Tucson building department

The City of Tucson Planning and Development Services Department (PDSD) handles building permits, plan review, inspections, zoning, and floodplain review for property inside Tucson city limits. Its customer counter is the Tucson Development Center on the first floor of the Public Works Building, 201 N. Stone Avenue. Property in unincorporated Pima County is permitted by the county, not the city, so check your jurisdiction before you apply.

Hours

Service	Hours
Tucson Development Center (walk-in)	Mon–Thu, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; closed Fridays
Staff by phone/email	Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Field inspections, Oct 1–Mar 31	7:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Field inspections, Apr 1–Sep 30	6:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

Applying through TDC Online

TDC Online, a Tyler EnerGov self-service portal, handles applications, plan uploads, fee payment, review tracking, and inspections. You register with your email address. The TDC Online Navigator helps you pick the right application type.

Either the homeowner or the contractor can apply. The property owner is responsible for making sure the permit is obtained and posted on the job site. Most projects need plans of the proposed work, and all commercial structural permits need plans from a licensed architect or engineer. Commercial and residential rental property need sealed architect drawings. Grading plans, and any plans that require calculations, must come from an engineer.

Review lanes

Lane	Typical projects	Target
Express	Solar applications, residential electrical/plumbing, electrical reconnections	Same day
Fast	Model homes, trade projects, fences, pools	15 days
Standard	Alterations, new buildings, solar installations	30 days
Complex	Rezonings, large development plans	Varies

Common permit and exemption rules

Project	City rule
Deck	Exempt if 30 in. or less above grade, not over a floor below, not part of an accessible route or required exit, and not in a required side or rear setback
Shed	Under 200 sq ft with no utilities: permit needs only a site plan. Larger sheds, or any with utilities, need a full permit
Fence or wall	Always needs a permit for zoning review. Engineered plans may be required over 6 ft or for retaining walls
Re-roof	Exempt for like-for-like material with no structural work
Window	Exempt for same size and location with no framing changes
Water heater	Permit required for a new tank unit or a fuel change
Central HVAC	Permit required to install or replace (evaporative coolers excluded)
Pool	Permit required for any above-ground water-holding structure over 5,000 gallons or deeper than 18 in.
Solar or generator	Permit required if connected to the home’s electrical service

Paint, tile, carpet, cabinets, and countertops are exempt if no plumbing or electrical work is involved. Paving under 3,000 sq ft is also exempt. These exemptions don’t apply in a Historic Preservation Zone or to a Historic Landmark. There, all development needs a permit and Historic Preservation Design Review. A city permit doesn’t override HOA CC&Rs.

Adopted codes

Ordinance #12171 adopted the 2024 International Codes and the 2023 National Electrical Code, with local amendments. They took effect January 1, 2026. The 2024 IECC followed on July 1, 2026. The adoption covers the IBC, IRC, IEBC, IMC, IPC, IFGC, IFC, and the Swimming Pool and Spa Code.

Applications received on or after July 1, 2026, must meet the 2024 codes. Earlier submittals are reviewed under the codes in effect when they were submitted, unless the Building Official approves otherwise.

Fees

Mayor and Council adopted the current development fee schedule on May 19, 2026, effective July 1, 2026. Building fees are based on project valuation from the ICC valuation table. Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical fees are charged per item installed, and the exact fee is set after plan review. State-authorized development impact fees are charged separately, and the city offers an online calculator to estimate them.

Contractor licensing

Under A.R.S. 32-1121, all work on commercial property and on any residential rental property requires a licensed contractor.

Inspections

To book an inspection, the permit must be “Issued” with all fees paid. In TDC Online, open the permit’s Inspections tab, select the inspection, pick a date, and add notes for the inspector. Inspections must happen in order, so you can’t request a final until all earlier ones are complete. The Inspection Manager usually schedules inspections the night before and emails you the assigned date, which may differ from the date you requested.

• Request on-site inspections before 3:30 p.m., Mon–Fri, for next-business-day service.
• Remote video inspection by smartphone covers most residential work. Most commercial work is inspected in person.
• Photos are accepted only to verify corrections after an initial site visit, and must be sent the same day.

A certificate of occupancy is required for new buildings, tenant improvements in newly occupied space, and changes of occupancy type. If a commercial space has no certificate on record, you get one by applying for a Commercial Addition/Alteration Permit. That application needs a code analysis, site plan, floor plan, and egress plan prepared by an Arizona-registered architect or engineer.

Records

Property Research Online (PRO) is free and holds nearly all city development records from 2006 on. Search by address or activity number for permits, plans, certificates of occupancy, and plot plans. To get older records not yet in PRO, file a request through TDC Online.

Floodplain

Any work in a regulated floodplain or flood hazard zone needs a floodplain use permit. The city engineer has 20 working days to review an application for completeness. New structures need a site plan showing finished floor elevation, and repairs need a detailed cost estimate. Contact [email protected]. Map Tucson shows a parcel’s zoning, historic resources, and floodplain status.