Residential Permits

Residential additions are reviewed for compliance with the 2018 International Residential Code

Notice to applicant:

It is the applicant / owner’s responsibility to ensure all private rules and regulations of the subdivision are adhered to. Contact your HOA or property management to determine applicable requirements.

Prior to issuance of the permit, the following documents must be submitted to the Town:

• Proof of sewer connections fees paid to Pima County may be required if applicable
• Valuation of project cost breakdown provided to the Building Official for review and approval 
• Payment of all permit fees - staff will contact you when the fees have been determined

Permit Issuance

• Permits are issued electronically
• The person responsible for the permit (applicant, contractor or homeowner), must print one full size set of:
  • Permit  
  • Stamped approved construction plans
  • Inspection card (white paper is acceptable)
  • Supporting documents such as Calculations, Soils Reports, Special Inspector Reports, Energy Reports, etc.
• All of the above listed documents must be on the construction site in paper format and available for the building inspectors
• Failure to provide the approved paper documents on the job site for the inspector may result in a failure of inspections

Complete a building permit application.

(Permit Application link)(PDF, 224KB)

Vehicle Charging Stations are manufactured and listed as required by the 2017 Edition of the National Electrlc:11I Code Article 625.

Notice to applicant

It is the applicant/ owner’s responsibility to ensure all private rules and regulations of the subdivision are adhered to.  Contact your HOA or property management to determine applicable requirements.

Provide the following information in the construction plans

Site Plan

• Show the location of the charging station
• Show the location of the electrical panel

Specifications

• Charger design
• UL listed information including the electrical materials, devices, fittings and associated equipment
• Some charging stations will require venting.  Please show in the plans.

Electrical Plans

• One line diagram that includes conductors, conduit sizes, types and over-current protection
• Electrical load calculations if a new 240 volt circuit is added
• If the UL listed charging station and electric vehicle only requires a 120 volt plug in receptacle, no Perm11 is required

Prepare your project for electronic submittal by doing the following: 

All documents must be in PDF format

The security level in the PDF must allow the Town to apply stamps, markups and ultimately approvals on the document

Do not mix portrait and landscape pages in the same document. Rotate all pages the same direction

All pages of the building plans should be in one PDF.

Label the documents with the appropriate name. For example: Application, construction plans, etc.

Email the entire submittal, in PDF format, to: Permits@orovallayaz.gov, (if the file is larger than 10MB, submit as a link)

You will receive an email letting you know the submittal has been received. 

Plan review is 10 business days. 

Permit Issuance

Permits are issued electronically

The person responsible for the permit (applicant, contractor or homeowner), must print one full size set of:

Stamped approved construction plans

Inspection card (white paper is acceptable)

Supporting documents such as Calculations

All of the above listed documents must be on the construction site in paper format and available for the building inspectors.

Failure to provide the approved paper documents on the job site for the inspector may result in a failure of inspections. 

Custom homes plans are reviewed for compliance with the 2018 International Residential Code

Notice to applicant:

It is the applicant / owner’s responsibility to ensure all private rules and regulations of the subdivision are adhered to.  Contact your HOA or property management to determine applicable requirements.

Use the "Apply for a Permit" instruction tab and provide the following information:

Cover sheet

• Plan index
• Code Edition
• Job title and address
• Square footage of livable, garage and porch
• Name and contact information of person responsible for the design

Deferred Submittals

• List all items to be deferred with a note stating
• "The deferred items will not be installed until the Town of Oro Valley has reviewed and approved the deferred items

Site plan 

• Drawn to 10 or 20 scale
• Topography, existing and proposed
• Distance from the property lines to the new buildings
• Define the grading limits
• Include Oro Valley General Notes for Grading
• Finish floor elevation and Pad elevation (tied to monument or benchmark)
• Landscape plan if applicable according to OVZC Chapter 27 table 27-13

Walls

• Show proposed site or retaining walls
• Heights of walls 
• Engineering will be required for site walls over 6' or retaining walls over 4'

Floor plan

• Dimensions
• Room uses labeled
• Window and door schedules
• Fire rated separation
• Cabinet and fixture locations

Foundation Plan

• Dimensioned layout
• Footing size details, reinforcement, etc.
• Anchors and hold downs
• Engineered post tension slab is applicable

Framing Plan

• Plan view of structural components: Beams, trusses, headers and connection details
• Size, spacing, species and grade of materials
• Sealed truss layout and engineered design.  Shop drawing of approval of project engineer of truss layout and design.
• Stud wall size and center spacing
• Ventilation calculations and roof vent locations on the roof

Elevation 

• Show all sides of the house
• Show existing and proposed grade
• Height of house from grade to highest point

Section Views

• Heights of ceiling, drops and roof members
• Label all framing members and show connection details

Energy Conservation Code Compliance

• Provide calculations according to 2018 IECC. Comcheck is available at www.energycodes.gov

Mechanical Plan

• Include any new heating and cooling units, their capacity, location and demand or input
• Include furnace combustion air and flue sizes, circulating return air ducts and supply sizes and size and location of all condensate drains. Existing demands may be required depending on the complexity of the project.
• Show required screening of ground and rooftop units

Plumbing Plan

• Indicate location, size and material of all piping, drainage waste and vent and water piping w/ developed length. Location and size of gas piping with developed length and appliance demands. Location and demand of water meters and gas meters. Size and location of pressure and temperature water heater relief. Location and size of water heater, combustion air and flue. Locations of clean-outs, water shut off and pressure reducing valves.
• List residential water pressure
• Existing demands and developed lengths may be required depending on the complexity of the project
• Water supply and drainage fixture unit calculations

Electrical Plan

• Plan view showing outlets, lights and circuits
• Panel schedule with circuits, overcurrent device and wire size
• Submit load calculations & service size

Outdoor lighting

• Outdoor lighting is reviewed for compliance with the Oro Valley Zoning Code section 27.5.
• A calculation of code compliance shall include the following information submitted in table format: 

• Size (acres) of property    
• Lighting Zone from OVZCR 27.5.E.2
• Lighting Option used from table 27-5
• Allowed lumens (shielded & unshielded)
• Lumens used (shielded & unshielded) 
• Luminaire Schedule:
• ID number or letter of each outdoor fixture 

• Identify the fixtures as shielded, unshielded or recessed
• Mean lumens per fixture
• Quantity of each fixture
• Include fixtures that are exempt per code and label those fixtures with the code section allowing exemption

• Include height of lights fixtures. Ensure compliance with the OVZCR 27.5.F.1 thru 5

Fire Sprinklers

• Is fire flow available?  
• (IFC 2018; Appendix B-Table B105.1) for minimum required fire flow and flow duration, based on square footage (IFC 2018 Amended B105.1)  
• If fire sprinklers are required provide hydraulic calculations. This can be deferred.  
• If any questions, call Golder Ranch Fire at 520-818-1017

Special Inspection Certificates are required for certain items

• Post-tensioned slab, Concrete >2500 psi, Slender Masonry
• Some ICFs, Field Welding, High-Strength Bolts, Misc.

Additional documentation

• Engineering calculations 
• Truss calculations 
• Soils reports that relates to the foundation design.  If over 1 year old, provide a sealed statement from the Engineer that conditions have not changed.
• All engineered documents must be signed and sealed

Plan review is 20 business days

Prior to issuance of the permit, the following documents must be submitted to the Town:

• Proof of sewer connections fees paid to Pima County may be required if applicable
• Valuation of project cost breakdown provided to the Building Official for review and approval 
• Payment of all permit fees - staff will contact you when the fees have been determined

Permit Issuance

• Permits are issued electronically
• The person responsible for the permit (applicant, contractor or homeowner), must print one full size set of:
  • Permit 
  • Stamped approved construction plans
  • Inspection card (white paper is acceptable)
  • Supporting documents such as Calculations, Soils Reports, Special Inspector Reports, Energy Reports, etc.
• All of the above listed documents must be on the construction site in paper format and available for the building inspectors
• Failure to provide the approved paper documents on the job site for the inspector may result in a failure of inspections

Model homes are reviewed for compliance with the 2018 International Residential Code

Notice to applicant:

It is the applicant / owner’s responsibility to ensure all private rules and regulations of the subdivision are adhered to.  Contact your HOA or property management to determine applicable requirements.

All model homes are required to be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission.  Ensure that review has been approved prior to submitting construction plans for review. 

Use the "Apply for a Permit" instruction tab and provide the following information:

Cover sheet

• Plan index
• Code Edition
• Model name and location of related subdivsion
• Square footage of livable, garage and porch
• List of all available options with changes to base square footage
• Name and contact information of person responsible for the design

Deferred Submittals are not allowed for model homes

Floor Plan

• Dimensions
• Room uses labeled
• List size in square feet for living space, garage, porches, etc.
• Window and door schedules
• Fire rated separation

Foundation Plan

• Dimensioned layout
• Footing size details, reinforcement, etc.
• Anchors and hold downs
• Engineered post-tension slab is applicable (sealed)

Framing Plan

• Plan view of structural components: Beams, trusses, headers and connection details (specify hangers)
• Size, spacing, species and grade of materials
• Truss layout and engineered design - if applicable
• Stud wall size and center spacing - indicate all braced wall locations
• Ventilation calculations and roof vent locations on the roof

Elevation Views

• Show all sides of the house
• Show the height of the house from grade to highest point

Section Views

• Heights of ceiling, drops and roof members
• Label all framing members and show connection details

Energy Conservation Code Compliance

• Provide calculations according to 2018 IECC. Comcheck is available at www.energycodes.gov

Mechanical Plan

• Plan view of layout of ductwork
• Equipment schedule; BTU rating, fuel source, location
• Combustion/relief air and exhaust ventilation sizes

Plumbing Plan

• Plan view showing layout of fixtures, DWV, water/gas pipe
• Fixture schedule, gas/water pipe sizing calculation

Electrical Plan

• Plan view showing outlets, lights and circuit numbers
• Panel schedule with circuits, overcurrent device and wire size
• Submit load calculations & service size

Outdoor lighting

• A calculation of code compliance must be included for each model showing compliance with the lighting standards for the average size lot in the subdivision.  See the “Outdoor Lighting(PDF, 623KB)” example on the Permitting Divisions webpage.

Fire Sprinklers

• Determine if Fire Sprinklers are required 
• If fire sprinklers are required, provide hydraulic calculations  
• Minimum required fire flow and flow duration, based on square footage see the IFC 2018; Appendix B-Table B105.1). Plans may be deferred. Questions,call Golder Ranch Fire Department at 520-818-1017

 Special Inspection Certificates are required for certain items

• Post-tensioned slab, Concrete >2500 psi, Slender Masonry
• Some ICFs, Field Welding, High-Strength Bolts, Misc.

Engineering calculations

• Gravity/lateral analysis
• Truss calculations and design
• Soils report related to the foundation

Plan review is 20 business days

Prior to issuance of the permit staff will contact you when the fees have been determined

Permits are issued electronically

Use the "Apply for a Permit" instruction tab and provide the following information: 

• On the application be sure to include the Oro Valley permit number assigned to the model plan from which is house will be built
• Include the builders model name, list all options, elevation and color scheme

Include a Model Home Location Verification Map:

Model Home Location Verification(PDF, 622KB)

Update each map to specifically demonstrate the model home meets the location requirements

Site Plan for Model Home built on a mass graded lot

• Finished floor and finished pad elevation
• Setbacks
• All easements as shown on the final plat
• Drainage slope arrows and minimum slopes
• Sewer backwater valve – Indicate when required

Site Plan for Model Homes built on custom graded lots

• 10 or 20 scale
• Existing and proposed topography
• Delineate grading limits
• Include Oro Valley standard grading notes
• Soil report: Must relate to foundation design.  If over 1 year old, provide sealed statement that conditions have not changed from engineer

Deferred Submittals are not allowed

Special Inspection Certificates are required for certain items

• Post-tensioned slab, Concrete >2500 psi, Slender Masonry
• Some ICFs, Field Welding, High-Strength Bolts, Misc.

Plan review is 10 business days

Prior to issuance of the permit, the following documents must be submitted to the Town:

• Proof of sewer connections fees paid to Pima County may be required if applicable
• Valuation of project cost breakdown provided to the Building Official for review and approval 
• Payment of all permit fees - staff will contact you when the fees have been determined

Permit Issuance

• Permits are issued electronically
• The person responsible for the permit (applicant, contractor or homeowner), must print one full size set of:
  • Permit 
  • Stamped approved construction plans
  • Inspection card (white paper is acceptable)
  • Supporting documents such as Calculations, Soils Reports, Special Inspector Reports, Energy Reports, etc.
• All of the above listed documents must be on the construction site in paper format and available for the building inspectors
• Failure to provide the approved paper documents on the job site for the inspector may result in a failure of inspections

If the power to the house has been shut off for more than six months, you will need a Building Permit and site inspections prior to Tucson Electric Power granting a reconnection.  Here is what you will need:

 Use the "Apply for a Permit" instruction tab and verify the following before scheduling the reconnection inspection:

• Verify that all switch and receptacle cover plates are installed
• Replace broken switch or receptacle devices
• All light and ceiling fan fixtures need to be installed or blank covers added to outlets
• All smoke alarm detectors need to be in place
• Verify that exterior receptacle covers are in place (weather resistant type)
• Verify that there are lights in place at all exits
• Check AC fuse sizes (must be as specified on name plate rating)
• Plug any unused openings in the main electrical panel (listed plug types, not taped)
• Check for unusual or abandoned wiring (such as removal of a hot tub) which will have to be safely terminated or removed
• Check for installations that appear to have been added by homeowners (possibly without permits) such as open wiring on exterior of buildings
• Check the electrical service panel to verify that circuit breakers are in place (must be from the same manufacturer). 
• Circuits need to be identified for their use (i.e. Kitchen, AC, etc.)

Permit processing is usually a 24 to 48 hours

Prior to issuance of the permit staff will contact you when the fees have been determined

Permit Issuance

• Permits are issued electronically
• The person responsible for the permit (applicant, contractor or homeowner), must print one full size set of:
  • Permit 
  • Stamped approved construction plans
  • Inspection card (white paper is acceptable)
• All of the above listed documents must be on the construction site in paper format and available for the building inspectors
• Failure to provide the approved paper documents on the job site for the inspector may result in a failure of inspections

 Access to the property, electrical panel and interior of the building or buildings must be provided for inspection

Solar panel plans are reviewed for compliance with the 2018 International Residential Code and 2017 National Electric Code

Notice to applicant:

It is the applicant / owner’s responsibility to ensure all private rules and regulations of the subdivision are adhered to.  Contact your HOA or property management to determine applicable requirements.

Use the "Apply for a Permit" instruction tab and provide the following information:

Cover sheet

• Job title and address
• Name and contact information of person responsible for the design
• Legend for symbols, abbreviations and notations used in the plans
• Define scope of work

Site plan 

• Show all property lines
• Existing structures
• Location of proposed solar installations with distances to property lines

Structural

• Show location of panels and identify each grouping on a system layout
• Indicate if panels are rooftop mounted or ground mounted. If roof mounted, a roof plan and framing cross-section shall include the type roof, roof slope, size, spacing, span and direction of existing framing materials
• If structural members are over-spanned, framing details for structural strengthening will be needed including any new framing
• There may be additional requirements for framing needing professional engineering
• Show the connecting system and panel grouping weight, mounting angle and loading area
• Structural loading distribution must be verified from a qualified party and must be capable of supporting the additional loads imposed from the panel system
• Indicate what type of roofing material exists under the panels
• Provide roof drainage methods
• Indicate the type of embedment / mounting bolts and number of bolts per panel. For tile roof covering, show attachment method and flashing at the new penetrations
• Uplift information is required from the panel grouping area in pounds and for maximum wind load
• Identify the pullout strength per connector in pounds and show the required number of connectors

For the structural installation, roof mounted equipment shall have a distribution weight load of not more than 5 lbs/sq. ft. and not to exceed 45 lbs point load per attachment. If these numbers are exceeded, a structural design analysis will be required from a qualifying party for residential applications.

Electrical

• List the KW rating of the installation.
• List the existing service size and bus bar rating and if MCB is de-rated, provide the electrical load calculations for that service
• Show location of all equipment and disconnects; including utility disconnect
• Provide a one line and three line drawing of electrical installation which includes the PV panel layout, PV power source short circuit current rating, conductor size, type, locations and lengths of runs, wiring methods, grounding points, inverter locations, disconnect locations, battery locations, point of connections to the existing electrical system
• Identify method of connection to service: Back-fed breaker or line side tap
• Indicate if the power supply is uninterrupted (UPS) or battery back-up 
• Provide electric calculations for PV system, over current protective device, conductor sizing for PV source circuits,temperature de-rating for conductors, voltage drops (if applicable)
• Show any connecting junction boxes and/or combiner boxes intended for the installation

Plumbing

• Provide a solar domestic hot water schematic for the system
• Identify the backflow preventer and type mixing valve (if applicable) for the hot water system

** Wind Design Pressures per Standard ASCE 7-05 (American Society of Civil Engineers)

**IFC 2018 Section 1204.2 – 1204 (Fire Access & Pathways)Section 1204.5 (Rapid Shutdown) 1204.51-1204.5.3. (Label & Type) 

Plan review is 10 business days 

Prior to issuance of the permit staff will contact you when the fees have been determined:

•  Photovoltaic: $54.00
• Water Heater: TBD
• Pool Heating: TBD
• Space Heating: TBD

Permit Issuance

• Permits are issued electronically
• The person responsible for the permit (applicant, contractor or homeowner), must print one full size set of:
  • Permit 
  • Stamped approved construction plans
  • Inspection card (white paper is acceptable)
  • Supporting documents such as Calculations, Soils Reports, Special Inspector Reports, Energy Reports, etc.
• All of the above listed documents must be on the construction site in paper format and available for the building inspectors
• Failure to provide the approved paper documents on the job site for the inspector may result in a failure of inspections

Use the "Apply for a Permit" instruction tab

Provide the following information on the application description:

• Gas or electric water heater and size
• Indicate if the replacement tank is the same size as the tank being replaced

Permit processing is usually 24 to 48 hours

Prior to issuance of the permit all fees must be paid. Generally permit fees are $35.80 for one water heater

Permit Issuance

• Permits are issued electronically
• The person responsible for the permit (applicant, contractor or homeowner), must print one full size set of:
  • Permit
  • Inspection card (white paper is acceptable)
• All of the above listed documents must be on the construction site in paper format and available for the building inspectors
• Failure to provide the approved paper documents on the job site for the inspector may result in a failure of inspections

Inspections

• You will need to schedule an inspection
• Compliance with the 2018 Residential Building Code will be verified
• Provide access to the property

Plans are reviewed for compliance with the 2018 International Residential Code. Permits are required for all hardwiring of equipment and appliances.

Notice to applicant:

It is the applicant / owner’s responsibility to ensure all private rules and regulations of the subdivision are adhered to. Contact your HOA or property management to determine applicable requirements.

Use the "Apply for a Permit" instruction tab and provide the following information:

• Site Plan showing the structure where the shutters or awnings will be installed
• Floor Plan showing the proposed locations of the shutters or awnings
• Manufacturer specifications including attachment details

Electric

• Identify the existing circuit to be used by panel number, wire size and location
• Provide the method of routing the wires from the motor to the circuit to be used
• This can be routed in conduit or an acceptable in wall wiring method
• Please note that sleeping room egress windows must be equipped with a manual bypass for emergency rescue

Plan review is 10 business days

Prior to issuance of the permit staff will contact you when the fees have been determined

Permit Issuance

• Permits are issued electronically
• The person responsible for the permit (applicant, contractor or homeowner), must print one full size set of:
  • Permit 
  • Stamped approved construction plans
  • Inspection card (white paper is acceptable)
  • Supporting documents such as Calculations, etc.
• All of the above listed documents must be on the construction site in paper format and available for the building inspectors
• Failure to provide the approved paper documents on the job site for the inspector may result in a failure of inspections

 This permit will include 3 field inspections Electrical Intermediate, Electrical Final and Permit Final

Notice to applicant:

It is the applicant / owner’s responsibility to ensure all private rules and regulations of the subdivision are adhered to.  Contact your HOA or property management to determine applicable requirements.

Use the "Apply for a Permit" instruction tab and provide the following information:

Site plan 

• Include the whole lot
• Show the location of the proposed new windows and doors

Properties with pools and spas

• Show the location of the pool and spa
• Indicate if there is a physical barrier for the pool/spa
• Replacement doors providing access to pools or spas must be self-closing and self-latching if there are no existing physical barriers present. The latching device must be 54” above the finished floor.
• Windows with latching devices within 54” of the finished floor will require a maximum opening of 4”

Floor plan

• Show locations of the proposed new windows and doors
• Indicate sleeping area egress window locations and tempered glass locations
• Tempered glass is required when within 24” of a door’s leading edge, for windows in bathrooms and for windows when the sill is below 60” of the finished floor
• Sleeping area egress windows must have a maximum window sill height of 44”, a minimum net opening width of 20”, a minimum net opening height of 24” and a minimum 5.7 square foot net opening dimension

Window Specification Data Sheets

• Indicate U-Factor, Low-E, Minimum Double Pane and SHGC Solar Heat Gain Coefficients.
• For window and door replacements to be installed in larger or smaller openings, additional structural details and analysis is required

Prior to issuance of the permit staff will contact you to collect the permit fee of $120.00 

Permit Issuance

• Permits are issued electronically
• The person responsible for the permit (applicant, contractor or homeowner), must print one full size set of:
  • Stamped approved construction plans
  • Inspection card (white paper is acceptable)
  • Supporting documents such as Calculations, Soils Reports, Special Inspector Reports, Energy Reports, etc.
• All of the above listed documents must be on the construction site in paper format and available for the building inspectors
• Failure to provide the approved paper documents on the job site for the inspector may result in a failure of inspections