Development Services partners with commercial developers to enhance the city’s infrastructure through effective planning and permitting processes. This information outlines the steps necessary to obtain permits for commercial construction and provides useful resources.
Commercial construction refers to structures intended for commercial activity including multi-family residential developments.
Thank you for choosing to develop in Mesa. We look forward to supporting your commercial construction project!
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Determine Permit, Building Code and Contractor Requirements
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Choose Your Plan Review Option
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Prepare and Submit Plans Electronically
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Construction Plan Revisions and Plan Review Timeframe
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Pay Fees and Obtain Permit
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Construction Inspections and Permit Completion
Visit the Planning site: Determine the steps to obtain Planning and Zoning approval prior to submitting plans for a commercial construction permit. Some projects may require a preliminary review before formal submission, while minor improvements may only need administrative review. Exterior changes such as façade updates and new paint may require Planning approval.
Contact Planning: Speak with a Planner about land use, zoning, or planning requirements.
Development Services Planning Division
55 N. Center Street
Mesa, AZ 85201
480-644-4726
Planning.Info@mesaaz.gov
Know When You Need a Permit
- New Buildings: Construction of new structures
- Tenant Improvement
- Alterations/Modifications: Changes to existing buildings &/or systems
- Change of Occupancy: Change of use
- Building Systems: Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas lines
- Safety Systems: Fire sprinklers, alarms, hoods, and ADA compliance
- Accessory Structures: Sheds, garages, and other non-primary buildings
- Swimming Pools: New installations or major modifications
- Perimeter Fences and Entry Gates: Fences and gates require approval
Other activities that require a permit
- At-Risk Grading Permit: Grading work prior to construction permit issuance
- Demolition Permit: Demolition of structures
- Afterhours Work Permits: Work outside of normal hours, requiring prior approval
- Fire Damage: Repair or reconstruction after a fire or disaster
- Mesa Utilities: Landscape meters and connection to city offered services
Maricopa County requirements
Building Codes and Regulations
Review the Mesa Administrative Code Amendments to understand local building regulations.
- Mesa adheres to the following technical codes:
- 2018 IBC, IRC, IFC, IPC, IMC, IFGC, IEBC, IECC
- 2017 NEC
- ADA 2009, ICC A117.1, 2019 NFPA 13, NFPA 72
Check Contractor Requirements
Review the Arizona Registrar of Contractors' guidelines and requirements.
Contact Permit Services with questions
Development Services
55 N. Center Street
Mesa, AZ 85201
Monday - Thursday
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
PermitServices@mesaaz.gov
480-644-4273
Review Process
Staff will review the construction plans to ensure minimum standards and codes are met.
Turnaround Times
You will receive written comments or approval within the set timeframes below:
- Regular Review: 18 working days
- Expedited Review: 10 working days (100% of regular fee)
- Super Expedited Review: 5 working days (200% of regular fee) with approval
Working days are Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays.
Review timelines are the maximum amount of time and are dependent on workload.
Special Permit Programs
We offer programs with alternative review requirements and timeframes.
- Self-Certification Program: Allows a registered professional to certify compliance with building codes, expediting permit issuance to within 5 days.
- Permit by Inspection (PBI): For minor interior remodels for tenant improvements. Allows on-site plan review. Applies to specific occupancy groups only. See Mesa Administrative Code Amendments.
- Annual Facilities Permits (AFP): Simplifies the permitting process for qualified facilities that manage specialized buildings.Special Permit Programs: We offer programs with alternative review requirements and timeframes.
Prepare Construction Plan Documents
Common documents include:
- Contractor Licensure Verification Form(PDF, 80KB)
- Fully dimensioned site plan
- Code data sheet with scope of work
- Architectural, structural, and engineer sealed drawings
- Grading, drainage, and utilities plan (if applicable)
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical plans
Apply for a Permit and Submit Plans Online
Use the DIMES system to apply for a Residential Construction Permit.
- Visit DIMES: Create your account, upload required documents and submit your permit application online.
- Pay Deposit: Pay the required deposit through the DIMES system.
- DIMES Help: Check out the DIMES How To Guides.
- Accuracy Alert: Applicants are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all information submitted to the city. Permit acceptance and status emails will be sent from the DIMES system.
Revisions Required
Applicants will receive a system generated email if new information is required to approve your plans.
- Download Markups: All plan comments and markups can be in the DIMES system.
- Upload Revised Plans: Resubmit corrected plan documents for review.
Subsequent Plan Reviews
- 2nd Reviews adhere to the same timeline as the 1st review
- 3rd Reviews is 10 working days
- 4th Review is subject to additional fees.
Working days are Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays.
Review timelines are the maximum amount of time and are dependent on workload.
Check Holds
In the DIMES permit record, check for holds and meet task requirements.
Pay Fees
Once your permit is approved, you will receive a fees due email. Fees(PDF, 1MB) are based on your estimated construction costs. Full payment is required to issue the permit.Obtain
Your Permit
You will be notified through email when your permit is ready to issue. Contact Permit Services to obtain your permit.
Development Services
55 N. Center Street
Mesa, AZ 85201
PermitServices@mesaaz.gov
480-644-4273
Print Approved Plans
Log into the DIMES portal and print a copy of your approved plans.
Keep Approved Plans On-Site
Always have a printed copy of the approved plans available to the building inspector during inspections.
Set Up Inspections
Schedule your construction inspections online, by phone, or via text. Inspection hours are 6:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Permit Completion
Complete all required inspections, conditions, and holds to finalize your permit. A certificate will be automatically generated upon completion.
Permit Expiration
Permits are valid for 180 days, after the permit is issued or last inspection. If necessary, call the permit office at 480-644-4273 before the permit expires if you need to renew or extend the permit.