Homeowner'S Building: Permit Manual
Homeowner'S Building: Permit Manual
Permit Manual
Introduction
This manual is designed for the Chandler homeowner. It is intended to:
Provide examples of plans and details that will aid in project completion and
code compliance.
Answer some of the most commonly asked building code and compliance
questions.
It is the responsibility of the homeowner to locate the property lines and to contact the
Arizona Blue Stake Center with a request to have all underground utilities located. The
Arizona Blue Stake Center can be reached at (602) 263-1100, (800) 782-5348 or 811.
You need to call at least two days before you dig.
Please Note:
If the home is in a subdivision with a homeowners’ association, the
plans should be approved by the association before applying to the
City for a building permit. The City does not enforce HOA
regulations. You are responsible to know and follow any HOA
requirements or restrictions.
Any construction requiring a permit also requires that a licensed contractor do the work,
unless the owner-applicant performs the work. It is the responsibility of the homeowner
or the contractor to obtain a building permit. If you own a home that you lease or rent to
others, a licensed contractor is required to obtain a permit. Reference Arizona Revised
Statutes 32-1121A located on the Building Permit Application.
Application
It can take up to ten (10) business days to review your miscellaneous residential permit
application. Some small projects can be reviewed while you wait. Please call the plan
reviewer of the day at (480)782-3078 to see if your project would qualify. When applying
for a permit, provide two sets of detailed plans that include:
Legal description(s) and parcel number(s).
Plot (site) plan, which must show property lines, all buildings on the lot and
dimensions from any new structures to related property lines. This
information is available at the Maricopa County Assessor’s website:
https://mcassessor.maricopa.gov/index.php
Floor plan and building elevations.
Structural details. Examples: footings, post to beam connections, truss
calculations, mechanical fastener descriptions, or other material information.
Mechanical, plumbing, electrical plans, etc. (if applicable).
Fees
Building permit and plan check fees are charged according to the valuation of your
project. The valuation is estimated based on the approximate cost to have a contractor
do the job, including labor and materials. The City of Chandler Fee Schedule utilizes the
ICC Building Valuation Data to determine the minimum value per square foot for newly
constructed buildings. If the valuation you provide is less than the valuation in the fee
schedule adopted by the City, your permit fees will be based upon the City Fee
Schedule. All valuation adjustments are computed as part of the plan review process.
The minimum permit fee is $50.00, based on a valuation of $500.00 or less, and the
permit fee increases from this point. Please note:
Plan review fees are due at the time you submit your plans.
Any project under construction or completed without a permit may be
charged a double permit fee.
Codes
The City of Chandler uses the following Codes, please check
www.chandleraz.gov/building for the current Editions:
International Building Code (IBC)
International Residential Code (IRC)
International Plumbing Code (IPC)
International Mechanical Code (IMC)
International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
National Electrical Code (NEC)
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
Please also refer to the Chandler City Code, on the Web at:
http://www.municode.com/Library/AZ/Chandler
Inspections
A list of inspections with their corresponding codes are included on the inspection card
provided when the permit is issued.
You can track your permit status, review plan review comments and view inspection
results.
The Interactive Voice Response system will prompt you through the steps to:
Schedule an inspection.
Cancel an inspection.
Obtain inspection results.
piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general
safety.
A permit is required for the installation of a photovoltaic system, a solar hot water
heating system or a solar pool heating system. Submittal checklists are available online,
www.chandleraz.gov/UDM, through the City of Chandler Homeowner’s Unified
Development Manual Section 9 Building Permit and Construction Standards, or at our
Permit Counter located at 215 E Buffalo St.
Exemption from the permit requirements of the code shall not be deemed to grant
authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the code or any other
laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
Plot Plan
Every permit that requires a building plan must be accompanied by a plot plan. You
may view an aerial photograph to assist with drawing the layout of the home and all
buildings/structures and pools on the property at Maricopa County Assessor’s GIS
Interactive Maps http://maps.mcassessor.maricopa.gov/ A plot plan is a drawing of the
lot showing the following:
Location of property lines on all sides. The location of street side property
lines will vary from 3 to 6 feet behind the sidewalk.
All existing buildings on the lot, including their dimensions and distances to
property lines.
All proposed additions or structures with their dimensions and distances to
property lines.
Total square footage of the lot, existing buildings and proposed additions.
Identify all required setbacks. Contact the Planner of the Day at
480.782.3050 for more information. See example below.
Note: To find the approximate front property line or determine the right-of-way (ROW)
width contact the City of Chandler, Transportation & Development Engineering Division
at 480.782. 3348.
A garage is defined as a structure primarily used for parking vehicles with a minimum
clear dimension of 9 feet by 19 feet per parking space.
The garage shall be separated from the residence and its attic by not less than 1/2 inch
gypsum board applied to the garage side. If the dwelling is of masonry construction, it
meets the occupancy separation required between the garage and dwelling. There
must be a separation between the garage and any living space above by a minimum 5/8
inch type X gypsum board.
Any door into the dwelling from the garage must be self-closing and:
Minimum 20-minute fire rated; or
1⅜-inch solid wood door; or
Solid or honeycomb core steel doors not less than 1⅜ inches thick.
The required side-hinged main exit door for the house cannot open in to a garage.
Under no circumstances shall a private garage have any opening into a room used for
sleeping purposes. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are required when
performing interior work that requires a permit, except work such as plumbing or
mechanical (air conditioning). If they are not pre-existing throughout the whole house
they must be added. Dual (CO & Smoke) alarms are available. They may be required
to be interconnected if access is available. Ask your inspector. .
Any main door to the outside must have a landing. The width of each landing shall not
be less than the door served. Every landing shall have a minimum dimension of 36
inches measured in the direction of travel.
A switched exterior light is required at the exterior side of each egress door. . A light
must also be provided inside the garage and the switch must be located at the interior
door. Switches located on the exterior of a building shall be weatherproof.
A minimum of one electrical outlet for each vehicle space is required in a garage (in
addition to any provided for laundry or garage door openers). All readily accessible
electrical outlets shall have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection.
Non-bearing exterior walls added on top of existing slabs do not need additional
footings, but shall have a bottom plate of treated wood or wood of natural resistance to
decay. This bottom plate must be fastened to the slab in an approved manner and must
be 4 inches above adjoining finished grade for masonry veneer and 6 inches above for
other materials. Usually this requires that you either thicken your slab or build a stem
wall. This detail is required as part of your submittal.
The garage conversion must be architecturally integrated with the existing residence.
The drawings that are submitted need to clearly indicate what the wall and roof covering
are on the existing residence as well as on the proposed garage.
All fences must be maintained a minimum of 3 feet from fire hydrants or utilities.
If a pool fence is being replaced, the pool area must remain secured during
construction.
The maximum fence height is 7 feet in rear and side yards. The maximum fence height
in front yards is 3 feet.
If you live on a street corner, whether or not it is an arterial, collector or local street, you
must locate your fence so it does not pose as a safety hazard to pedestrians and
drivers. City Standard Details on http://www.chandleraz.gov/content/UDM_TDM4.pdf
(Street Standards C-246 to C-248) show the required clearances at corners. Call us at
480. 782.3000 if you have any questions.
A permit is required if the wall is used for retaining earth and is over 4 feet in height
measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall.
4-inch thick walls are not an approved system to be used as retaining walls.
Regardless of height, all fences or walls require zoning clearance. Zoning staff review
and approve the fence/wall placement and type of material. Call 480.782.3050 to speak
to the Planner of the Day.
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Landscaping
Landscaping does not generally require a permit. However, a permit is needed to install
an irrigation system (but no plan review is needed). This permit allows inspectors to
check the installation of the required anti-siphon valve or pressure backflow preventer
and electrical timers.
The landscape inspector will need access to the main electrical panel for purposes of
inspecting the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker must be compatible with the electrical
panel brand. Electrical timers may not “piggy-back” on another circuit breaker.
A valve shall not be installed downstream from an atmospheric vacuum breaker. Where
chemicals are introduced into the system, the potable water supply shall be protected
against backflow by a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer.
Installation
It is recommended that a licensed contractor install the anti-siphon/vacuum breaker
assemblies. If someone other than a licensed contractor does the installation, make
sure the assembly is positioned correctly with the arrow pointed in the direction of the
water flow. The use of lead solder is prohibited.
Vacuum breakers shall be installed a minimum of 6 inches above the flood level rim of
the fixture or device. The flood level rim of hose connections shall be the maximum
height at which any hose is utilized.
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Type of Assembly
These devices shall operate under normal atmospheric pressure when the critical level
is installed at the required height. An atmospheric anti-siphon assembly shall be
installed at least 6 inches above all downstream piping and sprinkler heads, bubblers or
drip emitters. This will keep the vacuum breaker from being subjected to back pressure
or drainage.
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System Connection
Before installing an underground irrigation system, decide where to make the water
source connection. Water professionals recommend the following four options shown.
Option 1
Connect to the capped extension (copper tee) on the riser (water supply going into the
home).
Option 2
Connect to the water faucet line above the riser. An extension tee is added between
the faucet and the waterline.
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Option 3
Connect to the water service line on the home side of the water meter. At the point of
connection, the irrigation line must be 12 inches deep. The connection should be made
at least 4 feet from the meter.
Option 4
Connect to the water faucet line at the back or side of the home. An extension tee is
added between the faucet and the waterline. This faucet line is ½ inch in diameter.
Since this waterline is generally smaller than the front water faucet line (¾ inch), the
irrigation system will have less water pressure. In addition, if the home has a water
softener, this faucet line will contain conditioned water, which may be harmful to plants.
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Clearly indicate the size and type of conductors (wire) being used, i.e. #6 THHN. Also,
indicate the size and type of conduit and the proposed burial depth. Indicate the length
of all runs above ground or through an unconditioned space such as an attic.
Provide a panel schedule showing the existing and new breakers if you propose adding
a sub-panel. Load calculations may also be required. (See Appendix B at the back of
this booklet for a calculation form that you can use to simplify the process.)
For homes with metal water or gas piping there are specific requirements for bonding to
the electrical service. Because these requirements may vary depending on the locations
of the metal pipe it is best to consult an electrician or ask for more specific information
at our plan review counter.
All overhead services must have a point of attachment on the weather head mast.
All breakers inside the service panel must be compatible with the panel cover (dead
front) and labeled with permanent ink.
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Gas Permits
When adding a gas line inside the residence, or attaching to an existing gas stub out,
you will need to:
Provide a gas riser schematic that shows the length of all sections of the gas
line, starting at the gas meter. Show all existing appliances, as well as any
proposed additions.
Provide the total BTU rating of each appliance.
Provide each line size.
Provide each line type.
If you propose adding a new gas line from the meter you will need to:
Show the length of all sections of the gas line, starting at the gas meter.
Provide the total BTU rating of each appliance.
Provide each line size.
Provide each line type.
Provide trench depth / burial depth(Pipe must be 12” below grade minimum)..
Tests of systems shall be performed at no less than 1-1/2 times the proposed maximum
working pressure, but no less than 3 psig. Most residential systems (including propane)
will be at 3 psig unless you have a high-pressure system above 2.0 psi. Test duration
shall not be less than 10 minutes. All tests must be made through the open valve and
flex line. The flex line must be capped at the appliance connection.
The use of heat fusion PE (polyethylene) plastic pipe requires a minimum 12-inch deep
trench and a continuous insulated 18-gauge copper tracer wire. PE is not allowed for
use beneath any slab, i.e. pool deck, patio, sidewalk, and driveway.
All metal gas piping used in underground systems shall have factory-applied coating,
and schedule 40 minimum weight.
Field wrapping is limited to fittings and short sections of piping, where the factory wrap
has been damaged or stripped for threading or welding. Field wrapping is made with 2
layers of 20 mil tape with primer on the pipe and between each wrap.
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Patio Covers
Prior to submitting for a permit, please speak with a Planner in the Planning Division for
zoning district and minimum building setback requirements to add a patio cover to a
residence.
Posts for patio covers will require a footing. The minimum footing size is 18” square and
12” below grade.
Rafters must be sized according to tables in the International Residential Code, and
beams must be sized to carry the calculated roof loads. (Laminated beams may not be
used in exposed locations unless they are approved for exterior use.) Ledgers
supporting rafters must be secured directly to existing wall framing members.
Rafters may not be attached directly to the existing fascia or to roof truss tails. They
must bear on the existing wall top plate or attach directly to the house by ledger board
that butts directly against vertical studs. (Any stucco or gypsum board covering the
studs must be removed.)
The minimum roof slope varies depending on the type of roofing material you propose
to use. The type of roofing material shall be indicated on your drawings as well as the
roof slope.. There shall be a mechanical path of load transfer from the roof to the
foundation. Show all uplift rated connectors, the manufacturer and part number.
The minimum height from the finished floor to the bottom of any beam is 6 feet, 8
inches.
If drywall is installed on the ceiling it must be listed for the application. Please refer to
the patio cover details on the following pages. You may copy these details and use
them as part of your submittal.
Metal patio covers within 5’ of a swimming pool shall be bonded to the pool
equipotential bonding. At least one receptacle outlet that is accessible while standing at
grade level and located not more than 6 feet, 6 inches above grade, shall be installed
outdoors at the front and back of each dwelling unit having direct access to grade.
Balconies, decks, and porches that are accessible from inside of the dwelling unit shall
have at least one receptacle outlet installed within the perimeter of the balcony, deck, or
porch. The receptacle shall be located not more than 6 feet, 6 inches above the
balcony, deck, or porch surface.
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See the following pages for Matrix Chart and additional code
requirements
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Prior to building, check with local utility companies for any easement locations.
Provide a panel schedule showing the existing and new breakers if you propose adding
a sub-panel. Load calculations may also be required. (See Appendix B at the back of
this booklet for a calculation form that you can use to simplify the process.)
If you plan to use engineered roof trusses on your project, you must submit sealed
engineered roof truss calculations with your permit application. Open-web floor truss
and manufactured I-joist floor assemblies over 80 square feet require a ½” minimum
gypsum board membrane.
Enclosed attics and enclosed rafter spaces formed where ceilings are applied directly to
the underside of roof rafters shall have cross ventilation for each separate space by
ventilating openings protected against the entrance of rain or snow. Ventilating
openings shall be provided with corrosion-resistant wire mesh with ⅛-inch minimum to
¼-inch maximum openings.
The total net free ventilating area shall not be less than 1 to 150 of the area of the space
ventilated, except that the total area is permitted to be reduced to 1 to 300, if at least 40
percent and not more than 50 percent of the required ventilating area is provided by
ventilators located in the upper portion of the attic or rafter space. Upper ventilators
shall be located no more than 3 feet below the ridge or highest point of the space,
measured vertically, with the balance of the required ventilation provided by eave or
cornice vents. Where the location of wall or roof framing members conflicts with the
installation of upper ventilators, installation more than 3 feet below the ridge or highest
point of the space shall be permitted.
Unvented attics are now allowed under limited circumstances. Call our Building Plan
Reviewers for assistance at (480) 782-3000.
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Arizona Rooms
Arizona rooms are defined here as covered patios/porches that are to be enclosed with
insect screening or a combination of insect screening and a "knee wall" so that at least
65% of the longer wall and one additional wall, below a minimum of 6 feet 8 inches
measured from the floor, is of screen material. These Arizona rooms shall be used only
for recreational, outdoor living purposes and not as storage or habitable rooms. The
covered roof portion of this structure, whether previously constructed, or constructed in
the course of building the Arizona room, shall be designed for a live load of 20 psf.
Exterior openings required for light and ventilation shall be permitted to open into the
Arizona room.
The City of Chandler does not permit an Arizona room enclosed with windows or a
combination of walls and windows as non-habitable space. If you would like to enclose
your patio, see the information for room additions. An enclosed patio is considered
habitable space and shall comply with all code requirements for habitable space.
Remodeling
A permit is needed for remodeling work not listed as exempt on page 5 of this manual.
Remodeling projects typically need to comply with the same requirements listed for
room additions. See page 32 of this manual.
Roofing
You need to get a permit to re-roof your house when you are:
Replacing the old roofing material with a different material such as concrete
tile. An engineering analysis is required to determine if the existing roof
assembly will withstand the additional loads.
Replacing the old roofing with like material that already exceeds two layers.
Stucco
You need to get a permit to stucco your house or accessory building:
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Fireplaces
It shall be unlawful for anyone to construct, install, convert or alter any fireplace, stove
or any other recreational or aesthetic solid fuel burning devise unless such device and
its installation is certified by a nationally recognized testing agency as satisfying the
requirements of 40 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 60, Subpart AAA as in effect on
July 1, 1990.
Definitions
Effective date means December 31, 1998.
Solid fuel includes, but is not limited to, wood, coal or other nongaseous or non-liquid
fuels, including those fuels defined by the Maricopa County Air Pollution Control Officer
as “inappropriate fuel” to burn in residential wood burning devices.
Woodstove means a solid fuel burning heating appliance including a pellet stove, which
is either freestanding or designed to be inserted into a fireplace.
Installation Restrictions
All fireplaces or woodstoves constructed on or after 12-31-98 must be one of the
following:
1. A fireplace that has a permanently installed gas or electric log insert.
2. A fireplace, woodstove or other solid-fuel burning appliance which has been
certified by the Unites States Environmental Protection Agency as
conforming to 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 60, Subpart AAA as in
effect on July 1, 1990.
3. A fireplace, woodstove or other solid-fuel burning appliance which has been
tested and listed by a nationally recognized testing agency to meet
performance standards equivalent to those adopted by 40 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 60, Subpart AAA as in effect on July 1, 1990.
4. A fireplace, woodstove or other solid-fuel burning appliance that has been
determined by the Maricopa County Air Pollution Control Officer to meet
performance standards equivalent to those adopted by 40 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 60, Subpart AAA as in effect on July 1, 1990.
5. A fireplace that has a permanently installed woodstove insert, which
complies with subsection 2, 3 or 4 above.
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In addition to the provisions and restrictions of this section, the construction, installation
or alteration of all fireplaces, woodstoves and other gas, electric or solid-fuel burning
appliances and equipment shall be done in compliance with the provisions of the
construction code and shall be subject to the permits and inspections required by the
construction code.
Alterations
On or after the effective date, it shall be unlawful to:
Alter or remove a gas or electric log insert or a woodstove insert from a
fireplace for the purpose of converting the fireplace to directly burn wood or
other solid fuel.
Alter a fireplace, woodstove or other solid fuel-burning appliance in any
manner that would void its certification or operational compliance with
provisions of this article.
Exemptions
The following installations are not regulated by this section and are not prohibited by
this section:
Furnaces, boilers, incinerators, kilns and other similar space heating or
industrial process equipment.
Cook-stoves, barbeque grills and similar appliance designed primarily for
cooking.
Fire pits, barbeque grills and other outdoor fireplaces.
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Room Additions
A room addition is defined as any space added on to an existing dwelling, including the
enclosure of an existing covered area, such as a patio cover. Prior to submitting for
permit, please speak with a Planner in the Planning Division to determine zoning
building setbacks, lot coverage, and architectural design requirements for the residential
subdivision. Many residential development’s housing products were required to provide
a standard rear yard covered patio attached to the home thus closing in a patio cover
requires adding another patio cover to the home in order to meet zoning requirements.
The addition must be architecturally integrated with the existing residence such as
building materials, paint color, roofing type, and architectural design. It should not
detract from the surrounding residences.
The drawings need to clearly indicate the wall and roof covering and color on the
existing residence as well as the proposed addition. You must provide elevation
drawings showing both the existing residence as well as the proposed addition.
Show the footing size on your wall section. Continuous footings are a minimum of 12
inches wide and a minimum of 12 inches below grade. The sill plate shall be a minimum
of 6 inches above grade.
Typically, any room (other than a bathroom or kitchen) that has a closet shall be
considered a sleeping room and will need to meet all sleeping room requirements.
Sleeping rooms, as well as the area outside of sleeping rooms, are required to have
smoke alarms. When interior alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit are
made, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings,
the individual dwelling unit shall be provided with smoke alarms located as required for
new dwellings. Smoke alarms and Carbon monoxide detectors are required when
performing Interior work that requires a permit, except work such as plumbing or
mechanical (air conditioning). If they are not pre-existing throughout the whole house
they must be added. Dual (CO & Smoke) alarms are available. They may be required
to be interconnected if access is available. Ask your inspector.
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Any main door to the outside must have a landing. The width of each landing shall not
be less than the door served. Every landing shall have a minimum dimension of 36
inches measured in the direction of travel.
A switched exterior light is required at the exterior side of each exterior door.
Any wood framed non-bearing wall to be added above an existing slab may not need its
own footing. It shall have a bottom plate of treated wood or wood of natural resistance
to decay. This bottom plate must be fastened to the slab in an approved manner and
must be a minimum of 6 inches above an adjacent unfinished exterior grade.
Any wood framed bearing wall shall have its own footing, a bottom plate of treated wood
or wood of natural resistance to decay, must be secured in an approved manner and
must be a minimum of 6 inches above an adjacent unfinished exterior grade.
If you plan to use engineered roof trusses on your project, you must submit sealed
engineered roof truss calculations or the roof truss design review waiver with your
permit application. The waiver requires the seal of a State of Arizona registered
architect or engineer. Provide a complete floor plan of the room adjacent to the
proposed room addition. Indicate the size of the existing room, the size and location of
all exterior doors and windows. If you propose to remove or cover existing windows,
this information must be included in your drawings.
Provide every dwelling unit with heating facilities capable of maintaining a minimum
room temperature of 68°F at a point 3 feet above the floor and 2 feet from exterior walls
in all habitable rooms. Portable space heaters shall not be used to achieve compliance
with this requirement. Indicate how the required heating will be provided.
At least one wall switch controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable
room and bathroom.
Install receptacle outlets so that no point along the floor line in any wall space is more
than 6 feet (measured horizontally) from an outlet in that space.
All branch circuits that supply 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere outlets
installed in all habitable rooms shall be protected by an arc-fault circuit interrupter.
Also, all new 15 and 20V receptacles shall be tamper-proof except receptacles located
more than 5.5 feet above the floor, receptacles that are part of a luminaire or appliance,
or receptacles dedicated to refrigerators or freezers (appliances not easily moved).
A receptacle outlet shall be installed at each kitchen wall counter space 12 inches or
wider. Receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the wall line is more
than 24 inches measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet in that space. Exception:
Receptacle outlets shall not be required on a wall directly behind a range or sink. At
least one receptacle outlet shall be installed at islands and peninsulas with a long
dimension of 24” or greater and a short dimension of 12” or greater. All 125 volt 15 and
20 amp receptacle outlets serving kitchen countertop spaces shall have Ground-fault
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All 125-volt, single phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed outdoors shall have
GFCI protection.
At least one wall receptacle outlet shall be installed in bathrooms. It must be located
within 36 inches of the outside edge of each lavatory basin. The receptacle outlet shall
be located on a wall that is adjacent to the lavatory basin location. All 125-volt, single-
phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in bathrooms shall have GFCI
protection.
Provide a panel schedule showing the existing and new breakers if you propose adding
a sub-panel. Load calculations may also be required. (See Appendix B at the back of
this booklet for a calculation form that you can use to simplify the process.)
Every sleeping room shall have at least one operable emergency escape and rescue
opening.
If the opening is a window, it shall have a sill height of not more than 44
inches above the floor.
Emergency escape and rescue openings above or below grade floor shall
have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet.
Grade floor openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5 square
feet.
The minimum net clear opening height shall be 24 inches.
The minimum net clear opening width shall be 20 inches.
Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside
of the room without the use of keys or tools.
Enclosed attics and enclosed rafter spaces formed where ceilings are applied directly to
the underside of the roof rafter shall have cross ventilation for each separate space by
ventilating openings protected against the entrance of rain or snow. Ventilating
openings shall be provided with corrosion-resistant wire mesh, with ⅛-inch minimum to
¼-inch maximum openings.
The total net free ventilating area shall be not less than to 1 to 150 of the area of the
space ventilated, except that the total area is permitted to be reduced to 1 to 300, if at
least 40 percent and not more than 50 percent of the required ventilating area is
provided by ventilators located in the upper portion of the attic or rafter space. Upper
ventilators shall be located no more than 3 feet below the ridge or highest point of the
space, measured vertically, with the balance of the required ventilation provided by
eave or cornice vents. Where the location of wall or roof framing members conflicts with
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the installation of upper ventilators, installation more than 3 feet below the ridge or
highest point of the space shall be permitted.
Please provide a water meter work sheet if you are adding plumbing fixtures (see
Appendix A for an example). This information must be on the plans, not a separate
sheet.
Any addition of conditioned space shall meet the minimum energy efficiency
requirements of Chapter 11 of the International Residential Code. (Compliance with
Chapter 4 of the International Energy Conservation Code is also acceptable.) Following
are the minimum requirements from Table N1102.1 of the International Residential
Code:
For existing buildings, the thermal envelope shall be durably sealed to limit infiltration.
The following shall be caulked, gasketed, weather-stripped, or otherwise sealed. For
new construction, testing is required.
All joints, seams and penetrations.
Site-built windows, doors and skylights.
Openings between window and door assemblies and their respective jambs
and framing.
Utility penetrations.
Dropped ceilings or chases adjacent to the thermal envelope.
Knee walls.
Walls and ceilings separating the garage from conditioned spaces.
Behind tubs and showers on exterior walls.
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All pools and spas require a permit, whether constructed above or below ground (other
than those referenced in item 9 on page 5 of this manual).
Pool engineering plans, stamped and sealed by an engineer, are required on all custom
in ground pools and spas. Plans are required on all pre-manufactured above ground
pools and spas.
Swimming pools shall not occupy any front yard nor shall the water’s edge be located
closer than 5 feet to any side or rear property line.
The water’s edge must be a minimum of 5 feet from the fence for all pools constructed
on a lot with an offset property line and/or an offset fence.
An engineered surcharge design is required for in-ground pools built closer than 5 feet
to a building foundation.
Any glazing within 5 feet of the water’s edge where the bottom edge of the glazing is
less than 60 inches above grade must be safety glazed. Tinting film may not be used to
satisfy this requirement.
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Barrier
Pool barriers shall be an interior fence, perimeter wall, building wall or a combination
thereof, which completely surrounds the swimming pool. The top of the exterior barrier,
including all gates and doors therein, shall not be less than 6 feet above finished floor or
finished grade measured on the exterior side of the enclosure. An interior barrier
separating a dwelling from a pool may be 4 feet in height.
There shall be no horizontal or vertical openings, holes, or gaps in the interior barrier
large enough for a sphere 4 inches in diameter to pass through. The maximum vertical
clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall be 2 inches measured on
the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool.
In addition, the exterior fence enclosure for swimming pools (as required by Chapter 35-
2205 of the City Code) need not necessarily be located on the side or rear property
lines but can be within property boundaries. Exterior fencing can be a masonry or
concrete wall, decorative fencing (such as wrought iron), or a durable wire mesh as
along as the spacing between horizontal and vertical members does not exceed one
and three-quarter (1 ¾) inches. .
All exterior hinged or sliding doors leading from a dwelling unit, bedroom, garage or
storage room directly into a swimming pool enclosure shall be self-closing or shall be
equipped with audible alarms. Hinged doors shall open away from the pool area.
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If a pet door is large enough that a sphere 4 inches in diameter will pass through, and is
located in any wall of the dwelling that forms a part of the interior barrier, it must be able
to be rendered unusable with a latching device inoperable by young children so the
slide portion of the pet door cannot be removed.
Windows
All windows facing on a swimming pool enclosure shall be equipped with a latching
device.
For emergency escape or rescue windows, the latching device shall be located not less
than 54 inches above the finished floor.
For all other operable dwelling unit or garage windows, the latching device shall consist
of one of the following:
A keyed lock that prevents opening the window more than 4 inches.
A screwed-in-place wire mesh screen.
A latching device located not less than 54 inches above the finished floor.
All above ground pools, with non-climbable sides not less than 48 inches high above the
finished grade, may be located on a single-family residential property without requiring
an interior fence, wall or barrier between the pool and the dwelling. Where an
aboveground pool structure is used as a barrier or where the barrier is mounted on top
of the pool structure, and the means of access is a ladder or steps, then the ladder or
steps either shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access, or
the ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a barrier that meets the requirements of an in
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ground pool. When the ladder or steps are secured, locked or removed, any opening
created shall not allow the passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere.
Entrapment Avoidance
Suction outlets shall be designed to produce circulation throughout the pool or spa.
Single outlet systems, such as automatic vacuum cleaner systems, or other such
multiple suction outlets whether isolated by valves or otherwise shall be protected
against user entrapment.
No one needs to be home for the first inspection, which is the pre-gunite inspection.
PLANS AND PERMIT MUST BE AVAILABLE.
The homeowner must be present for the second inspection (pre-plaster inspection) if
the house forms part of the interior barrier around the pool or there is no interior pool
fence. However, if an interior fence encompasses the entire pool, then the homeowner
does not need to be present for the second inspection.
All electrical service panels must be left unlocked for the inspector
Inspections that require entry into the home will not be conducted unless a
responsible adult is present.
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Graphic A
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Graphic B
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Required Inspections
This section lists the minimum inspections required by the City of Chandler.
3. Stem wall Forms are aligned and staked, grade pins installed
and reinforcing steel is in place.
5. Water piping (groundwork) All under-floor water piping is installed, but not
covered.
6. Building sewers (the sewer Pipes are installed, shaded and properly supported,
piping connecting the but not covered.
building with the private
sewer or the public sewer)
7. Water service (the water Pipes are installed and under pressure, but not
yard piping from the City covered.
water meter to the building)
9. Strap and shear All shear panels and mechanical fasteners are
installed, but not covered.
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10. Rough electrical All rough-in electrical is installed, but not covered
12. Rough heating and All rough-in mechanical work is installed, but not
ventilation covered. (Groundwork – request inspection when
ductwork is installed, but not covered).
13. Framing The building is “dried in” and all framing members,
gussets, shear panels, anchors and all plumbing,
mechanical and electrical rough-ins are in place, but
not covered.
14. Wallboard The wallboard is installed and nailed, but not filled
or taped.
15. Lath inspection All substrate wire mesh and trim are installed and
ready to receive stucco, but not covered.
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Appendix A
Water Meter Worksheet
Lavatory x 0.7
Dishwasher x 1.4
If you use a full bath group, do not count the individual fixtures.
Total developed length of the water line from the water meter to the furthest water-using fixture
unit. (Note: this is usually the hose bib at the rear of the home).
Total distance: _______ feet
Indicate the size of the existing water meter and supply size. NOTE: The minimum water meter
size for new construction is 1 inch.
Meter size _______
Supply size _______
Note: for a room addition, please include both the existing and new on this sheet.
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Appendix B
Electrical Load Calculation Worksheet
OPTIONAL CALCULATION – EXISTING DWELLING UNIT. NEC SECTION 220.83/IRC
E3602.2.
For a dwelling unit having the total connected load served by a single 3-wire, 120/240 volt set of
service entrance or feeder conductors with an ampacity of 100 or greater.
SUBTOTAL = _______________ VA
SUBTOTAL = _______________ VA
TOTAL = ______________AMPS
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Appendix C
Building Permit Application
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