Residential Plan Review

Most single-family residential (SFR) projects; such as the remodeling of an existing residence, construction of a new single-family home, pools, fences or additions, or conversions of a garage to a habitable space, etc.; begin in the Plan Review phase and typically do not require a pre-application meeting, public outreach, or hearings as larger commercial development projects do.

Plan Review ensures that the submitted construction documents comply with the City of Scottsdale’s adopted codes and ordinances prior to permit issuance.

The scope of your project will determine the type of permit required and the level of plan review involved. Smaller projects may only require a courtesy review while others may require reviews by several different disciplines. Visit the Permit Services page to learn more about when a permit is required and the types of permits available.

Permit Services

All projects are managed in the planning and permitting portal, Scottsdale SPUR. Plan submittal, staff reviews, payments and approvals 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.

The applicant will apply for a permit within the Scottsdale SPUR portal and submit proposed plans and construction documents for 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 and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.

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. Plans are reviewed based upon five disciplines: Planning, Building, Engineering, Stormwater and Fire.

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.

Review fees are to be paid following administrative 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.

In residential projects:

• Fees apply for both the air-conditioned and the non-air-conditioned square footage of the house
• Fees apply to 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 securely 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.

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.