you sign already accounts for it.
Ready to plan? See our process or request a free quote.