Plan Review Services

The type and scope of your project will determine the plan review and permitting process. Information specific to small scope residential projects, major commercial developments at-risk grading, developer-provided utilities, green building, and areas located within flood hazards is described below.

Residential Small Scope Reviews

Small Scope Reviews (SSR) include smaller residential remodels/additions. When applying in the Scottsdale SPUR portal, enter “Small Scope” in the search field.

Residential Projects Qualifying for Small Scope Reviews

• Remodels and additions (less than 500 sq. ft. combined) - no second-floor additions
• Covered patio additions and enclosures.
• Carport enclosures into garages or livable space.
• Garage conversions to livable space.
• Non-habitable accessory buildings less than 1,000 SF.
• Roof-mounted solar panels that comply with City of Scottsdale placement guidelines

Exceptions

If the following applies, it is not considered a “Small Scope.”

• Projects located within FEMA (A) flood zones.
• Projects zoned Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL) must be submitted for review.
• Properties with non-conforming structures and/or properties requiring additional research must be submitted for review.

Major Commercial Development or Multi-Family Housing

These projects must go through the planning process before a permit is issued. Visit the Pre-App and Plan Submittal process to start.

Pre-App and Plan Submittal Process

Following entitlement, permit options will be made available to you in the Scottsdale SPUR portal. Specific items will be required for final plan submittal. These include additional documents, such as design reports and dedication documents.

Go to Plan Submittal Requirements

Staff comments will appear in Scottsdale SPUR and you will receive notification when updates are made. Permits will also be issued in SPUR.

The City will retain original files as "read only" and will purge according to the standard records retention schedule.

At-Risk Grading Submittals

At-Risk Grading submittals apply to preliminary grading and drainage only. This type of permit allows contractors to begin moving dirt and start rough grading activities only before a permit for improvement plans may be issued. Please refer to Scottsdale's Design Standards & Policies Manual (DSPM) for more information.

The following civil plans must be submitted for review before applying for At-Risk Grading:

• Pre-Approval for submittal by City engineering staff reviewing main civil set of plans.
• Letter stating the understanding that the plans are being submitted “At Risk” and any corrections required following final review of improvement plans will be done at the applicant’s cost.

At-Risk Fees

• The customer is charged per hour.
• The first hour's fee is collected at the time of submittal. Additional hourly fees will be collected prior to the issuance of the At-Risk permit.
• Refer to fee sheets to estimate additional costs.

View At-Risk Grading Requirements

Utilities, Developer-Provided

A permit is required for all utility work, public and private, that occurs within the city's right-of-way or public utility easements.

Go to Utilities, Developer-Provided

Flood Hazard Areas

Scottsdale is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program. Portions of the City of Scottsdale are designated as “special flood hazard areas.” Buildings in these areas are subject to mandatory flood insurance.

Learn more about Stormwater and Floodplain Management

Green Building Program

Scottsdale’s Green Building Program advances sustainable construction practices that promote energy efficiency, resource conservation, and healthier indoor environments. During the Plan Review process, projects are evaluated for compliance with the adopted International Green Construction Code (IgCC).

Go to Green Building Program

Applicants may apply for, manage, make payments and view the status of their project through the planning and permitting portal, Scottsdale SPUR.

Please note: If your project was initiated prior to Jan. 6, 2026 in the legacy eServices portal, you will continue to manage your project in that system.

Commercial Preliminary Plan Review Meeting

If you are submitting plans for a commercial project, a preliminary plan review meeting is advised. A commercial preliminary plan review meeting gives architects and engineers the opportunity to ask questions specific to their commercial projects and get clarification on code-related items prior to the formal submittal of plans. This type of meeting is beneficial for large and/or complex projects and can result as it results in a more efficient review process.

Request a Preliminary Plan Review

Requirements & Guidelines

To apply for a building permit, submit construction documents and other required data. The construction documents shall indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show, in detail, that it will conform to the provisions of the applicable adopted construction codes and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. Visit the Plan Submittal Requirements page to learn more about what is required based on the type of project.

View Plan Submittal Requirements

Submitting Plans Online

Plan submittal, payment and staff review/approval are completed electronically through our portal, Scottsdale SPUR.

Step 1: Apply

Create a Scottsdale SPUR account and begin a permit application within the portal. View the SPUR user’s guide for assistance.

Step 2: Upload Necessary Documents

Upload PDF drawing files and required attachments as part of your application.

Step 3: Submit

Submit your full application within the portal.

Step 4: Manage

Manage your project in the Scottsdale SPUR portal. See staff comments, view milestones, make revisions, pay fees, and schedule inspections.

Plan reviews for home improvements, new single-family residences and other new construction can be made in person at the One Stop Shop counter.

Go to Scottsdale SPUR

Fees & Payment Options

Fees are to be paid at the time of application for plan review. Applications will not be processed until payment is received.

For residential projects, the customer is charged for both the air-conditioned and the non-air-conditioned square footage of the house. In addition, the customer is charged for the grading and drainage, per sheet, based on landform. Fences and retaining walls are charged per linear foot.

Payment options:

• Credit card payments may be made through the Scottsdale SPUR portal. We accept:
• American Express
• Discover
• Master Card
• Visa
• Check and cash payments are accepted at the One Stop Shop counter at
  7447 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.

Calculate Fees

Extension

A permit is issued once plans are approved and permit fees are paid.

A permit application for any proposed work shall be deemed “abandoned” 180 days after the date of the last completed review for correction or approval, unless the application has been pursued in good faith, or a permit has been issued.

Failure to obtain a permit within 180 days of plan approval will require plans and payment of the appropriate plan review fees to be resubmitted.

Prior to the plan review expiration date, the building official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding 180 days each and depending on whether any required Development Review Board (DRB) approval has expired. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. Extension of time does not apply to any Design Review Board stipulations.

This is applicable to Improvement Plans, Building Plans, Improvement Permits and Building Permits.

Review Time Frames in Business Days