What's Required in Phoenix
- No permit for cabinets, countertops, flooring, paint or backsplash tile in the same layout, or for replacing fixtures and appliances in place (2024 PBCC 105.2; Residential Projects page)
- Plumbing permit to move or add sinks, toilets or tubs, or to relocate any valves, pipes or fixtures
- Electrical permit for new or relocated circuits, rewiring and additions
- Building permit for wall removal or relocation; structural design for load-bearing walls
- Gas line modifications need a permit and licensed trade work (ARS 32-1121.D)
- Fee: Table A on kitchen area x $170.80/sq ft x 20–60% alteration extent, plus 100% plan review over $5,000
- Submittal: application with Remodel work type, plans showing electrical, plumbing and mechanical layouts, framing where walls change
- Rough-in inspection before drywall; final inspection of fixtures, outlets and cabinets
- Plumbing/mechanical by licensed journeyman, ROC contractor or owner-occupant; owner-occupant GC under ARS 32-1121.A.5
Do You Need a Permit to Remodel a Kitchen in Phoenix?
Only when you touch the systems or the structure. The city's Residential Projects page says kitchens that involve replacing cabinets and fixtures in existing locations with no new electrical or structural changes need no permit, and the 2024 Phoenix Building Construction Code exempts painting, papering, tiling (except in toilet areas, bathrooms and showers), carpeting, cabinets and countertop replacements in the same location. The plumbing exemption covers replacement of fixtures with new fixtures, but a permit shall be required for the relocation of any valves, pipes or fixtures. The same page lists what does need one: plumbing permits to move or add sinks, toilets and tubs, electrical updates, rewiring and additions, wall removals, and any gas line modification. A like-for-like appliance swap is exempt only if the water, drain or gas piping is not changed, and connecting a gas range or cooktop to gas piping is work the state does not let unlicensed handymen do.
Phoenix Kitchen Permit Rules by Scenario
| What you are doing | City filing | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| New cabinets, countertops, flooring, paint, backsplash tile, same layout | None | 2024 PBCC 105.2 Building item 7; Residential Projects page |
| Replacing the sink, faucet or dishwasher in the same spot | None | 2024 PBCC 105.2 Plumbing items 3 and 4 |
| Moving the sink to an island, or adding a prep sink | Plumbing permit | Residential Projects page; 2024 PBCC 105.2 Plumbing item 3 |
| New circuits for an island, range, microwave or under-cabinet lights | Electrical permit | Permit Guide TRT 00823: adding or relocating electrical circuits |
| Removing or relocating a wall to open the kitchen | Building permit with plans; engineering if load-bearing | Permit Guide TRT 00823; Residential Projects page |
| Running or extending a gas line to a range | Plumbing/gas permit; licensed trade only | Residential Projects page; ARS 32-1121.D |
| Full gut with new layout, new circuits and moved plumbing | Remodel permit at Medium (40%) or Major (60%) valuation | Remodeling Valuation Table TRT 00002 |
How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Permit Cost in Phoenix?
The 2026 Development Fee Schedule (Appendix A.2, effective January 20, 2026) prices remodel permits on valuation, and the city's Remodeling Valuation guide sets the method: multiply the entire area of the rooms where alterations are proposed by the Building Valuation Table rate, then by an alteration percentage. The table lists R-3 one- and two-family, Type VB at $170.80 per square foot; the percentages are Minor 20% for cosmetic work with minor mechanical, electrical and plumbing, Medium 40% for projects such as renovations of bathrooms and kitchens with more involved trade work or some walls removed, and Major 60% where many walls come out. A 150-square-foot kitchen at Minor is 150 x $170.80 x 0.20 = $5,124; Table A charges $195 on the first $1,000 plus $12 per additional $1,000 or fraction, so the permit fee is $195 + 5 x $12 = $255, and because the valuation exceeds $5,000 the residential plan review fee of 100% adds $255, about $510. A 200-square-foot kitchen at Medium is $13,664: $303 + 4 x $10 = $343 plus $343 review, about $686. A 250-square-foot Medium remodel is $17,080, giving $383 + $383, about $766. If your contract price is higher than the city's number, the higher one applies.
How the Permit Works
A remodel is submitted with two sets of plans (one upload in SHAPE PHX) and the Residential Construction Permit/Plan Review Application, which has a Remodel - Interior Only work type and lets staff mark the alteration extent from Minor to Full. If the work is minor, the city says it may be possible to issue an over-the-counter permit; otherwise review fees are collected and the plans are routed. Rough plumbing, mechanical and electrical are inspected before drywall goes up, and the final inspection checks counters, cabinets, fixtures, outlets and lights. The city offers remote video inspections for many home projects.
Who Does the Work
Under the 2024 code, permitted plumbing and mechanical work must be performed by a City of Phoenix licensed journeyman or apprentice, a state-licensed contractor, or the owner-occupant of the single-family home working on their own house. Electrical contractors are licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. An owner-occupant may act as general contractor under ARS 32-1121.A.5, but the state's small-job exemption never covers gas work. The permit expires 24 months after issuance, and remodeling without one costs an investigation fee of at least $250 plus a doubled permit fee.
How to Get a Kitchen Remodel Permit in Phoenix
Sort the scope
Same-location finishes and fixtures: no permit. Moved plumbing, new circuits, wall removal or gas work: file.
Prepare plans
Floor plan of the kitchen with electrical, plumbing and mechanical layouts on separate sheets; beam details for any wall coming out.
Apply in SHAPE PHX
Residential Construction Permit/Plan Review Application, Remodel - Interior Only; plan review fee collected unless issued over the counter.
Pay the permit fee
Table A on the city's remodel valuation or your contract price, whichever is higher: $255 for a 150 sq ft Minor remodel.
Rough-in and final inspections
Plumbing, mechanical and electrical inspected before drywall; final checks fixtures, outlets and cabinets. Request by 2 p.m. the prior business day.