Deck Permit in Pima County, Arizona
By Mario Bailey Last checked 2026-07-06 · 1 official source
Verified against official sources Confirmed on official pageIt depends
Quick answer
Pima County's official "Do I Need a Permit?" list states a deck greater than 30 inches above finished grade or floor level requires a building permit, while decks and non-structural flat work not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade (and not over a basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route) do not. Applications for permitted decks are submitted through the Pima County online permitting portal.
Typical threshold: Decks and non-structural flat work not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route do not require a permit; a deck greater than 30 inches above finished grade or floor level requires a permit.
Who is pulling this permit?
Apply yourself
Hire it out
Before you sign, ask the contractor:
- Who pulls the permit, you or me, and is the permit fee included in the bid?
- Which inspections will this job need, and who meets the inspector on site?
- Is your contractor license active in this locality, and under which business name?
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When a permit is usually needed
For any deck more than 30 inches above finished grade in unincorporated Pima County
What deck permit costs in Pima County
Assessed as a building permit: base fee $69 plus 1.096% of the ICC square foot construction cost for the first 1,000 sq ft and 0.588% above that, per the Development Services Fee Schedule effective 2026-07-01.
How Pima County compares in Arizona
| Jurisdiction | Permit needed? | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Chandler | It depends | Decks not exceeding 200 sq ft in area, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling or townhouse, and not serving a required exit door are exempt from a building permit; any deck exceeding those limits or attached to the residence requires a permit. |
| Gilbert | It depends | Decks are not addressed in Gilbert's published amendments to the IRC R105.2 exemption list, so permit requirements follow the unamended 2018 IRC provisions, which Gilbert's own pages do not restate. |
| Maricopa County | Permit required | Not specified |
| Mesa | Permit required | Not specified |
| Peoria | It depends | Platforms not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade that are not over a basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route are exempt from a permit. |
| Phoenix | It depends | platforms or decks not more than 30 inches above grade do not require a permit; elevated or attached decks do require a permit |
| Pima Countythis page | It depends | Decks and non-structural flat work not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route do not require a permit; a deck greater than 30 inches above finished grade or floor level requires a permit. |
Closest deck permit thresholds outside Arizona
Jurisdictions we cover whose limit sits nearest Pima County's 30 in.
- Dallas, Texas, decks platforms walks or driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story on single-family or duplex premises are exempt
- Minneapolis, Minnesota, freestanding decks less than 30 in above grade that are not attached with frost footings and do not serve the main entrance are exempt; all other decks require a permit
- Sacramento, California, uncovered deck 30 inches or more above grade requires a building permit
- Denver, Colorado, uncovered decks under 12 in off the ground require no permit; 12 in or more requires a zoning permit; 30 in or more also requires a building permit
How to apply in Pima County
A residential deck permit application is a set of construction documents that show what will be built and prove it meets the IRC deck provisions. In practice that means a scaled site plan locating the deck and its setbacks, plus deck plans and structural details covering the footings, posts, beams, joists, ledger, guards, and stairs.
What most deck permit applications include:
- A permit application identifying the work, the deck's size (square footage), and whether electrical work such as lights or receptacles is included, submitted for plan review before construction begins (IRC R106).
- A scaled site plan (for example 1/4 inch to 1 foot) showing the new deck's location relative to the house, its overall length and width, and dimensioned distances from the deck to all property lines and other structures so required setbacks can be verified (IRC R106.1.1).
- A deck plan drawn to scale showing overall dimensions and the framing layout: joist size, spacing, span, and species; beam size and span; post size and height; and footing or pier size and depth (IRC R507.4 posts, R507.5 beams, R507.6 joists, R507.3 footings).
- A section or side elevation with connection details showing the ledger attachment to the house band joist with flashing, the fastener or bolt schedule, joist hangers, post-to-beam and post-to-footing connections, and the required lateral load connection (IRC R507.9 ledger connection, R507.9.2 lateral connection, R507.2.4 flashing).
- Footing sizing derived from tributary area, the soil bearing value, and design loads per IRC Table R507.3.1, with footings shown bearing on undisturbed soil at the frost depth required by the jurisdiction (IRC R507.3).
- Details for the guards required where the walking surface is more than 30 inches above grade, and for the stairs and handrails, showing guard height and opening limits, stair riser and tread dimensions, and handrail location (IRC R312 guards, R311.7 stairs and handrails).
- For designs that fall outside the prescriptive R507 tables (for example multi-story or stacked decks, or a ledger attached to a cantilever), engineered and stamped structural plans are submitted in place of the prescriptive details (IRC R507.1 and R301).
General submittal guidance from IRC R106.1.1 (construction documents) and IRC R507 (exterior decks), 2021 IRC. Source. Pima County Development Services Department sets the exact checklist for Pima County.
Where to apply in Pima County:
Pima County Development Services Department
- 201 N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701
- Phone: 520-724-9000
Inspections and closing out your permit
Deck work is inspected in sequence as it is built: the footings before concrete is placed, the framing before the decking boards go down, and a final inspection once the deck is complete. Each stage checks the items that would be hidden or unsafe if missed.
- Footing or pier inspection: after the holes are dug and any forms or reinforcing are set but before concrete is placed, the inspector checks footing depth and diameter, a flat undisturbed bearing surface, and that the holes are free of water (IRC R109.1.1 foundation inspection; R507.3 footings).
- Framing inspection: after the deck is framed but before the decking conceals it, the inspector verifies the ledger attachment and its flashing, the fastener and bolt schedule, joist hangers and metal connectors, post-to-beam and post-to-footing connections, and the lateral load connection; call it before decking is installed (IRC R109.1.4 frame inspection; R507.9 ledger and flashing).
- Final inspection: after the deck is complete and before it is used, the inspector confirms guard height and opening limits (a 4 inch sphere must not pass, 4 3/8 inch at stairs), stair riser and tread dimensions, handrail height and graspability where there are 4 or more risers, stair landings, and required stair lighting (IRC R109.1.6 final inspection; R312 guards, R311.7 stairs and handrails).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Pima County permit portal or by phone at 520-724-9000.
Inspection sequence from IRC R109 (inspections: R109.1.1 footing before concrete, R109.1.4 frame, R109.1.6 final), 2021 IRC. Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Deck Permit checklist for Pima County
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Typical threshold: Decks and non-structural flat work not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route do not require a permit; a deck greater than 30 inches above finished grade or floor level requires a permit. Usually needed: For any deck more than 30 inches above finished grade in unincorporated Pima County.
- Budget the fee. Assessed as a building permit: base fee $69 plus 1.096% of the ICC square foot construction cost for the first 1,000 sq ft and 0.588% above that, per the Development Services Fee Schedule effective 2026-07-01. Official fee schedule.
- Apply. A residential deck permit application is a set of construction documents that show what will be built and prove it meets the IRC deck provisions. In practice that means a scaled site plan locating the deck and its setbacks, plus deck plans and structural details covering the footings, posts, beams, joists, ledger, guards, and stairs. Start at the Pima County permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. Pima County Development Services Department. Phone: 520-724-9000. Address: 201 N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701.
- Plan for inspections. Deck work is inspected in sequence as it is built: the footings before concrete is placed, the framing before the decking boards go down, and a final inspection once the deck is complete. Each stage checks the items that would be hidden or unsafe if missed.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked 2026-07-06.
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Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a deck permit in Pima County?
- Pima County's official "Do I Need a Permit?" list states a deck greater than 30 inches above finished grade or floor level requires a building permit, while decks and non-structural flat work not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade (and not over a basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route) do not. Applications for permitted decks are submitted through the Pima County online permitting portal. Decks and non-structural flat work not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route do not require a permit; a deck greater than 30 inches above finished grade or floor level requires a permit. Always confirm with the office before starting.
- How much does a deck permit cost in Pima County?
- Assessed as a building permit: base fee $69 plus 1.096% of the ICC square foot construction cost for the first 1,000 sq ft and 0.588% above that, per the Development Services Fee Schedule effective 2026-07-01. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- Where do you apply for a deck permit in Pima County?
- You can apply through the Pima County permit portal or contact the Pima County Development Services Department directly. The links are listed on this page.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Pima County
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit | It depends | New electric outlet/fixture installations and photovoltaic systems or generators require a permit; wiring/devices operating under 25 volts and not exceeding 50 volt-amps, and like-for-like repair or replacement of switches, controls, overcurrent devices, fixed motors, transformers, or outlets/fixtures in the same location, do not. | Flat fee tiered by scope: minor work such as a service upgrade, reconnect, or up to fiv... |
| Fence Permit | It depends | Non-retaining walls and fences no more than 7 feet in height do not require a permit; fences taller than 7 feet require a building permit. | Fee is $0.25 per lineal foot plus the standard $69 base permit fee, per the Development... |
| HVAC Permit | It depends | New or replacement central air conditioners/furnaces, mini-split systems, and modifying or replacing duct work require a permit; portable cooling, heating, or ventilation units, and replacing an existing evaporative cooler with a like unit, do not. | Flat fee tiered by scope: minor work such as a residential air conditioner unit is $27,... |
| Patio Permit | It depends | An open, ground-level patio slab counts as non-structural flat work not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and does not require a permit; enclosing a porch or patio (adding walls, screens, or a roof enclosure) requires a permit. | No patio-specific line; |
| Plumbing Permit | It depends | New pipe work, propane tanks, septic systems, sewer connections, solar water heaters, water heater replacement, and new dishwashers require a permit; clearing stoppages or repairing leaks that do not involve replacing valves, pipes, or fixtures, fixture swaps (sinks, toilets, tubs), and grade-supported water tanks up to 5,000 gallons do not. | Flat fee tiered by scope: minor work such as a water heater or a gas, water, or drain l... |
| Pool Permit | It depends | Pre-fabricated residential pools installed entirely above ground require a building permit once they exceed 18 inches in depth and 5,000 gallons; any in-ground or custom-built residential pool or spa requires a building permit through Administrative Review regardless of size. | Not published |
| Roof Replacement Permit | It depends | Re-roofing with like materials (tile, shingles, etc.) does not require a permit; structural roof work requires a permit. | No fee for re-roofing with like materials since no permit is required per the county's... |
| Shed Permit | It depends | One-story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar non-habitable accessory structures are the category Pima County's own adopted code amendments refer to as "structures exempted from permits"; the standard exemption size carried in the adopted IRC for this category is 200 sq ft with no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical connections, though Pima's own published guidance pages do not restate that figure directly. | No shed-specific line; |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Residential photovoltaic installation is treated as minor electrical work, flat fee $27... |
Deck Permit in other Arizona localities
Official sources
Verified by a person against the sources above on 2026-07-06, not confirmed with Pima County Development Services Department. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: 2026-07-06Report an error on this page
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