Tempe Online Permit Application - How to Apply
This guide explains how to complete an online permit application for projects regulated by the City of Tempe, Arizona. It shows where to start, what documents the city commonly requires, how to submit plans and fees through Tempe’s online system, and how enforcement, inspections, appeals, and common violations are handled by city departments. Use the official Development Services and Building Safety pages to begin your application and to confirm current forms and submission rules.Development Services[1]
Before you apply
Confirm the permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, planning review or special events) and collect drawings, contractor license info, and site plans. Typical preparatory steps include verifying zoning, measuring setbacks, and checking whether a licensed contractor must sign the application.
- Prepare plans and specifications; digital PDFs are usually required.
- Gather owner and contractor information, license numbers, and proof of insurance.
- Check jurisdictional deadlines for plan review or expedited processing; timelines vary by project.
How to apply online
Most permit applications for Tempe projects are submitted through the city’s online portal. Create an account, select the permit type, upload plans, pay fees online, and track reviews through the portal. For portal access and specific submission instructions, use the city’s online permit portal.Building Safety - Online Permits[2]
- Create an account and verify email; account creation time is typically a few minutes.
- Choose the correct permit category to ensure proper plan routing.
- Pay application and plan-review fees online; receipts are provided electronically.
- Schedule required inspections through the portal after permit issuance.
Applications & Forms
The city publishes online application forms and intake checklists through its portal. Specific form names, numbers, and fee tables are available on the Development Services pages or within the online application interface; if a named paper form is required it will be indicated on the portal or on the Building Safety site.[2]
- Typical form: Building Permit Application (online via portal) - exact form name and number: not specified on the cited page.
- Fees: permit, plan review, and inspection fees - specific amounts: not specified on the cited page.
- Submission: upload via online permit portal; in-person dropoff instructions appear on city pages where required.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of permit, code, and construction requirements in Tempe is carried out by the City’s Development Services / Building Safety and Code Enforcement divisions. Fines, stop-work orders, and other sanctions are authorized under the city code and administered by the enforcing department. For controlling ordinance language, consult the City of Tempe Code of Ordinances.Tempe Municipal Code[3]
- Monetary fines: specific dollar amounts for permit violations: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing violations and per-day penalties: not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, orders to correct, permit suspension, or removal of unpermitted work.
- Court actions and civil enforcement may be used if violations are not corrected.
- Enforcer and complaints: Development Services / Building Safety and Code Enforcement accept complaints and inspect sites; contact details are in the Help and Support section below.
- Appeals: review and appeal procedures and time limits are set in the municipal code or department rules; where timing is not shown on department pages it is governed by the ordinance or administrative rules: specific time limits: not specified on the cited page.
Common violations
- Performing work without a permit.
- Failure to obtain required inspections or to correct failed inspections.
- Submitting incomplete plans or incorrect contractor licensing information.
How-To
- Create an account in the city online permit portal and verify your email.
- Select the permit type that matches your scope of work and follow the intake checklist.
- Upload required plans and documents as PDFs; include a completed site plan and contractor license where applicable.
- Pay fees online using the portal’s payment methods and submit the application for review.
- Track reviewer comments, respond to corrections, and schedule inspections after permit issuance.
FAQ
- How long does online plan review take?
- Review times vary by permit type and workload; the portal shows estimated review times during intake or in your account dashboard.
- Can I apply as a homeowner?
- Homeowners may apply for certain permits for work on their own primary residence; licensing requirements vary by trade and project value.
- How do I pay fines or fees?
- Fees and fines are payable via the online portal or as directed by notices from Development Services; payment instructions appear on the portal and on official notices.
Key Takeaways
- Use Tempe’s online portal to apply, upload plans, and pay fees to speed processing.
- Do not start regulated work before permit issuance to avoid stop-work orders and enforcement.
Help and Support / Resources
- Building Safety - City of Tempe
- Development Services - City of Tempe
- Code Enforcement - City of Tempe