Commercial Construction Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Certificate of Occupancy (CO)?
A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is issued to certify that a building or tenant space is compliant with applicable codes and can be occupied.
How is a Certificate of Occupancy generated?
A CO can be generated in one of three ways:
Tenant Improvement Permit: When a tenant obtains a permit for improvements, inspections are conducted, and a CO is issued after the final inspection.
Change of Use: If a tenant changes the use or occupancy classification, they must obtain a tenant improvement permit, even if no physical changes are made. A CO is issued following inspection.
Duplicate CO: If a tenant wishes to obtain a CO in their name for the same use, they can apply for a duplicate CO, provided there is a permit record.
How can I get a copy of previous permit documents?
To request document retrieval for permit or planning records prior to 2017:
- Log in to your DIMES account.
- Click on “Create” and select “Apply for a Permit.”
- Enter the project address and provide a brief description of the documents needed.
- Indicate specific requests in the “Request Description” field.
- Submit your request; processing may take 10-15 business days.
- Documents will be found in the DIMES system under "Record," then "Download Documents".
How can I get a copy of a permit?
- Visit the DIMES portal.
- Search for the permit number.
- Click on "Record," then "Download Documents" to locate and download the permit document.
How soon can I expect a call back from staff?
Staff aims to respond within 24 business hours.
What is the process to get a water meter set?
After the water meter permit is issued and clearance sent, call the Contact Center at 480-644-2221 or complete the online form to request the water meter to be set. Note: A deposit and utility agreements may be required before the meter can be set.
What are the photovoltaic (solar) system requirements?
An electrical permit shall not be required for photovoltaic power systems that are listed and labeled by a nationally recognized testing agency, under 10,000 square feet, and installed by an Arizona licensed contractor
If any of the following conditions apply, an electrical permit is required:
- The photovoltaic system is not listed and labeled by a nationally recognized testing agency.
- The photovoltaic system is greater than 10,000 aggregate square feet.
- Work not completed by an Arizona licensed contractor.
Plan Submittal Requirements
General:
- Provide site and roof plans
- Provide panel elevations
- Show all dimensions
- Include distance from roof surface to top of panels, panel tilt angles, parapet heights and roof slope(s)
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems Plan Submittal Requirements
- Site plan and roof plan to show location of PV installation including distance from roof surface to top of panels, panel tilt angles, parapet heights and roof slope(s)
- Panels/modules shall be located not less than 3 feet from the ridge in accordance with International Fire Code (IFC 605.11)
- Panels/modules shall be located in a manner that provides two, 3-foot-wide access pathways from the eave to the ridge on each roof slope (IFC 605.11)
- Panels/modules on buildings with roof hips and valleys shall be located no closer than 18 inches to a hip or valley where panels are placed on both sides of hip or valley (IFC 605.11)
- Roof framing plan showing type, spacing and span of framing members, location of solar array, mounting locations. Cut sheets and mounting details for PV module and mounting system
- Electrical one-line and three-line diagrams (showing phases, neutral and ground). Provide Isc (total amperage) on each string
- Cut sheets and listing for inverters and modules
- Provide panel elevations of wall mounted equipment
- PV system shall be installed in accordance with National Electric Code (NEC) including:
- Section 690 applicable warnings, signage & plaques
- Sections 705.10, 690.17 & 705.12
- Arrays with dead loads exceeding 50 lbs. at mounting points require structural analysis
What are the Self-Certification Program requirements?
The Self-Certification Program eliminates plan review by allowing a registered professional to take responsibility for and certify a project's compliance with all applicable building codes, standards, and ordinances. Self-Certified permits are issued within 5 days of application.
The following projects may qualify:
- Single Family detached buildings and accessory structures that comply with the limitations of the Mesa Residential Code (IRC).
- Tenant Improvements, Tenant Completions, remodeling or renovations for Group B (Business); Group M (Mercantile); Group S (Storage) except aircraft hangers; and Group F (Factory/Industrial) occupancies.
- Certain smaller scaled projects may be eligible for this program if approved by the Building Official.
Professional Requirements
- Architect or structural engineer registered in Arizona.
- Successful completion of Phoenix self-certification training.
Forms
- 2017 NEC Checklist
- 2018 IBC Checklist
- 2018 IMC Checklist
- 2018 IFGC Checklist
- 2018 IPC Checklist
- Building Plan Submittal Checklist
- Field Changes and Revision Procedures
- Intake Process
- Owner / Tenant Certification
- Owner Consent / Corrective Action Agreement
- Professional of Record
- Sample Hold Harmless Letter
- Self-Certification Eligible Projects
- Self-Certification Flow Chart
- Structural Peer Review Certificate
Useful Links
How does Permit by Inspection (PBI) work?
The Permit by Inspection program is for minor commercial interior remodels and tenant improvements and allows plan review and permit approval at the job site. A 20% premium fee applies.
Eligible projects:
Tenant improvements less than 10,000 square feet with B, M or S occupancies (No Change of Occupancy, except between Group B and M Occupancies Groups)
Projects may NOT include:
- High piled storage or hazardous materials
- Medical gases, paint booths or exhaust hoods
- Combining or splitting of suites
- Exterior work
- Work requiring zoning approval
Request a PBI by logging into your DIMES account and follow the instructions.
What are Annual Facilities Permits (AFP)?
The Annual Facilities Permit is a program intended to simplify the permitting and inspection process for qualified facilities by allowing inspector review of plans and maintaining inspection staff that are familiar with the construction history of such facilities. Qualified facilities electing to participate in this program are exempt from the requirement to obtain individual permits for the work regulated by the City Code when such work does not increase the floor area, does not constitute a change of use or occupancy classification, and is performed on existing buildings, structures, and utilities associated with that qualified facility.
This alternative permit process does not exempt compliance with the technical requirements the City Code, or with other City, County, State, or Federal laws.
To qualify as a participant in the AFP program, the facility must be a firm, corporation, or political entity engaged in manufacturing, processing, service, or property management that occupies and controls specialized buildings and building service equipment to the extent that full-time personnel are required to manage, operate, or maintain such buildings and equipment in compliance with all the provisions of the City Code. An architect or engineer registered and residing in the State of Arizona must assure work is performed in accordance with the City Code and is considered the Agent of the facility.
- Annual Facilities Permit (AFP) Registration Document (with criteria)
- How to apply for an Annual Facilities Permit
- How to apply for a Construction Permit under the Annual Facilities Permit
What are other types of permits?
At-Risk Grading Permit
An at-risk grading permit can be requested to start grading work prior to construction permit issuance. No work other than grading can be done with an at-risk grading permit. At-risk grading permits require approval by Development Services, ADEQ NOI and a County Dust Control permit. There is no fee for an at-risk grading permit. Apply online through DIMES.
Dust Control Permits
Maricopa County Air Quality requires a dust control permit on all jobsites that disturb more than 1/10 acre (4,356 sq. ft.) of soil. The area of disturbance includes stockpiles, storage and equipment yards.
Demolition Permit
Demolition permits are required for the demolition of any commercial, residential structures, and inground spas & swimming pools when not in conjunction with new construction. A finalized demo permit removes the improvement from property records. Note: structures under 200 s.f. with no utilities or electricity do not require a demolition permit. Email permitservices@mesaaz.gov for help with obtaining a demolition permit.
Afterhours Work Permits
Afterhours inspections (after 5 p.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends) are by appointment only and are charged additional fees. Please call 480-644-4273 to schedule an afterhours inspection.
To request an afterhours work permit email permitservices@mesaaz.gov with the following information:
- Dates, times and specific location(s)
- Location of work
- Schedule of hours and days
- Scope of work to be performed
- Anticipated noise generated from the work performed
- Construction permit number (ex. PMT, UTL, ROW)
All requests are subject to approval and the following conditions:
- Applicant shall notify all residence within 500 feet of the project property line in writing
- The notice shall explain the purpose of the afterhours work and the times and days the work will be performed
- The notice shall provide the name and phone number of the after-hours work supervisor
- All reasonable efforts will be taken to mitigate noise
- All reasonable efforts will be taken to mitigate fugitive light
- The applicant will respond positively to neighbor complaints.
- The Development Services Department can cancel this permit if legitimate complaints are not resolved.
Electric/Gas Utility Design & Construction Standards
Environmental Requirements for Construction
Excavator Information
Temporary Traffic Control Permitting