Plan Review Services

The purpose of Plan Review Services is to determine compliance with the codes and ordinances adopted by the City of Scottsdale. Once the construction documents for a building or structure is determined to be in compliance a permit is issued.

Counter Plans:

Counter Plans are now processed as Small Scope Reviews (SSR) and must be done digitally. Type "SSR" in the project name to identify the submittal as a Small Scope Review. SSR's are completed in 3-7 days.

To make arrangements for payments and permit services not available online, please contact us at [email protected] .

Plan Submittal Process

Commercial Preliminary Plan Review Meeting

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.

Requirements & Guidelines

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.

Digital Plan Submittal

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

How-to submit a digital plan:

The Arizona Board of Technical Registration at 602-364-4930 governs the minimum requirements for professionals submitting and sealing plans (www.btr.state.az.us, see Rules: R4-30-304. Use of Seals). If you do not have a digital signature you can still use this program for plan review. Plan sheets must be imprinted with your seal and expiration date and the words "DRAFT" or "NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION" in lieu of a digital signature. When plans are ready for approval you'll be asked to bring in the seal and signed paper copies for final approval.

Small Scope Reviews

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 Grading Submittal

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.

The following civil plans should already be submitted for review:

• Pre Approval for submittal from City engineering reviewing main civil set.
• Letter stating understanding that the plans are being submitted “At Risk” and any corrections that must be made after final review of improvement plans will be done at the applicant’s cost.
• Three sets of improvement plans for Contractor, Engineer, and Inspector

At Risk Fees

• Client is charged per hour.
• First hour fee is collected at time of submittal. Additional hourly fees will be collected prior to the issuance of the At Risk Permit.
• Refer to Fee Sheets to estimate costs any additional costs.

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.

Fees & Payment Options

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.

• Log In - enter your plan check number and keycode to pay fees by credit card
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Master Card
  • Visa
  Application and plans will not be processed until payment is received.

  Plan Review Processes

  Required Plan Reviews

  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.

  Process

  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.

  Review Time frames in calendar days

  Plan Type	Administrative Review	Substantive Review
  Small Scope Review (SSR)	1	3-7
  Small Scope Review (SSR) - A Flood Zones Only	1	7
  Pools/Fences/Walls/Signs	5	7
  Tenant Improvements	10	14
  All Other Plan Types	10	21

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

  Extensions

  Improvement Plan

  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.

  Building Plans

  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.