Zoning Guide

Scottsdale Building Permits — Cost, Timeline & Process

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Scottsdale Planning & Development Services administers building permits, plan review, and inspections.

Current Building Codes

Scottsdale currently enforces:

  • 2021 International Building Code
  • 2021 International Residential Code
  • 2021 International Fire Code
  • 2021 International Existing Building Code
  • 2021 International Plumbing Code
  • 2021 International Mechanical Code
  • 2021 International Fuel Gas Code
  • 2021 International Energy Conservation Code
  • 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
  • 2020 National Electrical Code

with Scottsdale amendments and other adopted standards.

The previous page still referred to the 2018 International Codes in several places. That was outdated.

Scottsdale Building Code Information

Scottsdale SPUR — Current Permit Portal

For projects initiated on or after January 6, 2026, Scottsdale uses SPUR (Smart Planning, Use and Regulations) for planning and permitting. New applications, plans, payments, permit issuance, project milestones, and inspection scheduling are managed in SPUR. Projects initiated before January 6, 2026 generally remain in the legacy eServices workflow unless the City moves them.

Permit Process

A typical project requires:

  1. zoning/site verification;
  2. preparation of construction documents;
  3. permit application and electronic plan submittal through SPUR for current projects;
  4. applicable planning, building, fire, engineering, and environmental review;
  5. correction/resubmittal where required;
  6. permit issuance;
  7. inspections; and
  8. final approval.

ESLO and Special Review

Scottsdale's Environmentally Sensitive Lands requirements can materially affect hillside and desert parcels. Historic-preservation requirements may also apply in designated areas.

These reviews are site-specific and can add steps to the ordinary building-permit process.

Review Time

This page does not publish generic fixed review periods. Review timing varies with project scope, completeness, special reviews, and correction cycles. Use the SPUR project record and current Planning & Development guidance for project-specific status.

Official Sources

Scottsdale Planning & Development

Scottsdale Building Code Information

Disclaimer: Verify the current submittal process and adopted codes before filing an application.

More about Scottsdale Zoning

ADU Rules & RegulationsSetbacks & Height Limits

Sources

  1. City of Scottsdale Planning & Development Services — Building Services·scottsdaleaz.gov·Accessed 2026-09-20·Direct link
  2. City of Scottsdale Online Permit Portal — Citizen Access·scottsdaleaz.gov·Accessed 2026-09-20·Direct link
  3. City of Scottsdale Adopted Building Codes and Amendments·scottsdaleaz.gov·Accessed 2026-09-20·Direct link
  4. Scottsdale Municipal Code — Building and Development Regulations·library.municode.com·Accessed 2026-09-20·Direct link
  5. City of Scottsdale Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance (ESLO)·scottsdaleaz.gov·Accessed 2026-09-20·Direct link

FAQ

How do I apply for a building permit in Scottsdale?
Most building permit applications are submitted through the City of Scottsdale's online Citizen Access portal at scottsdaleaz.gov. You create an account, upload plans for electronic plan review, pay fees, and request inspections in one place. Walk-in service is also available at the Scottsdale Planning & Development Services counter.
How much does a building permit cost in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale building permit fees are based on project valuation, with separate plan review, inspection, and impact fees. The City publishes an official fee schedule through Planning & Development Services. Exact amounts depend on your project's scope and valuation. Always verify current rates with the Scottsdale fee schedule — do not rely on third-party estimates.
Does my Scottsdale property fall under the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance (ESLO)?
Properties in hillside areas, Sonoran Desert preserve buffer zones, or areas with slopes over 15% are often subject to ESLO regulations, which impose additional grading, vegetation disturbance, and design standards. Check your parcel on the Scottsdale zoning and ESL map portal or contact Planning & Development Services to determine if ESLO applies before submitting permit applications.
Which building codes does Scottsdale use?
Scottsdale currently enforces the 2021 IBC, IRC, IFC, IEBC, IPC, IMC, IFGC, IECC and ISPSC with local amendments, plus the 2020 NEC. The 2021 residential and energy codes became effective in January 2023.
What extra reviews are required for properties in the Old Town Scottsdale Historic District?
Projects within Old Town Scottsdale or any designated Historic Preservation district require review by the Scottsdale Historic Preservation Office and may require approval by the Historic Preservation Commission before a building permit is issued. Work must comply with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Scottsdale's historic design guidelines. Early pre-application consultation with the Historic Preservation Office is strongly recommended.