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The city of Scottsdale Building Inspection Unit receives dozens of calls every week regarding permits, inspections, code questions, etc. Many of these questions are duplications. We have organized these questions into a "Frequently Asked Questions" page. We have grouped these questions into popular categories and created an index for your convenience. Should you not find an answer to your particular question, please contact us by phone or e-mail us at the links provided.
Question Categories
FENCES
Do I need a permit to put up a fence?
Fences 3 feet or less in height do not require a permit. If the fence is acting as a retaining wall, than plans, permits and inspections are required regardless of height. Fences over 3 feet require a plot plan to be submitted showing location and required setbacks, a permit purchased, and inspections requested. Depending on the type of fence you are building, the city can furnish you with a "standard fence detail sheet" for 4 inch block, 6 inch block and 8 inch block fences not over 6 feet high. Fences over 6 feet require a structural plan to be submitted for plan check, a plot plan showing location and required setbacks , a permit purchased and inspections requested. Fences over 6 feet must be designed by an engineer as a structural wall.
Do I need a permit if I'm going to just replace an existing fence?
Replacing a 3 foot fence with a new 3 foot fence has the same requirements as installing a new 3 foot fence. Replacing a fence higher than 3 feet requires a permit and inspections. If you are only repairing an existing fence, this is considered general maintenance and no permit is required.
What does the inspector look for when inspecting the fence?
The planning inspector will need to see the city approved plot plan to determine setbacks and construction details. The property owner must identify the property pins so the inspector can determine that there is no encroachment onto another property, a right-of-way or easement. The footing inspection is done after the footings are dug and the steel is installed to determine if the footing is as wide and as deep as the plan calls for. Once the footings are approved, the only other inspection is the final inspection. This is done to see that the fence is not higher than allowed by the approved plans or by city ordinance.
What restrictions does the city put on fences?
For all the requirements, contact a Code Enforcement Inspector at (480) 312-3111, or link directly to the on-line Zoning Ordinance. A standard 4 inch, interlocking block fence can be no taller than 6 feet nominal, above the finished grade, as measured on the owners side of the fence. The city Zoning Ordinance allows fences up to 8 feet nominal, above finished grade, as measured on the owner's side of the fence. Any fence over 6 feet must be designed by an architect or structural engineer and built to the same specifications as a structural wall.
I built a fence without permits or inspections and received a Compliance Notice. What do I do now?
You are required to submit plans for review and obtain a building permit. After you have obtained a fence permit, contact the Planning Inspection Unit at Inspection Services at 480-312-5750. Most likely, your will need to submit an original, wet sealed report from an engineer stating that the fence is built to code and meets the city's setback requirements. Should it be determined that the setbacks are incorrect and the fence is found to be encroaching into another property, city right-of-way or dedicated easement, the fence, it's footings and all associated parts must be removed and the area returned to it's original condition.
I'd like to put a fence around my front yard. Are there any requirements I must follow?
The city Zoning Ordinance does allow fences in the front. 3 foot is standard. However, taller fence are allowed under certain restrictions and setbacks. For specific requirements contact Code Enforcement at (480) 312-3111.
I have an existing 5 foot high, 4 inch block fence with columns every 13 feet or so. Can I raise the height of the fence and do I need a permit?
The 4-inch block fence is approved when installed no higher than 6 feet as measured on the owner's side of the fence. A 5-foot fence may be raised, but may not exceed 6 feet. If you are planning to do this, a permit is required. Once the fence has been raised, a final inspection would be requested (#39 on the green job card) so the inspector can verify the height of the fence.
POOLS AND POOL BARRIERS
I'm going to build a swimming pool. What permits are required?
If you are installing only a pool, than only a pool permit is required. The permit will cover the actual building of the pool and related electrical and plumbing work. To obtain the permit, you will need to submit a construction plan showing how the pool will be constructed as well as a plot plan showing the location of the pool and any required setbacks. Should the pool have a gas heater, a separate plumbing permit is required to install the gas line. A separate mechanical permit is required to install the heater. Once the gas line is installed and before it is covered over it is required to be inspected and tested so the inspector can determine that there are no leaks. The heater location is inspected to determine compliance. The heater vent termination must be located no closer than 4 feet to a common property line. This excludes common areas, streets and alleys.
We have no children. Are we required to install a barrier per city ordinance?
The International Building Code, as amended and adopted by the city of Scottsdale in the Scottsdale Revised City Code Section 31- 32, sub-section 3109 does not mention any age limits for compliance. Anyone installing a pool must comply with the barrier ordinance.
We want to sell our home. The pool was installed 20 years ago. Are we required to bring the barrier up to present day codes?
Some cities have ordinances that require all pools, regardless of age, to meet present day barrier requirements before the house can be listed for sale. Scottsdale has no such requirement at this time. Scottsdale has had a pool barrier ordinance of some kind for many years, whatever barrier requirements were in force when the pool was built is still in force today.
The plaster on our pool is flaking off and needs to be re-done. Are we required to get a permit and, if so, are we required to comply with the pool barrier ordinance of today's code?
The city contends that nothing has changed on the pool. Re-plastering is general maintenance and requires no permits or inspections. The barrier ordinance under which the pool was constructed is still in effect.
We have a dog door which enters into the area where the new pool will be located. Is this allowed?
If the opening in the dog door is greater than 4 inches in any direction, it is treated as any other door would be that separates the inside of the house from the pool. Removing the dog door or sealing it up using tamper-proof screws will bring the door into compliance with the barrier ordinance.
I've had my pool inspected and approved. My doors have city approved, battery operated alarms installed on them. I've been told that now that the pool has passed inspection, I should remove the batteries so the alarm wont be an annoyance. What could happen to me if I were to disconnect the alarm?
Obviously, the loss of a human life is the worst thing that could happen. 2 seconds IS too long. The International Building Code Amending Ordinance 3505 of the Scottsdale Revised City Code Section 31-32 states in sub-section 3109. "It is the responsibility of the property owner and any other person in responsible charge of the swimming pool to ensure that the required swimming pool barrier, including all gates, doors, locks, alarms, and latches are maintained in safe and good working order at all times. No person shall alter or remove any portion of a swimming pool barrier except to repair, reconstruct, or replace the barrier in compliance with the provisions of this chapter." The Scottsdale Revised City Code, Section 31-33 Violation states that any person who violates, disobeys omits or refuses to comply with any provision of the code is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof may be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisonment for a term not to exceed six (6) months, or both, at the discretion of the City Magistrate. Each day the violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.
We want to build a pool. What are the pool barrier requirements of the City of Scottsdale?
Scottsdale Revised City Code Section 31-32, sub-section 3109.7, states that it is the responsibility of the pool builder to inform the pool owner of all pool barrier requirements. Violations shall be remedied in accordance with Section 31-33 Violation, and subject to the penalties stated therein. Sub-section 3109 of the Scottsdale Revised City Code Section 31-32 states the ordinance in it's entirety.
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY AND WORKING HOURS
Is construction activity limited to specific times in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale Revised City Code Section 31-32, sub-section 116 - Construction Activity regulates the times construction activity may start and stop, with exceptions. Because we live in the High Sonoran Desert, the temperatures during the summer can be brutal. It is common practice in the hotter climates of the southwest to see construction crews on the job at the crack of dawn. In Scottsdale, construction activity may not start more than 30 minutes prior to official sun-rise and must stop at official sun-set as recorded daily by the National Weather Service. Certain work such as pouring a concrete must be done during the early hours of the morning. The builder may request a variance from the restricted hours from either the Building Official or the Building Inspection Manager. The request must state what times and days the work will be done. The builder must create a flyer notifying neighbors of this variance, the times and days, and distribute to all homeowners living near the project. The flyer may be delivered in person or left in the mailbox. Because the city uses official sunrise and sunset, starting and ending times will vary throughout the year. The city will rarely approve after hours work to be done Friday night - Saturday morning, or Saturday night - Sunday morning.
DUST CONTROL
Scottsdale Revised City Code Section 31-32, sub-section 116.2 Dust, Dirt and Debri Control "It shall the responsibility of the property owner, the owner's appointed representative or contractor to control the dust, dirt or debri created by construction in accordance with this section". When the Building Inspection Unit receives a complaint regarding dust, dirt or debri, the property owner, appointed representative or contractor of the construction site in violation will be issued a compliance notice that states the time period in which the dust, dirt or debri must be removed. Should the compliance notice be ignored, the Building Inspection Unit will suspend all inspections until compliance has been made. The city cannot be held responsible for any construction delays caused by non-compliance.
HOME INSPECTION
I am selling my house and a Home Inspector says I have several code violations. What should I do?
Private or home inspectors are not code inspectors. Only the jurisdiction having authority (in this case the city of Scottsdale) can inspect and enforce the adopted building codes. Home inspectors typically look for those items that could pose a problem to the perspective home buyer. Should the home inspector specifically state that there are code violations, ask for the exact code version being cited and the code sections numbers for the violations being cited in your home. If you decide to call a city Building Inspector, there will be no second guessing as to what is in violation. The age of the home is very important. Whatever code was in effect when the house was built, is the code that continues to regulate the structure. If you have remodeled your home, and the cost of the remodeling did not exceed 50% of the value of the structure, than only those sections of the house you remodeled would be required to meet those codes in effect at the time of remodeling. If the cost exceeded 50% of the value of the structure, you would have been required to bring the entire structure up to the code in effect at the time of remodeling.
My home was just inspected by a home inspector. A list of items found wrong with the house was created. Am I required to make these repairs in order to sell my house?
Home inspection is an extremely valuable tool for identifying areas of a home that may have been neglected and need some attention. No one wants to sell a house that may cause the new owners grief with numerous repairs that were unknown. The list created by the Home Inspector is not a work list for the seller. The purpose of the inspection is to inform the perspective buyer of areas of the home that need attention. Whatever agreements the seller makes with the buyer concerning the repairs is strictly between those parities. Home Inspectors are not performing code compliance inspections. Any questions regarding the city of Scottsdale's adopted building codes should be directed to the Building Inspection Unit at 480-312-5750.
My home inspector has identified my water heater as being quite old and needing replacement. Am I required to do this if it's not leaking?
There's no reason to replace a water heater that is functioning correctly. The average life of a water heater is about 10 years. Based on the age of the water heater, you should determine if replacing it is necessary or not. However, replacing it because it looks old is not in itself a reason to replace it.
I'm selling my home which is fairly new. The home inspector has given me a list of items found during an inspection. I feel the city should have caught these items when inspections were done during construction. What is my recourse?
It has been the city's experience that many times an item is written up by private inspectors as a code violations. Upon further investigation it is found that no violation exists. If you receive a list from a home inspector that says the items listed are code violations, call your local building inspector and discuss the items. The inspector will ask what code your inquiring about and what specific code section is in question. The home inspector that wrote the list should be able to provide you with this information easily.
The city building inspector will visually inspect the construction for code compliance. In Scottsdale, the Building Inspector is asked to take as much time as necessary to perform a quality inspection. However, the International Building Code states, "Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction". The code also says, "It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to construct any building or structure in violation of this code". The inspector may not catch every violation on the site do to the complexity of the construction. However, the contractor who built the house is required to see that it is constructed to code, and take responsibility when it's not.
Lastly, the item being cited by the home inspector as being a violation of the code may have been constructed after the structure was finaled by the city and done without permits or inspections.
The home inspector says there are items included on my neighbors house that aren't on mine. Could they have been missed during construction by the city Building Inspector?
Models have several different elevations and options. The building inspector is there to see the building codes are met, which are the minimum standards of construction. The building inspector does not determine what options were selected. The Building Inspector will not turn down work that is in excess of the code. If a neighbor has decided to do something more than what is required by code, the inspector can't require it to be done on all homes in the subdivision.
The home inspector say the electric panel is overloaded and must be replaced. What are my alternatives?
If the home inspector has calculated out the total loading on the panel and determined the panel is overloaded, contact your local building inspector and discuss it. Often time the amperage listed on the circuit breakers is added up and totals a number larger than the main breaker's listed amperage. This does not mean the panel is overloaded. Only a calculation done in compliance with the National Electric Code will determine this. You can contact the city of Scottsdale Building Inspection Department at 480-312-5750.
The home inspector says my house is wired with aluminum wire and very dangerous. Does the city require me to rewire my house?
Aluminum wiring is not a violation of the code. In fact, aluminum wiring is one of the three specific types of wire conductors allowed by the current National Electric Code. Nothing in the code or city ordinances requires any property owner to rewire their house if it's currently wired in aluminum. If it concerns you, contact a bonded, licensed electrician and ask for an inspection of the wiring system. Several companies will install copper "pigtails" on all the aluminum conductors. Doing this is not a violation of the code and will allow the wiring to last years longer. A permit and an inspection are required for this work.
The home inspector says the grounding on my house is connected to the water piping system and is in violation of the code. I'm told I must install ground rods. Do I have to do this?
Using the water piping system as the main grounding electrode is still allowed under the most current National Electric Codes. If you live in an older home, whatever electric code was in effect at the time the home was built is still the code that regulates your home. The wiring method you describe isn't commonly used today, but it's not a violation either. The current grounding system used on new construction today is a concrete encased electrode. When that's not possible, installing two ground rods and a new main grounding electrode conductor is the method most used. Any licensed electrician can do this for you. A permit and an inspection are required for this work.
C C & R’S
My homeowners association just notified me that my construction project doesn’t meet the C C & R’s of the development. The city issued me a permit based on approved plans. If I can’t build this project on my property, why was I issued a permit?
Local governments do not enforce or regulate C C & R’s. The property on which your structure is located has certain zoning restrictions. As long as your proposed construction project is not in violation of those restrictions, a valid permit will be issued based on approved plans. C C & R’s are the rules and regulations set up by the developer which basically determine what kind of lifestyle you’ll be living. If you live in a planned community development, your C C & R’s may require you to submit any construction projects to an architectural board for review before any construction begins. For information on what rules and regulations may be in force in your development, contact a member of the board of your homeowners association. C C & R’s are usually more strict than local zoning requirements.
TEMPORARY POWER
I have a construction project and I'd like to get my electric meter set for construction purposes. What do I need to do?
You may apply for temporary power in a permanent position. Before you will receive approval from the Building Inspection Unit, a refundable deposit must first be paid. For residential construction, the amount of the deposit is equal to the amount of the entire building permit or $1000.00, whichever is less. For a commercial or multi-family projects, the deposit is equal to the amount of the entire building permit or $1000.00, whichever is greater. Once the deposit has been paid, a #024 inspection should be requested. The building inspector will perform an inspection of the electric service and all associated parts. A lockout/tagout letter will be required from the responsible party to ensure all trades working on the job are aware the power is on. If approved, the inspector will put a white electrical clearance sticker on the panel and clear the electric with the appropriate power company. If the inspector rejects the inspection, a list of corrections will be provided explaining what must be done in order to pass the inspection. Once the corrections have been made, another inspection must be requested. Deposits can be made at the office of Inspection Services at 9191 E. San Salvador, 2nd floor, Suite 205, or at Development Services permit counter at 7447 E. Indian School Rd, Suite 100
Is temporary power in a permanent position my only alternative for construction power?
No. A temporary power pole can be installed on site. This requires a separate temporary power pole permit, which is usually a minimum fee electrical permit. Permits can be purchased at the Development Services counter at 7447 E. Indian School or at Inspection Services at 9191 E. San Salvador, 2nd floor, Suite 205. Both APS and SRP (www.azbuildernet.com/utilities
) offer a construction meter that does not require city clearance. Only a small deposit and the monthly utility billed is charged.
I've had a fire in my house and the fire department turned my power off. What do I need to do to get it turned back on?
Go to either Development Services permit counter at 7447 E. Indian School Rd, Suite 100 or Inspection Services at 9191 E. San Salvador, 2nd floor, Suite 205 and purchase a minimum fee electrical permit for electrical power re-connect. Contact the Building Inspection Supervisor and arrange for an inspection. Regardless of the extent of the fire damage, we will try to restore power as soon as possible. An electrician should be notified as soon as possible. There will probably need to be some work done to the electric service to make it safe to energize.
How long is my Temporary power in a permanent position good for?
365 days. It may be extended by the Building Inspection Manager for good cause. The request for extension must be in writing.
What happens if my temporary power expires?
Inspection Services will mail a notice 30 days prior to the expiration. If there is no response to the notice, and the temporary power expires, a Compliance Notice will be issued with a deadline for compliance. If there is no response to the Compliance Notice the appropriate Power Company will be notified and the meter removed.
TEMPORARY CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY
Is there any way to get into my new home before the final inspection?
Yes. You may apply for a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO). A refundable deposit must first be paid. For residential construction, the amount of the deposit is equal to the amount of the entire building permit or $1000.00, whichever is less. For commercial and multi-family projects, the deposit is equal to amount of the entire building permit or $1000.00, whichever is greater. Deposits can be made at the office of Inspection Services at 9191 E. San Salvador, 2nd floor, Suite 205, or the Development Services Permit counter at 7447 E. Indian School Rd, Suite 100. Once the deposit is made, ask the customer service representative to schedule the necessary inspections for your project. They'll be happy to help you.
What must be completed on my house before I can get a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy?
Single Family Residential: Prior to the building inspection (#025), the Fire Marshal must first inspect the site. Your sprinkler contractor can arrange for this inspection. Once approved, the Fire Marshal will leave a green tag inside the electric panel indicating the approval. The Public Works Unit must conduct a Right of Way inspection (#013). The Planning Unit must conduct an On-Site Inspection (#032). The Survey Unit must conduct a Final Land Survey Inspection (#045). The approval of the TCO will hinge on the approval of these inspectors. In most instances, these inspectors will approve their respective inspection, and leave a list of items that must be completed prior to requesting the Final Inspections. Once these inspections have been approved, request a Building Inspection (#025). The Building Inspector will inspect for all life safety items that must be installed and complete for the TCO. This includes a complete electrical and mechanical system. Most of the plumbing fixtures will need to be installed. One working bathroom with a toilet, lavatory and either a tub or shower for personal sanitation must be complete. A kitchen sink and cooking appliances for sanitation of food and utensils must be installed. Both hot and cold running water to all installed sinks and lavatories, tub or shower. Any plumbing fixtures not installed must have temporary caps glued in place. All means of egress must have landings where required and lighting fixtures installed. No wall, floor and window coverings are required, as these are considered decorative. The building must be securable. An address must be posted. Guardrails or handrails or any other life safety items would need to be installed.
Commercial & Multi-family: All of the above inspections must be requested. Your contractor will also need to request a #36 (Temporary Fire) and a #37 (Backflow Prevention) for these projects.
I don't want to occupy my new house yet. I do need a place to store my furniture for a week or two. Can I move it into the garage?
Moving into the garage, whether your living there or not, constitutes occupancy. Either a Temporary or Final Certificate of Occupancy should be issued before moving any furniture into the structure. Contact the Building Supervisor for assistance.
How long is the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy good for?
You will be asked to estimate the length of time you need to complete construction. The TCO will be issued based on your estimate, but in no case longer than 180 days. It may be extended by the Building Inspection Manager if good cause can be shown as to why the structure is not complete and a Final Certificate of Occupancy issued. The request must be in writing and directed to Bob Petrillo.
What happens if my Temporary Certificate of Occupancy expires and I'm still occupying the structure?
Inspection Services will mail a notice 30 days prior to the expiration. If there is no response to the notice, and the temporary certificate of occupancy expires, a Compliance Notice is issued with a deadline for compliance. If there is no response to the Compliance Notice the matter is turned over to the City Prosecutor for appropriate action, and the electric meter will be removed.
EXTENDING A BUILDING PERMIT
How long is my building permit good for?
If work has not commenced within 180 days of the issuance of the permit, or if the building or work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work has commenced for a period of 180 days, the permit shall become null and void. Basically, every time an inspector makes an inspection, the permit is extended for 180 days from the inspection.
Can I get my permit extended?
You may request that the permit be extended from the Building Inspection Manager. The request must be in writing. The request must state reasonable cause for extending the permit.
CITY OF SCOTTSDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT
I need to get the fire department out for an inspection. How do I do that?
Call the inspection request phone line listed at the top of your job card. You will be asked to put in the permit number for the project needing inspection. You can request a #030 or a #036 inspection depending on what type of inspection your needing. The Fire Inspector assigned to your area will respond to either request.
The building inspector turned down my frame inspection because I had not had a fire inspection completed. Why?
The fire inspection is required to take place, and be approved, prior to the building inspection. The corrections the Fire Inspector wants could mean sawing or drilling or cutting into the structure. The Building Inspector will want to verify that the structural integrity is maintained after the correction is made.
The building inspector turned down the final inspection because I had not had the fire inspection completed. Why?
Essentially the same reasons as the frame inspection. The Building Inspector will want to see that any corrections required by the Fire Inspector has not impaired the structure in any way and that the building is ready for occupancy.
GENERAL QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED
How do I request a Building Inspection?
When you purchase a building permit, you will be given a long, orange job card. At the top of that card are two different ways to request and inspection. You can call the phone number to request any inspection type shown on the left side of the job card. You'll need a phone with a touch pad. Mobile phones will work but sometimes the call is dropped before you are able to finish the request. If that happens, you need to call back and start again. This number will connect you to a computer. Just follow the instructions once you are connected. If the system is down, you will be automatically transferred to an answering machine. You'll be asked to provide certain information in a certain order. You will speak into the phone as you would when leaving a message on any other answering machine. If you prefer you can request your inspection over the Internet. Simply link to the web address listed and follow the instructions. Be sure to all 3 digits of the inspection type when you request your inspection regardless of the method you choose. If you are uncomfortable using the touch-tone phone or the Internet, please call 480-312-5750. A customer service representative will be happy to assist you. .
My landlord refuses to fix problems at my residence. I've asked several times without success. Will the city send out an inspector to order the landlord to fix these items?
Not usually. Leaky faucets, leaky roof, squeaky doors, broken lights, etc., are not usually code violations. However, as a tenant you have certain rights. You should contact the Secretary of State's office at (602) 542-4285 to obtain a copy of the Arizona Landlord & Tenant Act. You can contact the Attorney General office at (602) 542-5025 for a copy of the Tenants Rights Handbook. Both publications will inform you of your rights as a tenant as well as your landlord's rights.
I'm having a dispute with my landlord. What can I do?
Contact the Secretary of State at 602-542-4285 or the Attorney Generalat 602-542-5025. They will provide you with documents explaining your rights.
I'm having trouble with some electrical items in my house. Will the city send out an inspector to look at these items?
In almost every instance, yes. When we inspect your property, should the inspector find major electrical problems that will put your life in eminent danger, we could ask the power company to shut off the power until the hazard has been repaired. The inspector can only identify the problem. Only a bonded and licensed electrician can repair the problem. If you feel the problem is serious enough to call an inspector, we recommend that you also contact an electrician immediately. Should repairs need to be made, be sure to obtain the necessary permit from the city to do the work and that all required inspections are requested. This is required by code.
I'm having problems with my plumbing and/or my mechanical system. Will the city send out an inspector to look at these items?
If the problem you describe warrants a building inspection, especially if you feel you are in eminent danger, yes. The inspector will inspect the problem for code, but will not determine if repairs are necessary or not. This is the function of a bonded and licensed professional. They will usually provide you with a free estimate on what the repairs needed and what they will cost. Be sure to obtain the necessary permits and call for all required inspections. This is required by code.
I've recently had a fire in my home. I think some of the structure is unsafe. Will the city send out an inspector to determine this?
No. City ordinance requires the property owner to obtain the services of an Architect, registered in the State of Arizona, or Structural Engineer to inspect the site and determine how much of the structure must be replaced and how much can be saved.
I'm selling my house. Will the city come out and inspect it for code compliance?
No. This is considered a home inspection. This is not a service the city currently offers.
REGISTRAR OF CONTRACTORS
I just moved into my new home. I found several instances where the workmanship is poor. The city inspector informed me that city inspections are for building code compliance only. What can I do to get the my concerns addressed?
Quality of workmanship is the hardest part of construction to consider. Where workmanship may be poor in one person's eyes, another may find the work quite satisfactory. This is why quality of work is not part of the Uniform Codes and extremely difficult to enforce. Inspectors can refuse to approve workmanship that may infringe on the integrity of the structure. Your first call should be to the builder. In Arizona, the Registrar requires the builder to warrantee the home for 2 years. You should ask the builder for an appointment to have the work looked at. Builders realize that even in a building boom, poor reputations don't sell homes. If the builder refuses to set up an appointment or doesn't get back to you, you may want to contact the Registrar of Contractorsat (602) 542-1525. They will explain what steps you must take to get compliance. Be sure to document any and all conversations you have with your builder and mail a copy to them, certified. The Registrar will want to see what steps you have taken to get the necessary repairs done.
I just finished a construction project and found a few problems with the work. I've asked the contractor to return and address my concerns. I've paid the bill in full and now the contractor refuses to return. I called to file a complaint with the Registrar. I was informed that my builder is not licensed or bonded. What recourse do I have?
You may want to seek council for an opinion. If the contractor was not licensed, the Registrar probably has no control or authority. If the contractor was not bonded, you will probably end up paying for repair work that must be done to correct the situation. Anytime construction is being considered, regardless of how large or small the project, request the contractors license number and the name of the bonding company from the person or firm you are considering. Contractors expect this and offer this information freely as part of doing business. Once you have the license number, call the Registrar to determine that it's an active license and that there are no outstanding complaints against the license.
I just found out the contractor I hired is not licensed or bonded.
A construction license is required and regulated by the State of Arizona. However, when the work does not exceed a certain dollar amount (around $750), a license may not be required. Contact the Registrar at (602) 542-1252 to find out when a license is required.
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Property Maintenance Issues
Can I park a vehicle on the front or side yard of my property?
If the area is an improved and designated parking space.
What is a junk vehicle?
Any vehicle that can't operate under its own power without major repair.
Where can a junk vehicle be stored?
Junk Vehicles must be placed in a completely enclosed area so they cannot be seen from off the property.
Where can a vehicle be parked while being repaired or restored?
All vehicles while being repaired or restored must be in a completely enclosed area.
Can a business be conducted from a residence?
Yes. However, if you have employees working from the house, they must be related and residing on the premises. A carport or garage may not be used, no commodity may be sold off the premises, and no signs are permitted. A business license must be obtained.
If a resident does not take care of his yard, can the city do anything about it?
Yes. A person owning, managing or having control of property in the city must not allow it to become so unsightly as to detract from the appearance of the neighborhood.
What to do when illegal dumping is observed.
The following is the procedure to be used if illegal dumping is observed.
1. Write down:
A) Location ______________________________________________
B) Vehicle License Number___________________________________
C) Description of Vehicle ____________________________________
D) Description of Driver if possible ___________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
E) Date and Time of Day ___________________________________________________
DO NOT try to detain or block the exit of the perpetrator.
2. Call City of Scottsdale Code Enforcement Division @ 312-2546 to relay the information listed above.
If a citizen or other caller reports illegal dumping activities to any city staff, take down the information, get the caller's name, address, and telephone number and report the violation to Code Enforcement.
When Code Enforcement receives a complaint of illegal dumping in progress they will send a code inspector to the site, if possible.
If they locate the violator they will do one of two things:
1) Issue a citation on the spot to the driver of the vehicle.
2) Have them clean up the dumped material while they wait.
If a dumping complaint is after the fact, they look up the legal owner of the property and advise them to remove the dumped material.
When Code Enforcement writes a citation after the fact, the citizen/caller will need to be present in court as the City's witness.
Scottsdale Police will issue a citation also for this illegal activity if they are available.
What is a Zoning Ordinance Requirement?
The zoning ordinance deals with your property and its relationship to the neighborhood. Zoning divides the city into "zoned" designations based upon function and use. These "zoning districts" are very exact about the use to which property may be put. For example, only single-family homes can be built in a single-family residential zone. In an attempt to maintain the design and character of your neighborhood, the zoning ordinance impose certain regulations about where you can build on your property values on a community-wide basis.
Why do we have Construction Code Regulations?
Construction codes provide minimum standards for public safety, health, and welfare in buildings. Identified as Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical codes, they originated in response to urban catastrophes involving structural failures, major fire, and plaques. The fundamental purpose of these codes is to prevent or mitigate disasters by governing building construction to ensure structural integrity, fire safety and proper sanitation. These safeguards not only protects life but helps sustain property values.
Current Planning Issues
What is a site posting?
When an applicant requests a public hearing, the applicant or the city has to post the application site with a sign that states the date of the public hearing. This is a way to provide notice to the community.
Who to call with questions about site postings?
Call the site posting hot line at 480-312-7096.