Garage permit in Glendale, AZ
Yes — you need a permit for garage work in Glendale.
An attached garage is part of the dwelling and always needs a building permit. A detached garage is an accessory structure; the adopted IRC exempts only one-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds, playhouses and similar) not over 200 sq ft, so a detached garage over 200 sq ft (and garages generally, which are not 'tool/storage shed' uses) requires a permit.
| Permit needed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | Over 200 |
| 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); development impact fees are collected at permit issuance (Sec. 28-134). |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | IRC/IBC Section 105.2 (Work exempt from permit) as adopted; accessory-structure 200 sq ft exemption not amended by the city |
| Based on | 2024 International Residential Code and 2024 International Building Code as adopted and amended by the City of Glendale (Sec. 9-16, 9-17, 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 | Over 200 |
| Avondale | 17 mi | Yes | Over 200 |
| Surprise | 18 mi | Yes | Over 200 |
| Tempe | 18 mi | Yes | Over 200 sq ft |
| Scottsdale | 22 mi | Yes | Over 200 |
| Chandler | 26 mi | Yes | Over 120 |
Other work in Glendale
Questions people ask
How much does a garage 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); development impact fees are collected at permit issuance (Sec. 28-134).. 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.