Commercial Plan Review

For major commercial and multi-family residential developments, Plan Review (permit application review) follows the Planning phase where proposals are reviewed, outreach is conducted, and entitlement is granted, if necessary. Plan Review ensures that the submitted construction documents comply with the City of Scottsdale’s adopted codes and ordinances prior to permit issuance.

Back to Planning Phase

All projects are managed in the planning and permitting portal Scottsdale SPUR. Plan submittal, staff reviews, comments and markups, payments, approvals, and permit actions are completed electronically in this system. Visit the Scottsdale SPUR page to create an account and view the user’s guide.

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 until it is completed.

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.

Permit application options will be made available to the applicant in the Scottsdale SPUR portal following the completion of the Planning phase, once entitlement or administrative approval is granted. The applicant will begin a permit application within SPUR and submit a complete set of construction documents for plan review. View the SPUR user’s guide for assistance.

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 (including International Green Construction Code IgCC), and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. Visit the Plan Submittal Requirements page for formatting and required documents.

Plan Submittal Requirements

Once submitted, plans and documents will be routed to a development services representative for administrative review. They will conduct an address check and ensure that documents are complete and in the appropriate format for formal plan review.

If the application is complete, it will be routed to the Plan Review team for substantive review to determine that the proposed construction complies with the City of Scottsdale’s adopted codes and ordinances. Scottsdale reviews plans based upon five disciplines: Planning, Building, Engineering, Stormwater and Fire. Additional areas may be reviewed depending on the project.

If changes are required, the application will be sent back to the applicant or their design professional for corrections. Once the corrections are made, the applicant will submit the amended plans and restart the process.

Once the application is formally approved, it will be prepared for permitting by Permit Services. Fees will be calculated and the permit will be issued following payment.

Need Assistance?

For administrative questions related to your permit application, contact Planning and Development Services’ One Stop Shop at 480-312-7725.

Fees are to be paid at the time of application for plan review and may be paid within the Scottsdale SPUR portal. Applications will not be processed until payment is received. Additional fees will be due prior to permit issuance.

View the fee schedule to see estimated fees pertaining to your project.

Payment options:

Credit card payments may be made through the Scottsdale SPUR portal. We accept American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa.

Check and cash payments are accepted at the One Stop Shop counter at 7447 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.

Scottsdale reminds customers to be aware of phishing scams. For your protection, do not share banking or payment information via email, even if the email appears to come from city staff or the Planning and Development Services department. We will never request that you wire funds.

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.