Basement permit in Tempe, AZ
Yes — you need a permit for basement work in Tempe.
Finishing a basement or converting it into living space requires a permit; only cosmetic finish work (painting, papering, tiling, carpeting) is exempt (105.2 Building item j). Living-space conversion triggers structural/egress/electrical review.
| Permit needed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | Finishing a basement or converting it into living space r… |
| Fee | Not in the ordinance — the department quotes it |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | 105.2 / Sec. 8-105 |
| Based on | 2024 IRC as amended (Tempe, Ch. 8 Art. III); Tempe Administrative Code Sec. 8-105 |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Tempe 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
Tempe's code doesn't set a specific fine for this work. In practice the department can issue a stop-work order, and unpermitted work tends to surface during a sale, when the buyer's inspector or the title company asks for it.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tempe | — | Yes | Finishing a basement or converting it into living space r… |
| Chandler | 9 mi | Yes | Finishing a basement or converting it into living space i… |
| Gilbert | 12 mi | Yes | Plan on a building permit to finish a basement or convert… |
| Mesa | 12 mi | Yes | Finishing a basement or converting it to living space nee… |
| Glendale | 18 mi | Yes | Finishing a basement or converting it into habitable/livi… |
| Scottsdale | 21 mi | Yes | Finishing a basement or converting it into living space n… |
Other work in Tempe
- Fence Depends
- Deck Depends
- Shed Depends
- Swimming Pool Yes
- Roof Replacement Depends
- Water Heater Depends
- HVAC Replacement Depends
- Electrical Panel Yes
- Demolition Yes
- Driveway —
- Tree Removal —
- Sign Yes
- Short-Term Rental Yes
- ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Yes
- Garage Yes
- Basement Yes
- Above-Ground Pool Depends
Questions people ask
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Tempe 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.