Permits

The City of Tucson Planning & Development Services reviews residential and commercial construction plans before issuing permits for the work intended. There are two basic types of building permits and some exceptions:

Residential Permits

A permit and inspections are required for most residential projects including porches, additions, and equipment such as air conditioners and water heaters. If new work is performed such as replacement of gas piping, a plan may be necessary to obtain the permit. Learn more about Residential Permits.

 

Commercial Permits

Commercial permits are required for tenant improvements, certificates of occupancy, and new commercial buildings. All commercial structural permits require plans prepared by a licensed architect or engineer. All plans require a minimum of 3/32” type. A licensed contractor must perform all commercial construction work. Learn more about Commercial Permits.

 


Planning and Development Services has adjusted target review times according to the scale of the project, streamlining the turnaround time for smaller projects. The permit review lanes significantly enhance the permit review process, resulting in faster review times for specific permit types. Learn More about Permit Review Lanes.

All permit applications and records requests must be submitted through Tucson Development Center Online. If you are looking for historical permit information, you can find the information through Property Research Online.

If you are unsure of which permit to apply for, please explore the TDC Online Navigator for assistance.

Apply For Permit

This page will take you to Tucson Development Center Online where you can begin the permit application process.

Building Permit Exemptions

An explanation of construction projects that do or do not require building permits or inspections.

Commercial Permits

Commercial permits are required for tenant improvements, certificates of occupancy, and new commercial buildings.

Development Package

The City Development Review Committee (CDRC) reviews development packages and applications for land division/subdivision.

Flexible Lot Development Process

The Flexible Lot Development (FLD) option allows a residential subdivision greater flexibility regarding minimum lot size, density, and perimeter yard setbacks, compared to the permitted general zoning standards in the Unified Development Code (UDC).

Floodplain Information

Find answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions regarding Floodplains.

Grading Permits

Grading is regulated by Development Standards. A grading permit is necessary prior to performing most grading operations in the City of Tucson.

Land Division/Subdivision

Land division/subdivision is one of the following types of review: land split, lot reconfiguration, block plat, condominium, minor subdivision, or final plat.

Modifications, Appeals & Variances

Information on requesting modification, appeals, and variances for building and zoning codes.

Occupancy Certificates

A Certificate of Occupancy is required for newly constructed, relocated, remodeled, or altered areas of a building. A CofO is also required for changes in the use or the occupancy classification of a building, or portion of a building.

Pre-Application Conference Overview

The pre-application conference is designed to assist the applicant by providing as much information as possible regarding City regulations and requirements and how they may affect the proposed project’s scope and design, prior to submission of a formal application.

Permit Review Lanes

Planning and Development Services (PDSD) has enhanced the permit review process, resulting in faster review times for specific permit types. PDSD has adjusted target review times according to the scale of the project, streamlining the turnaround time for smaller projects.

Permit FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the City of Tucson permitting process.

Plan Examples

Some example plans to help as you begin the plan submittal process.

Residential Permits

A permit and inspections are required for most residential projects including porches, additions, and equipment such as air conditioners and water heaters. If new work is performed such as replacement of gas piping, a plan may be necessary to obtain the permit.

Residential Solar Permits

Learn how you can apply for a solar permit using SolarAPP.

Sign Permits

The Sign Code Section reviews and issues permits for signs of all types, including wall signs, freestanding signs, A-frame signs, banners, billboards and conducts inspections for sign permits.

Submittal Requirements for Review

On this page, you can find the necessary documents required for substantial review of your project.


PLEASE NOTE: Applicant is responsible for obtaining review and approval by Pima County for projects involving ADEQ/RWRD sewers, on-site wastewater treatment facilities and public water systems(PDF, 334KB). The granting of a City permit does not exempt the applicant from complying with any HOA's CC&Rs or any other private deed restrictions associated with the property; and the issuance of this permit is not in any way an indication that the work/project complies with any HOA's CC&Rs or any other private deed restrictions associated with the property. 

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