Custom Homes
What Plans Are Needed for a Custom Home Permit in Arizona?
If you are planning a custom home in Arizona, the permit process requires more than just a floor plan. Cities and counties review a complete set of drawings that show how the home will be built, how it fits on the property, and how it complies with building codes and local requirements.
A common misconception is that a simple floor plan is enough to get a permit. In reality, Arizona jurisdictions require a coordinated drawing set that clearly communicates the design, structure, and site placement of the home. The goal of the plan set is to give the city or county enough information to review safety, zoning compliance, and construction details.
Typical Custom Home Plan Set
Most custom home permits in Arizona require a combination of the following drawings:
- Site plan showing property lines, setbacks, and building placement
- Floor plans with room layout, dimensions, doors, and windows
- Exterior elevations showing building height and appearance
- Building sections showing structural relationships and heights
- Roof plan with slopes, drainage, and structural layout
- Construction notes and code-related information
- Door, window, and schedule information
- Engineering coordination where required
Site Plan
The site plan shows how the home sits on the property. It includes property lines, setbacks, driveway access, building placement, and distances to lot lines. This is one of the most important drawings for zoning review.
Floor Plans
Floor plans show the layout of the home, including room sizes, wall locations, doors, windows, and general dimensions. This is the core of the design, but it is only one part of the full plan set.
Elevations and Sections
Elevations show the exterior appearance of the home, including height, roof form, and architectural features. Sections cut through the building to show ceiling heights, structural relationships, and vertical dimensions.
Roof Plan
The roof plan shows slopes, ridges, valleys, drainage direction, and structural layout. Complex roofs often require additional coordination with truss or framing design.
Additional Requirements
Depending on the project and property, additional documents may be required before permit approval:
- Structural engineering calculations and details
- Truss engineering and layout
- Energy compliance documentation
- Septic system design (for non-sewer properties)
- Grading or drainage information
- HOA submittal packages (if applicable)
Why Complete Plans Matter
A complete, well-organized plan set helps reduce permit delays and confusion during review. Incomplete or unclear drawings often lead to correction comments, additional review cycles, and longer approval timelines.
Need Help Preparing Custom Home Plans?
If you are planning a custom home, starting with a clear, coordinated plan set makes the entire process easier—from design through permitting and into construction.
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