Demolition permit in Tempe, AZ
Yes — you need a permit for demolition work in Tempe.
Tearing down a structure or part of one needs a permit. Demolition is a regulated activity under the adopted codes, it is not on the exempt list, and the code speaks of a demolition permit and the site plan it requires. If the property is a historic resource, expect an added historic review under Chapter 14A before demolition or removal is approved.
| Permit needed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | Tearing down a structure or part of one needs a permit. D… |
| Fee | Not in the ordinance — the department quotes it |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | 105.2 / 105.8 (Permits); 14A-7 (historic) |
| Based on | 2024 IRC as adopted and amended by City of Tempe (Sec. 8-105, Tempe Administrative Code), with historic review under Ch. 14A |
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 | Tearing down a structure or part of one needs a permit. D… |
| Scottsdale | 21 mi | Yes | You need a demolition permit before you tear down a build… |
| Avondale | 24 mi | Yes | Demolishing a structure or part of one requires a permit … |
| El Paso | 337 mi | Yes | Tearing down a building or structure, or any part of one,… |
| Amarillo | 590 mi | Yes | You need a demolition permit from the building official b… |
| Abilene | 710 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
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.