Frequently Asked Questions

CURRENT CODES:  

• 2006 International Building Code

• 2006 International Residential Code

• 2006 International Mechanical Code

• 2006 International Property Maintenance Code

• 2005 National Electrical Code

• 2006 International Plumbing Code

• 2006 International Fire Code

• 2006 International Fuel Gas Code

• Current Zoning Ordinances

• City of Peoria Amendments (Ordinance 04-22)

Back to top of page

Design Parameters:

Design Guidelines for Typical Construction*

*These values are appropriate for traditional light frame, low rise residential and commercial construction in the City of Peoria. For structures of unusual size, height or weight, please consult your design professional as well as the structural provisions of the 2003 International Building Code.

Back to top of page

When is a building permit required? Permits are required for new buildings, remodeling, additions to your home, and improvements to your property. For example, a new room or patio cover, a factory-built or masonry fireplace, a swimming pool or spa all require a permit. So does a landscape irrigation system, a new air conditioning unit, a new furnace or water heater, or any other change or repair made to an existing electrical, mechanical, or plumbing system.

A permit is required to enclose a carport, to convert it into a room or a garage, build a fence higher than 6'8", or build a storage shed if it is over 200 square feet of floor area or if it is attached to the house. If you are not sure whether you need a permit, please call the Community Development, Building Safety Division before beginning work on your project.

Back to top of page

May I build it myself? If you are the owner of the property and you live there, you may be your own contractor. You may choose to do all of the work yourself, or you may do parts of the work yourself, and hire subcontractors to do other parts. For example, you may feel confident doing the carpentry work, but prefer to hire an electrician to do the wiring, or a plumber to do the piping. To work on a home for rent or sale you must use a licensed contractor for any work requiring a building permit.

If you hire a contractor to work on your home, whether a general contractor or a subcontractor, it is recommended that you ask for his license number and call the Registrar of Contractors (602-542-1525) before you sign an agreement or make any payment. Contractors and subcontractors you hire must have an active City of Peoria tax number. To obtain a new number or renew an expired one, contact the City of Peoria Sales Tax office at (623) 773-7160.

 Back to top of page

How much does it cost for a permit? The fee for a building permit depends on the type and size of your project. For many simple projects you will pay a minimum flat fee. For new buildings, room additions, patio covers, and garages, the fee will be based on the square footage. You may call the Building Safety Division and ask for an estimated permit fee.

 Back to top of page

How much time do I have to complete my project? Your permit will remain valid for 180 days from the issued date. Once you start work and pass your first inspection, your permit will remain valid as long as you continue to work and call for, and obtain, approved inspections. If you stop work on your project for more than six months, your permit will expire. So if you run into unexpected problems with your project, or problems that interfere with your project, such as serious illness, or loss of income, please let us know. Your permit may be extended free of charge, or renewed for a fee, depending on the circumstances. However, if you let more than one year pass without any contact with us, then a new permit will be required. New plans must be submitted and the full fees paid as if it were a new project.

 Back to top of page

What must I submit to obtain a building permit? Depending on your project, you may need some or all of the following:

You may also be required to provide: Engineered Truss Design by City-approved fabricators, Engineering Calculations, Electrical Service One-Line Diagram, Electrical Panel Schedule, Electrical Load Calculation Plumbing Fixture Count, ICBO Report Numbers for products or equipment, Septic System Permit from the County Health Department, and/or Lot Survey of Private Land.

Your drawings will be reviewed for compliance with Zoning and Building Codes. You may be asked to make corrections or to provide more information. Two copies of each drawing are required. They may be blueprints or copies. When the drawings are approved and the permit is issued, you will be given one set of drawings to keep on the job site. The other set will be kept by the City until the final inspection is passed and the permit is closed.

Back to top of page.

What about inspections? The City of Peoria utilizes combination inspectors. That is, you only have one inspector to inspect all trades during the entire project. Inspections are as important to your home improvement project as is good planning. The inspector is an objective and experienced observer.

Inspections are the benefit you receive in return for the fee you paid for your building permit. A "red tag" is your opportunity to correct a problem before it becomes permanent. It can save you time, money, and aggravation for years to come, and it can even save your life if it alerts you to a serious hazard. A "green tag" is your assurance that the work done complies with building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical codes. It is your signal to proceed to the next step.

No portion of the work may be concealed, covered, or put into use until it has been passed by the City of Peoria Building Inspector. If an item receives a "red tag", correct the problem and call for another inspection.

If you manage the project yourself, you will call for inspections as the job progresses. Please see the instructions given to you with the permit. Try to plan ahead so that the job will be ready for inspection. You may want to be there to talk with the inspector, but you do not have to be. Just make sure that you provide the inspector with access to the property, the job site card, and the approved copy of the plans. Inspectors may be reached by calling the Building Safety Division at 623-773-7225.

Back to top of page

Am I finished?  When your project has passed the final inspection and you are enjoying the satisfaction of accomplishment and pride in your home, we hope you will look back on your experience with the City of Peoria, Building Safety Division as a pleasant one. We hope that our office staff, our inspectors, and this handout have all been of service to you. We welcome your suggestions for improvement in the future.