The rule of thumb
If water or electricity will run somewhere it does not run today, or if concrete or framing gets cut, it is permitted work. If everything stays where it is and only the finish changes, it usually is not. Valley cities draw the line in roughly the same place, but each one has its own amendments and forms, so the city has the final word.
What usually needs a permit and what does not
| Work | Permit? |
|---|---|
| New tile, paint, vanity, faucet, toilet or mirror in the same location | Usually no |
| Tub-to-shower conversion where the drain is upsized or moved | Yes, plumbing |
| Moving a toilet, sink or shower | Yes, plumbing |
| Cutting the slab for a curbless shower or new drain | Yes |
| New circuit, heated floor or new exhaust fan run | Yes, electrical |
| Moving or removing a wall, adding a window | Yes, building |
A full remodel almost always includes at least one permitted item. A cosmetic refresh almost never does.
Who issues it
Inside city limits, the City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department issues residential permits. Other Valley cities and towns run their own building departments. Unincorporated areas, including Sun City and Sun City West, go through Maricopa County, and unincorporated Pinal County areas such as San Tan Valley go through Pinal County. A mailing address does not always tell you which jurisdiction you are in, so check before you apply.
Fees and turnaround times change and depend on the scope, so get the current numbers from the jurisdiction or from your contractor's quote.
Who should pull it
The licensed contractor doing the work should pull the permit under their license and meet the inspector. Arizona does allow homeowners to pull permits for their own home, but that makes you the responsible party for the work. Be wary of any contractor who asks you to pull it for them or tells you a drain move does not need one.
Inspections happen while the work is still visible: plumbing and electrical before the walls are closed, then a final at the end.
Why it matters later
Arizona sellers are asked to disclose remodeling work and whether it was permitted. A closed permit on file is simple proof that the plumbing and wiring behind your tile were inspected. When a permit applies, we pull it and the fee is included in the fixed price, whether the job is a $7,900 conversion or a $18,500 full remodel.
Key facts
- Permit needed when
- Plumbing, electrical, slab or walls change
- Usually no permit for
- Same-location fixture and finish replacement
- Issued by
- City of Phoenix Planning and Development, or your own city or county
- Who pulls it
- The licensed contractor
Related questions
Where we do this work
Services: Full Bathroom Remodel · Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Bathroom remodeling in Phoenix, Ahwatukee, Laveen, and across the Valley.