Fees
Estimated city fees
Baseline for a simple permitted shed: $150–$500 estimated city fees for a permitted shed over 200 sq ft (structures ≤ 200 sq ft without utilities are typically exempt from the building permit fee but must still meet zoning setbacks and height)
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit (sheds over 200 sq ft) | $150–$500 (estimated range) | Phoenix Planning & Development Department calculates residential building permit fees from project valuation on a sliding scale. Sheds 200 sq ft or less without utilities typically require no building permit fee. Verify current fees at phoenix.gov/pdd. |
| Plan review fee | ~65% of the building permit fee | Phoenix charges a plan review fee of approximately 65% of the building permit fee for projects requiring plan check. Simple accessory structures may qualify for over-the-counter review. |
| Electrical permit | $75–$200 (estimated range) | Required for any electrical wiring. Must be pulled by a licensed electrician. |
| Plumbing permit | $75–$200 (estimated range) | Required for any plumbing fixture (sink, hose bib, toilet). Must be pulled by a licensed plumber. |
| Zoning adjustment (if variance needed) | Varies | If the proposed shed requires a variance from setback or height standards, a zoning adjustment application and hearing fee apply. |
Documents
Required documents
- Completed residential building permit application through SHAPE PHX / Phoenix e-permits.
- Site plan drawn to scale showing property boundaries, existing structures, easements, setbacks, and the proposed shed footprint and dimensions.
- Floor plan and elevation drawings showing shed dimensions, height, roof pitch, and exterior materials.
- Foundation details (slab, piers, or skids) appropriate for the shed size and soil conditions.
- Manufacturer specifications and anchoring details for prefabricated or kit sheds.
- Historic Preservation Office Certificate of No Effect or Certificate of Appropriateness if the property is in an HP overlay.
- HOA approval documentation if required by subdivision CC&Rs.
- Homeowner authorization if a contractor files on behalf of the owner.
Timeline
Typical timing
- Plan review
- 10–15 business days
- Total cycle
- 3–5 weeks from application to final inspection
Simple residential accessory structures may qualify for over-the-counter review. Historic district review, variance requests, and incomplete submittals add time. Phoenix residential building permits are generally valid for 180 days with activity; inactivity can cause expiration.
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Contextual referral placement for Angi / HomeAdvisor style contractor matching.
Process
How the permit process works
- Determine whether a building permit is required A one-story shed 200 square feet or less with no electrical or plumbing is generally exempt from Phoenix's building permit requirement under IRC § R105.2. Sheds over 200 sq ft, multi-story, or with utilities require a permit. Electrical and plumbing permits are always required whenever applicable.
- Verify zoning setbacks, height, and lot coverage Look up your zoning district on the Phoenix Zoning Map. Confirm accessory-structure setbacks (often 3 feet from side and rear in single-family residential), the 15-foot maximum accessory-structure height, and lot-coverage limits. Use phoenix.gov zoning tools or contact Planning & Development.
- Check for historic preservation and overlay districts If the property is in a Historic Preservation (HP) overlay, apply for a Certificate of No Effect or Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Office before building.
- Prepare plans and site plan Draft a scaled site plan showing the shed location relative to property lines, setbacks, and easements. Prepare floor plan and elevations. Include foundation details for larger sheds.
- Submit through SHAPE PHX Apply for the residential building permit through SHAPE PHX / Phoenix e-permits. Include electrical and plumbing sub-permits if applicable.
- Respond to plan review comments Respond promptly to Phoenix plan review and zoning comments. Resubmit revised plans through the portal.
- Pay fees and receive permit Pay the building permit and sub-permit fees once approved. Download and post the permit at the jobsite. Do not begin permitted work before issuance.
- Schedule and pass inspections Request inspections at required stages — typically foundation, framing, and final — via SHAPE PHX. Electrical and plumbing sub-permits have their own inspection stages.
- Close out the permit After final inspection passes, the permit is closed. Retain records for homeowners insurance, title review, and future resale.
Code basis
What Phoenix reviews against
2018 International Residential Code (IRC) as adopted by the Phoenix Building Construction Code, including § R105.2 (Work Exempt from Permit); Phoenix Zoning Ordinance (notably Section 608 — Accessory Uses and Structures) and the applicable single-family residential district for setbacks, height, and lot coverage; Phoenix City Code Chapter 4 (Building).
If you skip the permit
What can go wrong
- Phoenix Planning & Development / Neighborhood Services can issue a stop-work order for unpermitted shed construction.
- Civil penalties and double permit fees can apply for after-the-fact permits.
- An after-the-fact permit may require opening finished work to verify foundation, framing, or utility installations.
- Unpermitted electrical or plumbing work creates safety hazards and may void insurance coverage.
- Unpermitted sheds in setback areas or easements can become deal-breakers in a real-estate transaction and may need to be removed at the seller's expense.
- Historic Preservation violations can result in fines and mandatory alteration or removal orders.
- HOA deed-restriction violations can result in civil actions independent of city enforcement.
Affiliate slot
What you’ll need for the project
Contextual Amazon-style tools and materials block for shed projects.
FAQ
Common Phoenix shed permit questions
Do I need a permit to build a shed in Phoenix, AZ?
It depends. A one-story shed 200 square feet or less with no electrical or plumbing is generally exempt from Phoenix's building permit under IRC § R105.2 as adopted by the Phoenix Building Construction Code. Sheds over 200 sq ft, multi-story, or with utilities require a building permit. Electrical and plumbing always require separate trade permits. Even exempt sheds must meet zoning setbacks and the 15-foot accessory-structure height limit.
What is the maximum shed size without a permit in Phoenix?
Up to 200 square feet, one story, with no electrical or plumbing. Above that threshold — or with any utilities — a building permit is required. Zoning compliance is required regardless of size.
What are the setback requirements for a shed in Phoenix?
In most Phoenix single-family residential districts (R1-6 through R1-18), detached one-story accessory structures generally must be set back at least 3 feet from side and rear property lines and are limited to a maximum height of 15 feet, subject to the specific district standards and Phoenix Zoning Ordinance Section 608. Check your district on the Phoenix Zoning Map or confirm with Planning & Development.
Does adding electricity to my shed require a permit?
Yes. Any electrical wiring to or inside a shed — including a single lighting circuit — requires an electrical permit pulled by a licensed electrician, regardless of shed size or building-permit status.
Does adding plumbing to my shed require a permit?
Yes. Any plumbing fixture such as a hose bib, sink, or toilet requires a plumbing permit pulled by a licensed plumber, independent of the shed's building permit status.
How much does a shed permit cost in Phoenix?
Phoenix calculates residential building permit fees from project valuation, so city fees for a permitted shed over 200 sq ft typically run $150–$500, plus a plan review fee of about 65% of the building permit fee. Electrical and plumbing permits add roughly $75–$200 each. Verify current rates on the Phoenix PDD fee schedule.
How long does it take to get a shed permit in Phoenix?
Plan review typically runs 10–15 business days for a residential accessory structure, with total project timing of about 3–5 weeks from application through final inspection. Simple, compliant projects may qualify for over-the-counter review.
Can I place a shed in my front yard in Phoenix?
Generally no. Phoenix Zoning Ordinance Section 608 and the underlying single-family residential district rules require detached accessory structures to be placed in the rear or side yard, outside the required front-yard setback. Check your district's specific rules before placing a shed.
Sources
Official links and freshness
- https://www.phoenix.gov/pdd
- https://www.phoenix.gov/pdd/online-services
- https://www.phoenix.gov/pdd/devcode
- https://www.phoenix.gov/pddsite/Documents/PZ/pdd_pz_pdf_00020.pdf
- https://www.phoenix.gov/pdd/pz/zoning
- https://www.codepublishing.com/AZ/Phoenix/
- https://www.phoenix.gov/pdd/historic-preservation
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Disclaimer: This page is informational, not legal advice. Permit rules, fees, and processes change. Verify your project with Phoenix permitting staff before building.