County Building Permits
Maricopa County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Maricopa County, Arizona. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All unincorporated areas of Maricopa County outside incorporated city and town limits. Does not apply to tribal land.
- Department
- Maricopa County Planning and Development Department
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Permit Center • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Submit electronic application and construction plans through Permit Center online.
- County Planning and Development reviews permit application and plans.
- Address any comments or required revisions from plan review.
- Pay permit fees.
- Obtain permit issuance.
- Schedule and pass required inspections before completing work.
General Requirements
A building permit is required for construction, installation, and alteration of structures in unincorporated Maricopa County. Value, safety, and code compliance of a structure depend on obtaining a building permit before construction or installation.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Permit Center portal (online)
Typical inspection sequence: Building permits in unincorporated areas require inspections, including final building inspection to complete permits and receive certificate of occupancy or completion where applicable.
Additional Resources
- Verify contractor license: Arizona Registrar of Contractors
- License lookup guide: Arizona Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Arizona Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Arizona hub: Arizona Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department before applying.
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