Custom House Plans in Arizona

Building requirements

Building a house in Arizona: what the code requires

Codes adopted locally (no mandatory statewide code)

Building code

No statewide residential building code. Cities and counties adopt an IRC edition with local amendments (Phoenix, Tucson, Maricopa County, etc.).

Energy code

Energy codes are adopted locally and vary widely by jurisdiction.

Climate zone

IECC climate zone 2–5. Insulation, windows and HVAC are sized to match.

Typical frost depth

0–12 in (low desert), 18–30 in (northern AZ). Footings must extend below the local frost line (confirm with your building department).

Foundations

Slab-on-grade is the most common and cost-effective choice.

Who can draw the plans

Single-family homes can generally be designed by a non-licensed home designer. A licensed engineer's stamp is often required for structural items, engineered foundations or special hazard zones, or when the local building official asks for it.

Engineer stamp

If your jurisdiction requires sealed drawings, add our Arizona Engineer Stamp / Permit-Ready package ($750).

Arizona-specific rules & hazards

• ●Northern Arizona (Flagstaff) has high ground snow loads and wildfire (WUI) rules.
• ●Many counties require a separate grading/drainage permit and an ADEQ-approved septic system outside sewer areas.
• ●Wildfire-resistant materials and defensible-space detailing

Summary for planning only. Codes, editions and local amendments change, so always confirm current requirements with the building department that will issue your permit. Our designers check your jurisdiction before drawing.

City building requirements in Arizona

• Phoenix, AZPermits, zoning & local rules →
• Tucson, AZPermits, zoning & local rules →
• Flagstaff, AZPermits, zoning & local rules →

Towns, villages & rural counties

Permit checklist for building in towns & counties across Arizona

Requirements differ town by town. Use this checklist with your local building, zoning and health departments, and include what you learn in your design instructions. We'll draw to it.

1. 01Find who issues permitsIncorporated towns and cities usually have a building department. In unincorporated areas it's the county building or planning office, or a state agency, or in some rural areas nobody. Call before you buy the lot.
2. 02Zoning & setbacksCheck the zoning district for minimum lot size, front, side and rear setbacks, maximum height, lot coverage and whether barndominiums, ADUs or metal buildings are allowed.
3. 03HOA & deed restrictionsSubdivisions often restrict minimum square footage, exterior materials, roof pitch, garage orientation and outbuildings. These can be stricter than the town code.
4. 04Septic & well permitsWithout city sewer or water, you'll need a percolation (perc) test and a septic permit from the county health department, plus a well permit.
5. 05Driveway & culvert permitConnecting to a public road usually needs a driveway or culvert permit from the town, county or state DOT.
6. 06Floodplain development permitIf any part of the lot is in a FEMA flood zone, you'll need a floodplain permit and an elevation certificate, and the lowest floor must be at or above the Base Flood Elevation plus any local freeboard.
7. 07Energy code complianceMost jurisdictions require an energy compliance report (REScheck or similar) showing insulation, windows and HVAC meet the adopted energy code.
8. 08Engineering stampMany building officials require a licensed engineer's seal for foundations, beams, trusses, or high wind, snow or seismic zones. Add our Engineer Stamp option at checkout.
9. 09Utility & fire accessRural lots may need a fire-apparatus access road, a water supply for firefighting, or wildfire (WUI) defensible-space and ignition-resistant materials.
10. 10Inspections scheduleA typical sequence is footing, foundation, framing, rough MEP, insulation and final. A certificate of occupancy is issued after final inspection.

Popular house styles in Arizona

From $1,595

Mediterranean Plans in Arizona

Stucco walls, clay tile roofs, arches and shaded courtyards.

From $1,450

Contemporary Plans in Arizona

Bold massing, mixed cladding and bright, loft-like spaces.

From $1,250

Ranch Plans in Arizona

Single-story living with a long, low profile. Easy to age in place.

Want something else? Browse all 12 home styles.

Delivery options for Arizona clients