Basement permit in Glendale, AZ
Yes — you need a permit for basement work in Glendale.
Finishing a basement or converting it into habitable/living space is new construction of living area and requires a building permit (plus associated electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits). This work is not listed among the Section 105.2 items exempt from permit.
| Permit needed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | Finishing a basement or converting it into habitable/livi… |
| Fee | The code prints no dollar amount. Building permit and plan-review fees are set by City Council resolution (IBC Sec. 109.2/109.3 as amended) and published in Appendix B, the Community Development Fee Schedule (City Code Sec. 2-3). |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | IRC Section 105.1/105.2 (Work exempt from permit) as adopted; basement floor-elevation rules at City Code Sec. 18.5-8 |
| Based on | 2024 International Residential Code as adopted and amended by the City of Glendale (Sec. 9-16, 9-18) |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Glendale building department.
- Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued. Work done before that isn't covered.
- Book each inspection listed on the permit as the job reaches that stage.
Either of you can pull it. When a contractor does the work, it is normally their job.
If you skip it
Any person violating the provisions of the adopted codes shall be guilty of a misdemeanor (City Code Sec. 9-16(b)). Commencing work before a permit is issued triggers a special investigation fee in addition to the permit fee (IBC Sec. 109.5 as amended).
Nearby cities, same job
Rules stop at the city line. If your lot is near a boundary, or you work across several towns, this is where they differ.
| City | Distance | Permit? | Where the line falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glendale | — | Yes | Finishing a basement or converting it into habitable/livi… |
| Avondale | 17 mi | Yes | Finishing a basement or converting it into living space r… |
| Surprise | 18 mi | Yes | Finishing a basement or converting it into living space r… |
| Tempe | 18 mi | Yes | Finishing a basement or converting it into living space r… |
| Scottsdale | 22 mi | Yes | Finishing a basement or converting it into living space n… |
| Chandler | 26 mi | Yes | Finishing a basement or converting it into living space i… |
Other work in Glendale
Questions people ask
How much does a basement permit cost in Glendale?
The code prints no dollar amount. Building permit and plan-review fees are set by City Council resolution (IBC Sec. 109.2/109.3 as amended) and published in Appendix B, the Community Development Fee Schedule (City Code Sec. 2-3).. Valuation-based fees mean the number depends on what the job is worth, so the department quotes it when you apply.
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Glendale can issue a stop-work order and require you to apply after the fact, sometimes with an extra fee. Work that was covered up may have to be opened for inspection. Full walkthrough here.
Does unpermitted work cause problems when selling the house?
Often, yes. A buyer's inspector or the title company may flag it, and lenders can balk at financing a home with open or missing permits. What to do about it.