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FAQ’S - Frequently Asked Questions

Categories of Questions
Permits
Inspections
About Us
Records
Bonds

The questions are separated into categories. Click on the category link to the right. Some of the questions link to the pages that answer that question. If you do not find what you need please contact us.  Contact information is located on the Location and Phone page.

Permits

What is a permit?

Why do I need a permit?

When do I need a permit?

How much does a permit cost?

How will Impact Fees work?

Where can I get a permit and who is responsible for obtaining a permit?

What are my responsibilities after obtaining a permit?

Where can I get more information?

What kind of work does not require a permit?

When is a licensed architect or engineer needed for a permit?

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Inspections

When do I call for inspection?

How do I schedule an inspection?

Can I schedule or cancel an inspection online?

How do I cancel or re-schedule an inspection?

What do I need at the time of inspection?

When I call, how soon will my inspection be?

Do I need a touch-tone phone to use the IVR?

Can I leave a message for the inspector?

How many inspectors will I have on my project?

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About Us

Where is DSD located and when are they open?

How can I contact someone in the department?

Who are the section supervisors?

How many permits does the Development Services Department issue?

What does DSD have planned for the future?

Records

What is available from Records?

What is not available?

What do I need to be able to get information?

How can I obtain copies of records?

What other publications are available?

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Bonds

Where do I get the forms?

How can I find out how much my bond needs to be?

Do I need to obtain approvals from the Development Services staff before posting a bond?

Who is the “Principal” on the bond form?

What form of payment may I use for cash bonds?

Is there anything else I need to know about posting bonds?

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What is a permit?

A permit is an agreement between the City and the applicant whereby the applicant agrees to follow the city codes and the Land Use code. In some instances the applicant must submit plans to show what he or she intends to do. For some projects, the plans may require preparation by a licensed architect or engineer registered by the State of Arizona.  When the plans are approved, the construction must conform to the plan.  Any deviations or changes from these plans cannot be approved in the field.

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Why do I need a permit?

A permit ensures that the City Development Services Department will inspect the work.  The inspector may discover faulty materials, deviations from the approved plans or violations of the building codes and land use codes that may result in an unsafe or hazardous condition for you or your family.  It is a violation of City ordinance not to have a permit when work being done requires one. Failure to obtain a permit may result in an investigation fee being added to the cost of the permit and/or may result in prosecution in city court.

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When do I need a permit?

In general, a building permit is required for any structural change or alteration made in a building or when any new construction is undertaken.  When applicable, permits for mechanical, plumbing and electrical work are also required. Please see
Exceptions for a listing of what does NOT need a permit. Your proposed project must comply with the zoning ordinances.  If it does not, a separate submittal for a variance before the Board of Adjustment may be required.

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How much does a permit cost?

The City of Tucson uses the 1997 Uniform Administrative Code for its fees. The building portion is based on the valuation of the project. The mechanical, plumbing and electrical fees are based on the number of items installed such as plumbing fixtures, air conditioner units and electrical outlets. Wall permits are based on the height and linear footage of the wall.  Exact fees are available after plans are reviewed.  For further information please contact Development Services Customer Services at (520) 791-5550. http://www.tucsonaz.gov/dsd/DevStd105.pdf has more information.

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How will Impact Fees work?

The City of Tucson adopted Impact Fees on new development. Starting July 15, 2005, fees will be collected on permits issued for residences and apartments. These fees are invested back into our community for capacity improvements to roads and parks. This site provides the information needed to understand the fees and how they contribute to a thriving Tucson. Please click on the above link or go to www.cityoftucson.org/impact/.

Where can I get a permit and who is responsible for obtaining a permit?

An application for permit is made at the Development Services Department.  We are located at 201 N Stone Av in downtown Tucson, on the first floor of the County-City Public Works Building.  Hours are between 8:00am and 4:00pm Monday thru Friday, excluding legal holidays.  The homeowner or contractor can make the application for a permit, but it is the responsibility of the homeowner/property owner to ensure a permit is secured and posted on the job site.

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What are my responsibilities after obtaining a permit?

Once a permit has been obtained from the Development Services Department there are certain responsibilities placed on the homeowner and/or contractor.  The homeowner is responsible for obtaining the permit for the proposed project and for posting it on the site.  The individual doing the work covered by the permit must call for inspection prior to covering or concealing work.  When a permit is issued, a Job Card will be given to you listing the common required inspections.

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Where can I get more information?

The Development Services Department, located at 201 N Stone Av in the County-City Public Works building has more information available. There are many handouts including applications, sample forms, code information and submittal requirements. Please call (520) 791-5550.

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Where do I get the forms?

Only the bond forms posted on our website or obtained from our office (Permit Counter) are acceptable. Any other forms that are used will be rejected.

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How can I find out how much my bond needs to be?

Call the Development Services Department at 791-5550 and ask to speak to the Permit Counter staff.

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Do I need to obtain approvals from any Development Services staff before posting a bond?

In order to post a bond for Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, you will need to speak with Steve Long, Inspections Supervisor.  Call (520) 791-5550 x1147, to set up an appointment.

In order to post a bond for Temporary Connection of Energy, Fuel or Power, you must provide the form with four approvals from the inspectors.  The inspector will provide you with this form.

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Who is the “principal” on the bond form?

The principal is the person or company that is actually posting the bond and should be the same person or company shown on any check that is submitted for deposit of a bond.  Example: If John Smith works for Smith Corporation and is submitting a personal check to post the bond, then John Smith needs to be listed as the principal on the form, not Smith Corporation.

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What form of payment may I use for cash bonds?

Payment for cash bonds may be deposited in the form of cash, personal check or cashier’s check for the exact amount only. We do cash these checks. A CREDIT CARD IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE FORM OF PAYMENT FOR POSTING A CASH BOND.

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Is there anything else I need to know about posting bonds?

There are several areas on all the forms that must be initialized and notarized. Please ensure those areas are completed before coming to the office to submit, as incomplete or incorrectly completed forms will not be accepted.

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201 N Stone Av Tucson AZ 85701 (520) 791-5550