What to expect, from submittal to Certificate of Occupancy
Reviewed by Phoenix PDD · 2024 I-Codes + 2023 NEC
In the City of Phoenix, plans are submitted, reviewed, and tracked online through the City's SHAPE PHX portal. Most projects follow the standard path below, while smaller scopes may qualify for one of the City's faster-track options. SOKO manages this entire process for you.
The Standard Process
Submit through SHAPE PHX
Plans and the application are uploaded to the City's online portal. Commercial and tenant-improvement projects usually begin with a pre-application / pre-submittal step.
Intake & Completeness Check
The City confirms the submittal is complete before it's accepted into review.
Plan Review & Corrections
Multiple City disciplines review the plans against adopted codes. Any correction comments are posted in the portal; we revise and resubmit until approved. (On commercial projects, extra review cycles can carry additional fees.)
Permit Issuance
Once approved, final permit fees are paid in the portal and the permit is issued with the approved plans.
Inspections
Inspections are requested through SHAPE PHX or the City's automated line. Each phase must pass before it's covered — a failed inspection gets a "red tag," which is corrected and re-inspected.
Final Inspection & Certificate of Occupancy
A final inspection signs off the work (and a Certificate of Occupancy is issued where the use requires one) before the space is occupied.
Faster-Track Options (if your project qualifies)
Over-the-Counter
Minor scopes reviewed and issued at the counter — e.g., patio covers, small interior remodels, and small detached structures.
Express (Same-Day)
Little or no plans — e.g., water-heater replacement, service upgrades, gas lines, fences, and demolitions.
Permit by Inspector
The permit issues up front and the field inspector reviews the details on site — for many additions, ADUs, and remodels within set size limits. A job-site meeting happens before work begins.
Self-Certification
For qualifying larger projects, an approved design professional certifies code compliance for faster issuance.
This guide is a general overview of the City of Phoenix permitting process, provided for your convenience. Specific steps, timelines, program eligibility, and requirements are set by the City of Phoenix and may change — always follow current City guidance. SOKO Designs manages this process for you from submittal to approval.
We handle the permitting so you can build.
Have a project in Phoenix or anywhere in the Valley? Let's get it submitted and cleared.
