Building Safety

The City of Maricopa has adopted the 2024 edition of the International Building Codes with an effective date of February 2, 2026.

• International Building Code, 2024 edition
• International Residential Code, 2024 edition
• International Mechanical Code, 2024 edition
• National Electrical Code, 2023 edition
• International Plumbing Code, 2024 edition
• International Fuel Gas Code, 2024 edition,
• International Existing Building Code, 2024 edition
• International Energy Conservation Code, 2024 edition
• International Property Maintenance Code, 2024 edition
• International Fire Code, 2024 edition
• ADA Code, 2010 edition
• ICC A117.1, 2017 edition

City adopted amendments

To estimate the occupancy of a space, divide the square footage of the room by the square footage required per person. This square footage per person varies significantly depending on the type of building, and can be found in Section 1004 of the International Fire Code. Please refer to Occupant Load Information(PDF, 118KB) from IBC for additional information.

Please refer to City Code - Chapter 15: Building Regulation for additional information and amendments.

Proper use of the building codes is verified by the City of Maricopa through a three-tiered process - plan review, permit issuance and inspection.

Plan Review

Building plans must be submitted to be reviewed to determine compliance with the building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire codes & ADA Standards set forth in the adopted codes as well as the City’s engineering and planning & zoning requirements.

Permits

Construction permits are issued after review and approval of construction plans. An electronic permit application and plans must be submitted to the city prior to beginning any construction project. Contact our office to determine if a permit is required for your proposed construction.

Inspections

Once a permit is issued, inspections are required at different phases of a project, and are performed to ensure construction is in accordance with approved plans and City adopted codes. Inspectors and permit technicians attend regular training to keep up-to-date with construction and technological changes.

The City of Maricopa reviews commercial fire plans for compliance with the City of Maricopa Adopted Codes and Standards as follows:

• 2018 International Fire Code and 2018 International Building Codes
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 72 2019 edition) Fire Alarms
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 13 2019 edition) Fire Sprinklers
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA24 2019 edition) Private Fire Mains
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA25 2019) Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA30 2018 edition) Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code
• Other applicable NFPA Standards depending on the type of permits (special fire protection, kitchen hoods fire protection, etc.)

Please refer to City Code - Chapter 15.05: Adoption of the International Fire Code for additional information and amendments.

Proper use of the building codes is verified by the City of Maricopa through a three-tiered process - plan review, permit issuance and inspection.

Permits

Construction permits are issued after review and approval of plans. An electronic permit application and plans must be submitted to the city prior to beginning any construction project. Contact our office to determine if a permit is required for your proposed construction. Fire permits and their subsequent minimum requirements include:

• Fire Alarm
  • Stamp plans minimum NICET III; material cut sheets.
• Fire Sprinklers
  • Stamp plans minimum NICET II, flow results (not older than one year), materials cut sheets including pipe.
• Fire Flow Test
  • Site map of the proposed location, water provider information and contact, name of the project.
• Underground Fire Line
  • Site plan of the proposed location, stamped plans of work, cut sheets of materials, and project name.

Inspections

Once a permit is issued, inspections are required at different phases of a project, and are performed to ensure construction is in accordance with approved plans and City adopted codes. Inspectors attend regular training to keep up-to-date with construction and technological changes.

The City of Maricopa, in compliance with A.R.S. §9-839, provides an applicant the right to request that the City clarify its interpretation or application of a statute, ordinance, code or authorized Substantive Policy Statement affecting the procurement of a license.

To request an interpretation, an application request must be submitted to the City.

Please complete the application and send any questions to dsd@maricopa-az.gov.The city will respond within 30 days of receipt of the request with a written explanation of its interpretation or application. You may be subsequently directed to a public hearing process and applicable fees may be required.