Flagstaff, AZ Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Flagstaff.

Department

City of Flagstaff Building Safety

Website

https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/5140/Building-Permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Review permit requirements and obtain application forms and checklists from the Building Permits page
2. Prepare residential or commercial application and supporting documents
3. Submit through the city's Citizen Access Portal
4. City staff reviews completeness and processes application
5. Pay plan review and permit fees
6. Respond to any correction comments and resubmit if required
7. Receive permit approval and commence work

Typical processing time: Varies by project type and complexity

Source: City of Flagstaff Building Safety

General Requirements

A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy or use of a building or structure. Building permits are also required for regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work, and for reroofing.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Construction plans and drawings
• Site plan
• Structural calculations or engineering as required

Permit validity

Permit applications are considered abandoned after 180 days unless pursued in good faith or a permit is issued; extensions may be granted in writing

Building code

2018 IBC, IRC, IEBC, IMC, IPC, IFGC, ISPSC, ISEP, and 2017 NEC, adopted June 18, 2019, effective July 19, 2019

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold appropriate state licenses and comply with city requirements

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet (though these still require a zoning permit)
• Fences not over 7 feet high (though these still require a zoning permit)
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge or certain liquids (though a zoning permit may still be required)
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below and not part of an accessible route
• Certain finish work, small above-ground pools, shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes, playground equipment, and certain awnings

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning permit. Verify all applicable requirements with the city before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Contact building department (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspection requests made by 3:00 PM on the prior business day get priority

The city offers virtual inspections for eligible inspection types

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 IBC, IRC, IEBC, IMC, IPC, IFGC, ISPSC, ISEP, and 2017 NEC, adopted June 18, 2019, effective July 19, 2019
• Verify contractor license: Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AROC) License Lookup
• 2019 Adopted Building Codes
• License lookup guide: Arizona Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Arizona Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Arizona hub: Arizona Contractor License & Permit Hub

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