Tracking building permits in Phoenix, Arizona, is essential for architects working in one of the largest cities in the Southwest. The City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department handles building permits, plan review, site plan review, and inspections for residential and commercial projects.
Understanding Phoenix's Permit Process
Applications, plan review, permits, and inspections run through SHAPE PHX, the city's online portal, which took on commercial plan review and permits in April 2026 after starting with residential permits, solar, subdivisions, and zoning cases. Older permits are still searchable without a login in the legacy PDD Online search.
The department publishes initial-review goals in calendar days by project category, from 20 days for minor residential remodels to 45 days for major commercial projects, and reports the actual averages each month. Minor trade permits can be issued online without plan review, over-the-counter permits cover items such as fences, utility clearances, and total demolitions, and the Self-Certification Program lets registered professionals obtain permits in one to five business days.
Challenges for Architects in Phoenix
Managing permits in Phoenix presents a few challenges that are specific to the city:
- Review times measured in calendar days: Initial review goals run 20 to 45 calendar days, and monthly reports show actuals often above the goal
- Grading and drainage on every project: Civil plan review runs alongside building review and has its own turnaround goals