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 in a more efficient review process.

Request a Preliminary Plan Review

In order to receive a permit for your construction project, you must make application for a building permit, by the submittal of construction documents and other required data as required. Construction documents shall be of such clarity to 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.

View Plan Submittal Requirements

Digital Plan Review enables plan submittal, payment, and staff review/approval to all occur electronically - reducing (and potentially eliminating) trips to the One Stop Shop, ensuring enhanced collaboration, resulting in plans being finalized as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Step 1: Apply

Login/register and start an e‑application online for permitting

Step 2: Upload

Upload PDF drawing files and related attachments

Step 3: Record

Submit & record the application number for future reference

Step 4: Access

Access your project online with the provided Plan Check number and keycode

Start a Digital Plan Submittal

How-to submit a digital plan:

Small Scope Reviews (SSR) include smaller residential remodels/additions and interior commercial tenant improvements; all submittal and reviews are digital.

Qualified projects for Small Scope Reviews

• Remodels and additions less than 500 SF combined - no second floor additions
• Patio additions and enclosures.
• Carports enclosures into garages or livable space.
• Garage conversions to livable space.
• Non-habitable accessory buildings less than 1000 SF.
• Roof mounted Solar panels that are in compliance with City of Scottsdale placement guidelines
• Tenant improvement plans less than 2000 square feet with no change to occupancy and no exterior changes.

Exceptions

• 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.

At Risk submittals includes preliminary grading and drainage only. This type of permit will allow contractors to begin moving dirt and begin rough grading activities only prior to an actual permits for improvement plans may be issued. Please refer to the DSPM for more information.

View At-Risk Grading Requirements

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

Fees are to be paid at the time of application for plan check.

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

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

Calculate Fees

Payment options:

• Log In - enter your plan check number and keycode to pay fees by credit card
• American Express
• Discover
• Master Card
• Visa

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

Scottsdale reviews plans based upon five disciplines: Planning, Building, Engineering, Stormwater and Fire. The resources provided below are to assist you in each phase of review. Case documents identify specific items required for final plan submittal, including additional documents, such as design reports, and dedication documents. Refer to the Submittal Checklist from the case file for this information.

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

1. City staff will create a sheet within the PDF file for redlines each sheet will have the plan reviewers contact information.
2. Log In - enter your plan check number and keycode to download redlines/corrections
3. The city will unlock the upload function of the digital submittal portal for resubmittals. Log In - enter your plan check number and keycode to upload revisions.
4. A representative will call or email you when all reviews are completed.
5. City review comments are posted to the City website for the customer.
6. Come into the One Stop Shop to obtain permits or ask a development services representative if your plan type qualifies for approval of online permitting.
7. Upon receipt of permit fees the city will upload approved plans as a PDF file.
   The City will retain original files as "read only" and will purge according to the standard records retention schedule.
8. Log In - enter your plan check number and keycode to download the approved plans.
9. Send plans to printer. Print/Plot options to include pages and comments/markups; print in color.

The plan review time frame is a maximum time frame. The city's standard turnaround goals remain the same.

A permit is issued once plans are approved and permit fees are paid. Failure to obtain a permit within 180 days of plan approval will require the resubmission of the plans and payment of the appropriate plan review fees. Prior to the plan review expiration date, the Chief Development Officer may grant a one-time 180-day extension depending on the relationship of the plans to the current codes and depending on whether or not any required DRB approval has expired.

An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been 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. However, the building official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.

Request Building Plan Review Extension