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Building Safety

FAQs

• What is a permit and why do I need one?
• How do I get a building permit?
• When is a building permit not required?
• What about zoning requirements?
• How long does it take to get a building permit?
• What if I do not get a building permit?
• What about inspections?
• What if I have a permit, but do not call for inspections?
• What are the permit fees for a typical room addition?
• Do I need a permit for a non-structural slab?
• Our house is fairly old and we would like to replace the wiring and install additional outlets.  Is a permit required?
• I would like to replace old light switches and electrical outlets. Do I need a permit?
• Do I need a permit to install a fireplace?
• Which of the following items require a permit?

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What is a permit and why do I need one?

Permits enable Oro Valley to monitor and regulate construction to ensure public safety. Guaranteeing the safety of the occupants of a building is the primary purpose of construction codes. Oro Valley has adopted several codes including the 2006 International Building Code (IBC), Residential (IRC), Plumbing (IPC), Mechanical (IMC), Fuel Gas (IFGC), Energy (IECC), and Property Maintenance Codes (IPMC), the 2005 National Electrical Code (NEC). 

In accordance with these codes, Oro Valley issues building permits based on the type of construction project. Most single family home construction and small homeowner projects require a building permit that includes electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. The construction of a new home, home additions, and pool additions may also require a grading permit when any ground is disturbed.
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How do I get a building permit?

In order to obtain a permit, construction plans and a site plan must be prepared and submitted to the Oro Valley Building Safety Department. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed. Additional information may be required based on the specific project. To determine the type of information required for residential construction, please download the Construction Handbook or contact the Oro Valley Building Safety Department at (520) 229-4800.

Upon submittal, the plans are reviewed for compliance with all applicable code requirements. Once approved, construction must be performed in accordance with the approved plans. Any changes to approved plans require approval of Oro Valley Planning and Zoning, Engineering, Building Safety, Fire and Water Departments, if applicable.
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When is a building permit not required?

A building permit is not required for work such as wallpapering, painting, or similar finish work. In addition, walls or fences six feet (6’) or less in height, retaining walls four feet (4’) or less in height (unless supporting a surcharge), or platforms, decks and walks thirty inches or less above grade do not require a building permit, but will require a zoning permit. Also, certain minor plumbing, mechanical and electrical work, including the replacement or repair of fixtures does not require a permit.

Other projects, which do not require a building permit, are identified in Chapter 1 of the IBC, IRC, IMC, IPC, IFGC, IPMC. Although a building permit is not required for these projects, zoning approval or other departments may be required.
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What about zoning requirements?

The Zoning Code, as adopted by the Oro Valley Town Council, establishes zoning districts for the Town of Oro Valley. The Zoning Code also outlines various requirements, including the uses of buildings, structures, improvements and premises in each zoning district.

During the plan review process, zoning issues must be reviewed and approved by planning and zoning staff. If a project cannot meet certain requirements of the Zoning Code, the property owner may apply to the Board of Adjustment for a variance. Contact a planner in the Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Department at (520) 229-4800 for more information.
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How long does it take to get a building permit?

Time frames for building permit review and issuance may vary depending on the project being permitted. Typically, residential plan review is completed within 20 working days. Commercial plan reviews are typically completed within 20 working days.

The actual length of time required to review plans may vary depending on the complexity of the plans, the total number of plans under review, and the availability of the appropriate plans examiner.
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What if I do not get a building permit?

If a required building permit is not obtained prior to the start of construction, the property owner may be subject to fines, penalties and/or legal action. The property owner must immediately obtain permits for the work and pass all required inspections. If permits are not acquired, the structure or site must be returned to its original condition.
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What about inspections?

Whether work is performed by a homeowner or a contractor, the inspection phase is a method to verify that the installation is correct. It is the permittee’s responsibility to call for inspections at specific times during the construction phase. A contractor may request inspections, but it is the permittee’s responsibility to ensure that all required inspections are made. The type of inspections required will vary depending on the project. Remember, a project is not complete until it has passed the final inspection.
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What if I have a permit, but do not call for inspections?

A project is not complete until it passes the final inspection. Permits expire after 180 days if a required inspection has not been performed. Prior to the expiration, code allows you to request an extension from the Building Official. Submit your request in writing, explaining the reasons for delay that were beyond your control, prior to the expiration of your permit.  If a permit expires, all work must be ceased. In order to continue work after the expiration of a permit, the permit must be reactivated, or another permit obtained, additional fees will be assessed per the Building Code. If a permit has expired, please contact the Building Safety Department at (520) 229-4800 for assistance.
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What are the permit fees for a typical room addition?

All permit fees are based on the actual value of the construction, including materials and labor, as regulated by the Building Code.  A current guideline for building valuations is provided on the Building Safety home page. Individual project fees will vary depending on the type of project, square footage, or total valuation of work including labor and materials. Please consult with the Building Safety Department at (520) 229-4800 to determine approximate fees.
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Do I need a permit for a non-structural slab?

No. However, a permit is required if a cover or roof is constructed over a patio or carport slab.
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Our house is fairly old and we would like to replace the wiring and install additional outlets.  Is a permit required?

Yes, replacing an existing electrical wiring system or adding new electrical outlets requires a permit to ensure that the wiring is installed correctly.
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I would like to replace old light switches and electrical outlets. Do I need a permit?

No, a permit is not required to replace these units. However, installing additional outlets or relocating fixtures does require a permit.

When replacing electrical fixtures, be sure to turn off the power to the switches and plugs. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or death.

Be sure to replace old switches and outlets with a like model. Homes built before 1958 have non-grounded electrical outlets. However, newer homes have grounded outlets. Since many older homes do not have a grounded system, there is no way to properly ground the fixture. Therefore, a grounded outlet cannot be installed on a circuit that formerly held a non-grounded device. If you are unsure which switch or outlet to use, please call the Building Safety Department at (520) 229-4800.
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Do I need a permit to install a fireplace?

Yes, there are basically two types of fireplaces: 1) prefabricated, and 2) brick or masonry. The Building Safety Department reviews these plans to ensure that installing the fireplace and flue does not compromise the structural integrity of the home. The plans are also reviewed to verify that the fireplace is properly vented and installed. The installation of a wood burning stove or other heater also requires a permit.
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Which of the following items require a permit?

 

*       No electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work. Residential use only.

 

**      Replacement must be same size and type (e.g. Fire door or Safety glass) as existing door or   window. 

 

***    The location of all structures on a property must be submitted to and approved by the Planning and Zoning Department