CITY OF PHOENIX, ARIZONA

No Permit Required

Permits are not required when working on the following types of projects:

• Reroofing using the same materials as the original roof.
• Replacing individual doors or windows in kind.
• Building a new shed, ramada, or similar structure that is less than 200 sq. ft.
• Building a new retaining wall that is less than 40 inches tall so long as it does not support a surcharge load from a close by road or building. For a retaining wall, the height is measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, not from the top of the soil.
• Building a new fence that is less than 3 feet tall. The height from the top of the soil.

Permit Required

Permits, but not necessarily construction documents prepared by a licensed design professional, are required for the following types of projects:

• Non-structural interior remodeling (painting, floor coverings, countertops, cabinetry, etc.)
• Remodeling the exterior façade, excluding repair or installation of an Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS).
• Replacing a rooftop unit with a new unit that has the same dimensions as the original model and weighs the same amount or less.

Licensed Design Professional Required

The following types of projects are likely to require both permits and construction documents prepared by a licensed design professional:

• Replacing a rooftop unit with an new unit that has different dimensions or weighs more than the original model.
• Installing solar panels on an existing roof.
• Repairs to exterior wall waterproofing.
• Reroofing using a different material than the original roof that increases structural loads.
• Replacing guardrails at balconies, decks, walkways, etc.
• Parking garage repairs including patching of deteriorated concrete.
• Repairing, strengthening, or replacing structural components such as columns, beams, trusses, joists, braces, etc.
• Installing new, or repairing or replacing existing EIFS.
• Building new structures over 200 sq. ft.
• Adding an addition to an existing building.

Disclaimer

Building code requirements and building department policies may change, and it is always recommended to speak with a building department official about permitting requirements prior to proceeding with a project. Visit the City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department website for more information.

Forensix recommends the following levels of involvement from a licensed design professional for various types of projects involving a pool shade structure in the City of Phoenix.

Building a new shade structure from a pre-engineered kit

If documentation can be provided showing that the pre-engineered kit was originally designed by a licensed design professional, then you should not be required to hire your own separate licensed design professional. However, the building department would likely require a permit for the project.

Building a new Ramada-type shade structure smaller than 200 square feet

No permit is required for this type of project so long as the construction falls within the prescriptive requirements of the building code.

Building a new custom shade structure larger than 200 sq. ft.

A licensed design professional should be hired to prepare construction documents to submit for permit.

Repainting the shade structure

No permit or licensed design professional involvement is required.

Repairing the shade structure after it starts to show signs of termite damage or rot

A licensed design professional should evaluate the shade structure and determine if structural repairs are required. Depending on the repair recommendations, permits and/or construction documents prepared by a licensed design professional may or may not be required.

Repairing the shade structure after it is hit by a car

A licensed design professional should evaluate the shade structure and provide repair recommendations. Repairs would likely require a building permit and construction documents prepared by a licensed design professional.