Section 1 – Building Permit Application information

Building Permit requirement scope

An ASU Building Permit Application is required for all construction work, including donated work. Construction work includes but is not limited to: new construction; demolition; remodels; fire alarm systems; new mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural systems; replacement of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural systems with modifications; hot work; temporary power connections; manufactured housing installations; and other types of projects such as drywell installations, repairs and closures. Depending on the project scope, additional permits may be required by other state agencies.

Capital Programs Management Group, Facilities Management, or approved third parties must initiate ASU Building Permit Applications. Any exceptions shall be granted by the ASU Building Official. Design, materials and workmanship shall comply with current accepted codes and ASU Project Guidelines.

Work requiring a Building Permit may not begin until: plan review approval, asbestos/lead paint clearance, Building Permit issuance, and visible placement of the Building Permit and approved plans at the construction site.

Construction Support Services

Construction Support Services performs the following: accepts Building Permit Applications, distributes construction documents for Plan Review, performs Building Code Review, ensures that applicable permits from other state and county agencies are obtained, issues Building Permits, inspects construction work, monitors compliance with Building Codes and current ASU Project Guidelines, tests utility systems for clearance and issues Clearance Letters, performs Final Inspections and initiates documentation for the Certificate of Occupancy.

Maintenance activities requiring a Building Permit

Building Permits are required for various types of maintenance work, not limited to the following list:

Like-for-like replacements with increased scope and additional work requirements.
Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural component replacements that require modifications, updated parts, new connections, increased capacity or code upgrades.
Plumbing systems that have been altered, extended or repaired and require testing.
Structural and civil concrete work; accessible routes and changes to walkways.
Welding, soldering, open flame hot work.

Amended construction documents

Construction work implemented shall be in accordance with the approved, stamped construction documents. Any changes made during construction that are not in compliance with the approved, stamped construction documents shall be resubmitted for approval as an amended set of construction documents.

Building Permit issuance timeline

The Building Permit issuance timeline encompasses CSS’ receipt of the Building Permit Application through plan review approval and permit issuance. The timeline for permit issuance is dependent upon the quality of the construction plans delivered to CSS.

CPMG projects:
- Plans five sheets or less – Five business days.
- Plans more than five sheets – 10 business days.
- Resubmittals – Five business days.
FM Shop projects – Five business days.

Conditions affecting Building Permit issuance delivery timeline:

Additional documents required depending on project scope: electrical panel readings; firestop certifications, welder certifications and photo identification – for hot work.
Asbestos and lead paint clearance. Clearance must be received for the entire construction area before the Building Permit is issued.
Insufficient information provided on construction plans or drawings necessitating requests for additional information.
Permit Application submitted with incorrect building information and incomplete contractor and project manager information.
Potential requirements from state agencies depending on project scope:
- AZPDES Stormwater Construction General Permit documentation.
- Maricopa County Dust Control Plan and Permit.
- Ten-day NESHAP Notification – for demolition of load supporting structural member and/or asbestos removal.
Size and complexity of project.

Placement of approved Building Permit and plans

The Building Permit must be visibly posted. Approved and stamped plans with associated construction documents shall be maintained at the construction site for the Construction Inspector’s examination until completion of the project. The Building Permit may only be removed by ASU's Construction Inspector at Final Code Inspection.

Building Permit expiration

Permits issued shall become invalid unless construction work on the site authorized by the permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance or if the work authorized by the permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work commenced. If the construction plans for the issued Building Permit have not changed, an extension request may be submitted with an explanation for the delay in construction. Changes to the construction documents will require a new Building Permit Application submittal and Plan Review.

Work exempt from a Building Permit

The following are examples of work exempt from a Building Permit – not limited to this list:

Cabinets, countertops and similar finish work.
Electrical - Ordinary repairs such as replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
Hanging pictures, whiteboards, screens, wall mounted TV's and security systems.
Information Technology line drops – requires an Annual Service Work Permit for certified firestop application personnel.
Like-for-like replacements with no modifications or upgrades.
Mechanical – Portable heating appliance, ventilation equipment, cooling unit or evaporative cooler. Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds (5kg) or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746W) or less. Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting.
Plumbing – Stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe – if it becomes defective and needs replacement with new material, such work is considered new work and a permit is required; clearing of stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures and removal and reinstallation of water closets – provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
Repair of portable, non-fixed and movable fixtures.

Conditions for exempt work listed above:

A Building Permit Application submittal is required for work that requires a pressure test on welded pipe, electrical modifications or various types of welding.
Asbestos Management Program Review is required for all work.