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Permit Center        Permit Categories        Building Permits

Building Permits

Residential & Commercial Building

The Building Safety Division oversees plan reviews, permits, and safety inspections for both commercial and residential projects in Prescott, collaborating with various departments. Our requirements ensure adherence to building standards, safeguarding investments and public safety. Obtaining a permit also creates a record for future owners.

We are currently under the 2018 International Residential Code and 2018 International Building Code. View these codes at ICCSAFE.ORG 

Stages of Approval

Navigating building permits, plan reviews, fees, and inspections for projects requires careful planning, regulatory adherence, and effective communication. It ensures projects meet safety standards, zoning, and city goals.

  • Application Process
  • Plan Review
  • APPROVAL, FEES & ISSUANCE
  • Inspections

Building Permit Application Process

STEP ONE: Determine what permit type/subtype you need

Please reference the following documents to determine if you need a permit as well as what type/subtype is needed, you’ll need this information when you apply online in the prescottpermits.com system.

  • What type of work requires a permit?
  • Permit Type & Subtype Descriptions
  • 2018 Code Design Criteria

STEP TWO: GATHER ALL NEEDED MATERIALS

Prior to applying for a permit please review the submittal checklists below and have the appropriate required documents ready to upload with your submittal for the correct type and sub-type of building permit.

 

General Building Permit Checklists

Accessory Structures 

Commercial / Multi-Family - New or Addition

Commercial / Multi-Family - Tenant Improvement and Remodel

Demolition

Electrical Only

Fences and Walls

Manufactured Structures

Mechanical Only

Photovoltaic Solar System

Plumbing Only

Pool and Spa

Re-roof Only

Signs

Single Family Residential / Duplexes - New

Single Family Residential / Duplexes - Addition or Remodel

Checklist Match by Permit Type

Expedited "Fast Track" Permit Checklists

The Fast Track permitting process allows applicants to submit for a permit without the necessity of construction plans. This program has been created to help customers quickly receive a permit for small, “like for like” projects, that can be verified for code compliance on-site with a proper building inspection.

At permit issuance, applicants will receive both a permit and a Fast Track checklist that highlights common items our inspection staff will be verifying on-site.

Please refer to our fast track permitting checklists below to see if your project qualifies.

NEW PROCESS COMING SPRING 2025

Expedited Model Home Model Site Process

The Model Plan Model Site process is intended to give production builders access to an expedited review process for lots in mass-graded subdivisions that have released approvals for water meters.

The Model Plan must be suitable for all lots in the approved subdivision.

Following Model Plan approval and permit issuance, individual Model Site permits based on the approved Model Plan elevations, floorplans, and options may be applied for expedited review.

If Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) requirements or Fire Sprinklers are required by the Fire Marshall, they must be reviewed as part of the Model Plan review process.

Any revisions to an approved Model Plan will require a NEW permit application. Updated Model Plans are not eligible for expedited reviews, and the fees applied will be assessed as a new Model Plan submittal.

For further information and to check if your project qualifies for this expedited process, please refer to the Checklists, Resource Guide and Template attachments below.

Model Plan Permit Application Checklist

Model Site Permit Application Checklist

Model Site Completion Resource Guide

Model Site Template

Additional Building Forms & Resources

Additional Forms

2018 Building Pad Certification Form

Special Inspection Form

Backwater Valve – Hold Harmless Form

Certified Building Wrap Statement

Energy Certification Form

Code Interpretation - Residential Bedrooms

Code Interpretation - Drinking Fountains

2018 Braced Wall Calculation Sheet

 

External Resources

International Code Council

Arizona Building Officials

Arizona Registrar of Contractors

Yavapai County Contractors Association 

Arizona State Board of Technical Registration 

U.S. Department of Justice ADA guidelines

U.S. Access Board ADA information

STEP THREE: View & Complete Related Requirements

Additional Engineering, Right of Way, or Fire Permits or Supporting Documents may be needed when applying for your building permit. You may select the link below to apply for these permits.

  • Engineering & Fire Code Permits
  • Right of Way Permits
  • FEMA and Flood Control
  • Fire Sprinklers
  • Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)

STEP FOUR: Property specific requirements

Additionally, for structures located in floodplains, Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), historic preservation districts or airport impact areas, extra documentation might be required when applying for a building permit. Detailed information can be found by following the restrictions link below.

  • View Property Specific Restrictions

step FIVE: APPLY FOR A PERMIT

Log into your online PrescottPermits.com portal account to apply for a permit. If you do not already have an account, please follow the steps listed here.

  • prescottpermits.com

Apply for a Permit

Log into your online PrescottPermits.com portal account to apply for a permit. If you do not already have an account, please follow the steps listed here.

  • prescottpermits.com
  • PrescottPermits.com
    Help Center

Historical Data

Looking for Permit History & Census Data? 

Information related to issued Commercial and Residential Building Permits is available by time period and type. Please follow the link below to view.

  • Permit history & census data

Building Plan Review

The plan review process is a crucial step in ensuring the safety, compliance, and successful execution of construction and development projects. Through a meticulous assessment of proposed plans, specifications, and designs, our expert team evaluates the project’s alignment with building codes, regulations, and industry standards. This thorough examination not only identifies potential issues but also provides valuable insights and recommendations to optimize the project’s feasibility, efficiency, and overall quality.  

The following checklists are designed to assist you through the plan review process and ensure that you have addressed essential aspects of your project.

Plan Review Checklists

  • International Building Code Plan Review Checklist
  • International Residential Code Plan Review Checklist

We currently perform plan review under the 2018 International Residential Code and 2018 International Building Code and City of Prescott approved amendments. Complete codes may be viewed at ICCSAFE.ORG.

Code adoption and specific code amendments which supersede designated sections of code can be viewed via links below:

View code adoption and specific code amendments

3-1: International Building Code

3-2: International Building Code

3-5: International Building Code

3-6: International Plumbing Code

3-7: National Electric Code

3-8: International Residential Code for One and Two Family Dwellings

3-17: Administrative Building Code

3-18: International Energy Conservation Code

4-5: Fire and Safety Inspections

6-1: International Fire Code

6-2: Urban-Wildland Interface

Plan Review Timeline

Each permit type has a unique set of evaluation criteria, review departments, and estimated timeframes. Following receipt of Plans and Supporting Documents files, applicable department reviewers will be assigned based on permit type. If corrections or additional documentation are needed, each reviewer will include detailed notes of required code items. Following completion of all reviews for the round, the permit status is updated to “Corrections Required” and a notification emailed to applicant with Comments Letter posted on the portal. Upon return of updated full set of documentation, a new round of review will commence. You may check the status of your permit review in your PrescottPermits.com portal.

If you have further questions regarding the review process or expected completion date, you may contact the Building Permit Center.

  • Contact Building Permit Center

Approval, Fees, and Issuance

Following review approval by all departments, fees will be applied and applicant notified the permit is Ready to Issue. Following payment (online or via check), the permit will be issued and approved files posted on the portal for download.

For more information see permit fees.

  • View Permit Fees

Building Inspections

Know Before you Schedule

  1. Ensure all work has been completed per approved plan prior to requesting an inspection.
  2. Ensure the area(s) that are going to be inspected are free and clear of all debris and clutter.
  3. Inspections are scheduled in advance online through the PrescottPermits.com portal.
  4. Inspections can be scheduled as early as the next business day (or up to 5 business days) if requested prior to midnight.
  5. Inspections are not available on weekends or City of Prescott holidays.
  6. Inspections may be cancelled by 11:59pm the day before the inspection is scheduled; if you need to cancel your inspection on the day it is scheduled, please call Building Permits between 7:30am-8:00am.

On-Site Inspection information

  • Approved plans and permit must be on-site and available to the inspector the day of inspection.
  • Inspections are performed Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:00 pm, except on observed holidays.
  • Inspection results will be emailed to all contacts on permit the day of inspection and are also available in the online portal.
  • After 2 failed inspections, a re-inspection fee will be applied and must be paid before scheduling a new inspection.

How to Schedule an Inspection

Log into your online PrescottPermits.com portal account to schedule your inspection. If you do not already have an account, please follow the steps listed here.

  • prescottpermits.com
  • PrescottPermits.com
    Help Center

Do you have questions?

Not finding what you're looking for or have questions? We are happy to help, please reach out.

Contact Permits Center

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    Prescott, AZ 86301
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