4-1-4: - PERMITS
(A) Permits Required. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this Chapter or the technical codes, or to cause such work to be done, shall first make application to the Building Safety Director and obtain the required permit or permits. (4242)
EXCEPTIONS: The following entities are exempt from the requirement to obtain permits: (4242)
1. Mesa Unified School District #4. (4242, 4579)
2. Gilbert Unified School District #41. (4242, 4579)
3. Higley Unified School District #60 (4579)
4. Queen Creek School District #95 (4579)
5. East Valley Institute of Technology District #401 (4579)
6. Governmental entities that are, as a matter of law, immune from having to obtain a permit. (4242)
7. Annual Facilities Permit Holders. In lieu of an individual permit for each alteration to an already approved electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing installation, the Building Safety Director is authorized to issue an Annual Facilities Permit. Such Annual Facilities Permit shall exempt its holder from obtaining individual permits for each project to be performed under the Annual Facilities Permit in accordance with Section 4-1-4(F). (4242)
(B) Work Exempt from Permit. Exemptions from permit requirements of this Chapter shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this Chapter or the technical codes or any other laws or ordinances of the City. Permits shall not be required for the following: (4242)
1. Building Permits. A building permit shall not be required for the following: (4242)
(a) One- (1-) story detached accessory structures ancillary to R-3, R-4 and R-5 occupancies used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed two hundred (200) square feet (18.60m 2 ) and the property is not subject to the Desert Uplands Development Standards, is not located in a Historic Preservation Overlay District or on a site designated as a historic landmark. (4242, 4579, 4807)
(b) Fences not more than six feet (6') (1,829 mm) high located on property zoned for single residence uses, provided the fence is not located on a property subject to the Desert Uplands Development Standards, is not located in a Historic Preservation Overlay District or on a site designated as a historic landmark and is not located on a public easement. (4242, 4579, 4807)
(c) Oil derricks. (4242)
(d) Retaining walls which are not over four feet (4') (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, provided the retaining wall is not supporting a surcharge, is not impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids, or is not located on property subject to the Desert Uplands Development Standards, is not located in a Historic Preservation Overlay District or on a site designated as a historic landmark, and is not located on a public easement. (4242, 4807)
(e) Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed five thousand (5,000) gallons (18,925 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one (2:1). (4242)
(f) Sidewalks and driveways not more than thirty inches (30") (762 mm) above grade, not over any basement or story below, not part of an accessible route, is not located on property subject to the Desert Uplands Development Standards, is not located in a Historic Preservation Overlay District or on a site designated as a historic landmark, and is not located on a public easement. (4242, 4807)
(g) Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work. (4242)
(h) Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery. (4242)
(i) Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to detached one- (1-) and two- (2-) family dwellings, which are eighteen inches (18") (430 mm) or less deep, do not exceed five thousand (5,000) gallons (18,925 L), are installed entirely above ground, are not located on property subject to the Desert Uplands Development Standards, are not located in a Historic Preservation Overlay District or on a site designated as a historic landmark, and are not located on a public easement. (4242, 4579, 4807)
(j) Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes and not including service systems. (4242)
(k) Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- (1-) and two- (2-) family dwellings that are not located on property subject to the Desert Uplands Development Standards. (4242, 4579)
(l) Window awnings supported by an exterior wall projecting not more than fifty-four inches (54") (1,372 mm) from the exterior wall and not requiring additional support in detached one- (1-) and two- (2-) family dwellings and Group U occupancies. (4242)
(m) Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over five feet nine inches (5'9") (1,753 mm) in height. (4242)
(n) Replacement roof coverings, provided the replacement roof covering classification is equal to or greater than the existing roofing classification. (4242)
(o) Verification of City records for the issuance of a new Certificate of Occupancy when only the name of the owner or the business is changing. (4242, 4807)
(p) Light-gauge, pre-manufactured metal patio covers and awnings, and light-weight pre-manufactured metal frame fabric covered shade structures as an accessory to R-3, R-5 and Group U occupancies that are not located within a recreational vehicle park, are not located on property subject to the Desert Uplands Development Standards, and are not located in a Historic Preservation Overlay District or on a site designated as a historic landmark. (4242, 4579, 4807)
(q) In addition to items (a) through (p), the Building Safety Director is authorized to waive the requirement to obtain a building permit for additional items where it is found the nature of the work to be performed does not require a permit to obtain compliance with this Chapter, the technical codes and other ordinances of the City. (4807)
2. Electrical Permits. An electrical permit shall not be required for the following: (4242)
(a) Portable motors or other portable appliances energized by means of a cord or cable having an attachment plug end to be connected to an approved receptacle when that cord or cable is permitted by the Mesa Electrical Code. (4242)
(b) Repair or replacement of fixed motors, transformers, or fixed approved appliances of the same type and rating in the same location. (4242)
(c) Temporary decorative lighting. (4242)
(d) Repair or replacement of current-carrying parts of any switch, contactor, or control device. (4242)
(e) Installation of attachment plug receptacles, but not the outlets therefore. (4242)
(f) Repair or replacement of any over-current device of the required capacity in the same location. (4242)
(g) Repair or replacement of electrodes or transformers of the same size and capacity for signs or gas tube systems. (4242)
(h) Taping joints. (4242)
(i) Removal of electrical wiring. (4242)
(j) Temporary wiring for experimental purposes in suitable experimental laboratories. (4242)
(k) The wiring for temporary theater, motion picture, or television stage sets. (4242)
(l) Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus, or equipment operating at less than twenty-five (25) volts and not capable of supplying more than fifty (50) watts of energy. (4242)
(m) Low-energy power, control, and signal circuits of Class II and Class III as defined in the Electrical Code. (4242)
(n) Installation, alteration, or repair of electrical wiring, apparatus, or equipment or the generation, transmission, distribution, or metering of electrical energy or in the operation of signals or the transmission of intelligence by a public or private utility in the exercise of its function as a serving utility. (4242)
(o) Installation of portable generators for temporary events subject to inspection by Fire Prevention. (4242)
(p) Re-energizing an electric service by the serving electric supplier after a period of zero usage. (4242)
(q) Outdoor lighting fixture installations by Utility Companies under duly approved contracts with the City of Mesa, provided such fixture installations comply with Section 4-4-2 of the Mesa City Code. (4242)
(r) Photovoltaic power systems that are listed and labeled by a nationally recognized testing agency, under 10,000 square feet, and installed by an Arizona Licensed Contractor.
(s) In addition to items (a) through (r), the Building Safety Director is authorized to waive the requirement to obtain an electrical permit for additional items where it is found the nature of the work to be performed does not require a permit to obtain compliance with this Chapter, the technical codes and other ordinances of the City. (4807)
3. Fuel Gas Permits. A fuel gas permit shall not be required for the following: (4242)
(a) Portable heating appliance. (4242)
(b) Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe. (4242)
(c) Replacement of gas water heating appliances of equal or less Btu/cfh rating and minor modification to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical connections necessary to serve the new appliance in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 occupancies, manufactured homes, and recreational vehicles where the appliance serves an individual dwelling unit, provided the serving Gas Utility is notified prior to the appliance being energized. (4242, 4579)
(d) Replacement of gas pool and spa heating appliances of equal or less Btu/cfh rating, and minor modification to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical connections necessary to serve the new appliance in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 occupancies, manufactured homes, and recreational vehicles where the pool or spa serves an individual dwelling unit, provided the serving Gas Utility is notified prior to the appliance being energized. (4242)
(e) Replacement of gas water heating appliances of equal or less Btu/cfh rating and minor modification to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical connections necessary to serve the new appliance in A-2, A-3, A-4, B, E, F-2, M, S-2, and U occupancies where the appliance serves an individual tenant space, provided the serving Gas Utility is notified prior to the appliance being energized. (4242, 4579)
(f) Re-energizing a gas service by the serving gas supplier after a period of zero usage. (4242)
(g) Replacement of gas air-conditioning units, direct-vented appliances, furnaces, and log lighters, of equal or less Btu/cfh, and minor modification to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical connections necessary to serve the appliance in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 occupancies, manufactured homes, and recreational vehicles where the appliance serves an individual dwelling unit, provided the serving Gas Utility is notified prior to the appliance being energized. (4242, 4579)
(h) Replacement of gas unit heaters, overhead radiant heaters, vented freestanding heaters, vented overhead heaters, direct gas-fired make-up air heaters, industrial air heaters, and furnaces of equal or less Btu/cfh rating and minor modification to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical connections necessary to serve the new appliance in A-2, A-3, A-4, B, E, F-2, M, S-2, and U occupancies where the appliance serves an individual tenant space, provided the serving Gas Utility is notified prior to the appliance being energized and not including appliances or appurtenances equipped with required fire detection, fire notification, or fire suppression systems. (4242, 4579)
(i) Replacement of gas air-conditioning units and heat pumps of equal or less Btu/cfh rating, same toxicity, and same flammability classification of refrigerants and minor modification to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical connections necessary to serve the new appliance in A-2, A-3, A-4, B, E, F-2, M, S-2, and U occupancies where the appliance serves an individual tenant space, provided the serving Gas Utility is notified prior to the appliance being energized and not including appliances or appurtenances equipped with required fire detection, fire notification, or fire suppression systems. (4242, 4579)
(j) In addition to items (a) through (i), the Building Safety Director is authorized to waive the requirement to obtain a fuel-gas permit for additional items where it is found the nature of the work to be performed does not require a permit to obtain compliance with this Chapter, the technical codes and other ordinances of the City. (4807)
4. Mechanical Permits. A mechanical permit shall not be required for the following: (4242)
(a) Portable heating appliance. (4242)
(b) Portable ventilation equipment. (4242)
(c) Portable cooling unit. (4242)
(d) Steam, hot, or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by Mesa Mechanical Code. (4242)
(e) Replacement of any part not altering its approval or making it unsafe. (4242)
(f) Portable evaporative cooler. (4242)
(g) Self-contained refrigeration system containing ten (10) pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of one (1) horsepower (746 W) or less. (4242)
(h) In addition to items (a) through (g), the Building Safety Director is authorized to waive the requirement to obtain a mechanical permit for additional items where it is found the nature of the work to be performed does not require a permit to obtain compliance with this Chapter, the technical codes and other ordinances of the City. (4807)
5. Plumbing Permits. A plumbing permit shall not be required for the following: (4242)
(a) Stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste, or vent pipe, not including defective concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste, or vent pipe requiring removal and replacement. (4242)
(b) Clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, not including the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures. (4242)
(c) Replacement of electric water heating appliances of equal or less amperage rating, and minor modification to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical connections to serve the appliance in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 occupancies, manufactured homes, and recreational vehicles where the appliance serves an individual dwelling unit. (4242, 4579)
(d) Replacement of electric water heating appliances of equal or less amperage rating, and minor modification to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical connections to serve the appliance in A-2, A-3, A-4, B, E, F-2, M, S-2, and U occupancies where the appliance serves an individual tenant space. (4242, 4579)
(e) Equal replacement of boilers and water heaters regulated by the State of Arizona, except not including work not in the scope of State regulation in industries, premises, or activities regulated by Mesa City Code, Title 8, Chapters 1 and 4. (4242)
(f) Replacement of electric air-handling units, unit heaters, overhead radiant heaters, freestanding heaters, overhead heaters, and furnaces of equal or less amperage rating and minor modification to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical connections necessary to serve the new appliance in A-2, A-3, A-4, B, E, F-2, M, S-2, and U occupancies where the appliance serves an individual tenant space, not including appliances or appurtenances equipped with required fire detection, fire notification, or fire suppression systems. (4242, 4579)
(g) Replacement of electric air-conditioning units and heat pumps of equal or less Btu/cfu rating, same toxicity and same flammability classification of refrigerants, and minor modification to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical connections necessary to serve the new appliance in A-2, A-3, A-4, B, E, F-2, M, S-2, and U occupancies where the appliance serves an individual tenant space, not including appliances or appurtenances equipped with required fire detection, fire notification, or fire suppression systems. (4242, 4579)
(h) Replacement or new installation of potable water conditioning or treating appliances, and minor modification to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical connections necessary to serve the appliance in R-3, R-4 and R-5 occupancies, manufactured homes, and recreational vehicles where the appliance serves an individual dwelling unit. (4242, 4579)
(i) Replacement or new installation of potable water conditioning or treating appliances, and minor modification to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical connections necessary to serve the appliance in A-2, A-3, A-4, B, E, F-2, M, S-2, and U occupancies where the appliance serves an individual tenant space, not including industries, premises, or activities regulated by Mesa City Code, Title 8, Chapters 1 and 4. (4242, 4579)
(j) Replacement or new installation of solar domestic water heating appliances, and minor modification to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical connections necessary to serve the appliance in R-3, R-4 and R-5 occupancies, manufactured homes, and recreational vehicles where the appliance serves an individual dwelling unit. (4242, 4579)
(k) Replacement or new installation of solar pool and spa heating appliances and minor modification to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical connections necessary to serve the new appliance in R-3, R-4 and R-5 occupancies, manufactured homes, and recreational vehicles where the pool or spa serves an individual dwelling unit. (4242, 4579)
(l) Equal replacement of exterior potable water supply line to a building, not including industries, premises, or activities regulated by Mesa City Code, Title 8, Chapters 1 and 4, and not including work in a PUE, PUFE, or City of Mesa right-of-way. (4242)
(m) Equal replacement of exterior sanitary drainage line from a building, not including industries, premises, or activities regulated by Mesa City Code, Title 8, Chapters 1 and 4 and not including work in PUE, PUFE, or City of Mesa right-of-way. (4242)
(n) Replacement of electric air-conditioning units, air-handling units, heating appliances, heat pumps, radiant heaters, and furnaces, of equal or less amperage, and minor modification to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical connections necessary to serve the new appliance in R-1, R-2, R3, R4 and R-5 occupancies, manufactured homes, and recreational vehicles where the appliance serves an individual dwelling unit. (4242, 4579)
(o) Replacement of evaporative coolers of equal or less cfm and amperage rating, and minor modification to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical connections necessary to serve the new appliance in R-3, R-4, and R-5 occupancies, manufactured homes, and recreational vehicles where the appliance serves an individual dwelling unit. (4242, 4579)
(p) Replacement of evaporative coolers of equal or less cfm and amperage rating, and minor modification to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical connections necessary to serve the new appliance in A-2, A-3, A-4, B, E, F-2, M, S-2, and U occupancies where the appliance serves an individual tenant space, not including appliances or appurtenances equipped with fire detection, fire notification, or fire suppression systems. (4242, 4579)
(q) Installation of a gray water system in compliance with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Reclaimed Water Type 1 General Permit, and minor modifications to the plumbing system necessary to serve the gray water system in R-3, R-4 and R-5 occupancies, manufactured homes, and recreational vehicles where the system serves an individual dwelling unit. (4579)
(r) Installation of an automatic hot water circulating pump energized by means of a cord or cable having an attachment plug end for connection to a 115-volt receptacle, and minor modification to the electrical and plumbing system necessary to serve the pump in R-3, R-4 and R-5 occupancies, manufactured homes, and recreational vehicles where the system serves an individual dwelling unit. (4579)
(s) Installation of private sub-meters on an existing master-metered potable water supply system. (4807)
(t) In addition to items (a) through (s), the Building Safety Director is authorized to waive the requirement to obtain a plumbing permit for additional items where it is found the nature of the work to be performed does not require a permit to obtain compliance with this Chapter, the technical codes and other ordinances of the City. (4807)
(C) Emergency Repairs. Where equipment replacements and repairs requiring a permit must be performed in an emergency situation, the permit application shall be submitted within the next working business day. (4242)
(D) Ordinary Repairs. Application or notice to the Building Safety Director is not required for ordinary repairs to structures, replacement of lamps, or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approve permanently installed receptacles. Such repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition, or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements; nor shall ordinary repairs include addition to, alteration of, replacement, or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent, or similar piping, electrical wiring, or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety. (4242)
EXCEPTION: Work exempt from permits under Section 4-1-4(B) above. (4242)
(E) Public Service Agencies. A permit shall not be required for the installation, alteration, or repair of generation, transmission, distribution, or metering or other related equipment under the ownership and control of public service agencies by established right. (4242)
(F) Annual Facility Permits. (4242)
1. General. The Annual Facilities Permit is an administrative system intended to simplify the permitting and inspection process for qualified facilities by allowing inspectors to review plans and maintaining inspectors familiar with the construction history of such facilities. Qualified facilities electing to participate in this program are exempt from the requirement to obtain individual permits for the work regulated by this Chapter when such work does not increase the floor area, does not constitute a change of use or occupancy classification, and is performed on existing buildings, structures, and utilities associated with that qualified facility. This alternative permit process shall not exempt compliance with the technical requirements of this Chapter, the technical codes, or with other City, County, State, or Federal laws. (4242, 4579)
2. Definitions. For purposes of this Section, the following terms shall apply: (4242)
AGENT: A full-time or contract employee of a Qualified Facility, who is an architect or engineer registered and residing in the State of Arizona and who is responsible for complying with the substantive provisions of this Chapter. The agent, as authorized by rules established by the Arizona Board of Technical Registration, shall assure work has been performed in accordance with this Chapter and the technical codes. (4242)
QUALIFIED FACILITY: A firm, corporation, or political entity engaged in manufacturing, processing, service, or property management that occupies and controls specialized buildings and building service equipment to the extent that full-time personnel are required to manage, operate, or maintain such buildings and equipment in compliance with all the provisions of this Chapter and the technical codes. (4242)
3. Annual Facilities Permit Transferability. An Annual Facilities Permit is not transferable. (4242)
4. Annual Facilities Permit Renewal. An Annual Facilities Permit may be renewed every twelve (12) months by payment of a renewal fee as set forth in the City of Mesa Schedule of Fees and Charges. Renewal fees shall be due and payable prior to the permit expiration date, or a new initial application shall be required. Work performed after the permit expiration date shall be in violation of this Chapter and subject to penalty. (4242)
5. Annual Facilities Permit Operation. The agent shall notify the Building Safety Director prior to the start of any work involving alteration of the building structure system, alteration of any fire-resistive wall, floor, or ceiling assembly, alteration of any fire corridor system, or installation of any structural, mechanical, plumbing, or electrical work intended to be enclosed or concealed. The Building Safety Director shall determine the nature and extent of plan reviews and/or inspections required. The City of Mesa shall invoice the Qualified Facility and the Qualified Facility shall pay for the professional services rendered as set forth in the City of Mesa Schedule of Fees and Charges. (4242)
(G) Temporary Structures and Uses. The Building Safety Director is authorized to issue a permit for temporary structures and temporary uses. Such permits shall be limited as to time of service, but shall not be permitted for more than one hundred eighty (180) days. The Building Safety Director is authorized to grant extensions for demonstrated cause. Temporary structures and uses shall conform to the structural strength, fire safety, means of egress, accessibility, light, ventilation, and sanitary requirements of this Chapter and the technical codes as determined by the Building Safety Director to ensure the public health, safety, and general welfare. The Building Safety Director is authorized to terminate such permit and to order the temporary structure or use to be discontinued. (4242)
(H) Application for Permit. (4242)
1. Requirements. To obtain a permit an applicant shall first file an application in writing on a form furnished by the Building Safety Division. Such application, at a minimum, shall contain the following: (4242)
(a) Identification and description of the work to be covered by the permit. (4242)
(b) Description of the land where the proposed work is to be done by legal description, street address, or similar description readily identifying and definitely locating the proposed building or work. (4242)
(c) Indication of the use and occupancy of the proposed work. (4242)
(d) Construction documents and other information as required in this Section. (4242)
(e) The valuation of the proposed work. (4242)
(f) Signature of the applicant, or the applicant's authorized agent. (4242)
(g) Certification of the applicant that the documents submitted for permit are in accordance with Mesa City Code requirements, including Titles 4, 7, and 11, and all Planning and Zoning and Design Review Board stipulations, except that the Development Services Manager, after conferring with the Building Safety Director and the Planning Director, may accept applications prior to the completion of all planning processes where the applicant acknowledges they are proceeding "At Risk." In proceeding "At-Risk," the applicant may be required to modify previously approved documents, may incur additional review submittals and fees, and permits shall not be issued until completion of the planning process and the submittal documents adequately demonstrate compliance with all codes, standards, stipulations and requirements. (4242, 4604)
(h) Proof of valid contractor's license and bond. When the issuance of a permit is required, as part of the application procedures, each applicant for a building permit shall affirm by affidavit compliance with ARS Title 32, Chapter 10, and ARS 42-5005. If the applicant claims an exemption from licensing requirements, the affidavit shall contain the basis of the exemption and the name and license number of contractors performing the work. These named contractors shall then affirm compliance with ARS 42-5005. (4579)
(i) Other data and information as required by the Building Safety Director. (4242)
2. Annual Facilities Permit Application. Every applicant for an Annual Facilities Permit shall submit an application on a form provided by the Building Safety Director and shall pay an application fee as set forth in the City of Mesa Schedule of Fees and Charges. Such application, at a minimum, shall contain the following: (4242)
(a) The name of the person authorized to act on behalf of the Qualified Facility owner(s). (4242)
(b) The name of the agent who will be responsible for code compliance of the work performed under the Annual Facilities Permit. When the agent is employed by contract, the agent and the person authorized to act on behalf of the Qualified Facility owner(s) cannot be the same individual. (4242)
(c) The location and total square footage of the entire facility at the site(s) intended to be included in the program. (4242)
3. Airport Approval. Permit applications for projects located on Williams Gateway Airport property or Falcon Field Airport property shall provide written documentation of appropriate airport authority approval of the work proposed in the application for permit prior to submission. (4242)
4. Action on Application. The Building Safety Director shall examine or cause to be examined applications for permits and related amendments within a reasonable time after filing. If the application or the construction documents do not conform to the requirements of pertinent laws, the Building Safety Director shall reject such application in writing, identifying the reasons for rejection. In the event that the applicant or the applicant's contractor is delinquent in the payment of privilege and excise taxes levied pursuant to the provisions of Title 5, Chapter 10, of the Mesa City Code or is delinquent in the payment of any other accounts owed to the City of Mesa, the Building Safety Director is authorized, upon notification by the Tax Collector or other City official, to withhold the issuance of permits until such delinquencies have been satisfactorily resolved. (4579)
If the Building Safety Director is satisfied that the proposed work conforms to the requirements of this Chapter, the technical codes and applicable laws and ordinances, the Building Safety Director shall issue a permit as soon as practicable, subject only to the payment of appropriate fees. Before issuing a permit, the Building Safety Director is authorized to examine or cause to be examined buildings, structures, and sites where an application has been filed. If the application is rejected, the applicant may appeal the decision in accordance with Chapter 2-11 of the Mesa City Code. (4242, 4579)
5. Time Limitation of Application. An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued; except the Building Safety Director is authorized to grant one (1) or more extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding ninety (90) days each. Such extension shall be requested in writing with justifiable cause demonstrated. (4242)
(I) Submittal Documents. Plans, specifications, engineering calculations, diagrams, soil investigation reports, special inspection and structural observation programs, and other data as required by the Building Safety Director shall be submitted with each application for a permit. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional as required by State law and Section 4-1-4(J). Where special conditions exist, the Building Safety Director is authorized to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional. (4242)
1. Information on Construction Documents. Construction documents shall be dimensioned and drawn upon suitable material. Electronic media documents are permitted to be submitted when approved by the Building Safety Director. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature, and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this Chapter, the technical codes, and relevant laws and ordinances. (4242)
2. Title Sheet Information. The construction documents shall contain a title sheet or title sheets indicating the name, address, and phone numbers of project owner(s), design professionals, and contractors (if known). The title sheet shall also contain information regarding the Code review as performed by the design professional, including the size of the building, type of construction, and type(s) of occupancy, area, and height modifications (if any), fire sprinklers (if any), deferred items (if any), and other information as directed by the Building Safety Director. (4242, 4807)
3. Screening. Submittal documents shall be subject to screening by the Building Safety Director for completeness and code compliance prior to being accepted for permit review, as determined by the Building Safety Director. Incomplete submittals or submittals containing readily apparent code violations shall be returned to the applicant without being accepted unless otherwise directed by the Building Safety Director. (4242, 4807)
4. Outdoor Lighting Compliance. Submittal documents for projects proposing outdoor lighting fixtures shall contain, but not be limited to, the following information: (4242)
(a) Plans indicating the type of illuminating devices, fixtures, lamps, supports, other devices, etc. and their location on the premises. (4242)
(b) Description of the illuminating devices, fixtures, lamps, supports, and other devices, etc., including manufacturers' catalog cuts. (4242)
(c) Photometric study, including a plan of the premises showing fixture locations; calculated light levels at various points inside the parking lot, along walkways, or other occupied outdoor areas; expected light levels at the property lines; and maximum, minimum, and average light levels. (4242)
(d) Certification that the design of the outdoor lighting system complies with Section 4-4-2 of the Mesa City Code. (4242)
5. Deferred Submittals. For the purposes of this Section, deferred submittals are defined as those portions of the design not submitted at the time of the application but are to be submitted to the Building Safety Director within a specified period. The deferral of submittal items shall have the prior approval of the Building Safety Director. The registered design professional of record shall list the deferred submittals on the construction documents for review by the Building Safety Director. All deferred submittals shall be subject to the same plan review and approval process as the original permit application and such approval shall be completed prior to the installation of or request for the inspection of the deferred item for the project. The approved documents shall be incorporated into the permit documents. (4242, 4493, 4807)
Deferred submittals may include: commercial fire sprinkler systems, residential fire sprinkler systems, commercial fire notification systems, commercial fire detection systems, fire standpipes, alternative fire suppression systems, commercial kitchen hoods, rack storage plans, elevators, elevator recall systems, refrigerant vapor alarm systems, prefabricated metal stairs, prefabricated metal storage systems, overhead cranes, industrial equipment, truss designs, and other deferred submittal items not listed herein, with the prior approval of the Building Safety Director. Items that shall not be deferred include: structural design of elements not included in the list above, building plumbing systems, building mechanical systems, building electrical systems, outdoor lighting systems and landscaping designs. (4807)
Deferred submittals are a special service of the Building Safety Division requiring additional processing and plan review time beyond that required for projects in which all of the required documents are submitted with the initial submission. This special service requires payment of an additional premium fee as established in the latest edition of the Schedule of Fees and Charges, except deferred truss designs shall not be subject to a premium fee. (4493, 4807)
Deferred submittals do not constitute the phasing of construction permits and may constitute an addendum to the original permit or application if the deferred submittal involves changes in the design or work meeting the definition of an addendum. (4242)
6. Review by Design Professional. Documents for deferred submittal items shall be submitted to the registered design professional of record who shall review them and forward them to the Building Safety Director with a notation indicating the deferred submittal documents have been reviewed and been found to be in general conformance to the design of the building. The deferred submittal items shall not be installed until the design and submittal documents have been approved by the Building Safety Director. (4242)
7. Standard plans. Standard plans are building construction drawings that are designed and intended for use on more than one site. These drawings are plan reviewed in advance of the regular submission for permits. Corrections are made until the standard plans have met all code requirements, except those related to a specific site. Standard plans are retained in Building Safety until needed. The applicant then submits the site drawings, application, and other documents as required for permits to construct the building in accordance with this code and the technical codes. (4493)
The Building Safety Director is authorized to waive the submission of construction documents and other data not required to be prepared by a registered design professional if it is found the nature of the work applied for is such that review of construction documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with this Chapter, the technical codes, and other ordinances of the City. (4242)
(J) Design Professional of Record. When it is required that permit submittal documents be prepared by a registered design professional, the Building Safety Director shall be authorized to require the owner to engage and designate on the building permit application a registered design professional who shall act as the registered design professional of record. If the circumstances require, the owner shall designate a substitute registered design professional of record who shall perform the duties required of the original registered design professional of record. The Building Safety Director shall be notified in writing by the owner if the registered design professional of record is changed or is unable to continue to perform the duties. (4242)
The registered design professional of record shall be responsible for reviewing and coordinating submittal documents prepared by others, including phased and deferred submittal items and equipment lists, for compatibility with the design of the building. Where structural observation is required by Title 4, Chapter 2, the Mesa Building Code, the inspection program shall name the individual or firms who are to perform structural observation and describe the stages of construction where the structural observation is to occur. (4242, 4807)
In accordance with the Code of the State Board of Technical Registration, permit documents shall be prepared by a qualified Arizona Registrant for the following: (4242)
1. New buildings or structures that: (4242)
(a) Exceed two (2) stories in height (including basements); or (4242)
(b) Exceed three thousand (3,000) square feet of floor area, measured as described in Section 4-1-8(E); or (4242)
(c) Have structural elements with a span exceeding twenty feet (20'), not including wood or steel trusses or lintels designed by a registered engineer. (4242)
2. Additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures that: (4242)
(a) Meet or exceed the requirements for new buildings or structures as listed in Section 4-1-4(J)1 above. (4242)
(b) Exceed the three thousand- (3,000-) square-foot limitation for a one- (1-) time addition for the purpose of storage where the addition does not exceed fifteen hundred (1,500) square feet. (4242)
3. Buildings of any occupancy type resulting in an occupant load greater than twenty (20) persons, as required in Title 4, Chapter 2, Mesa Building Code, that have not been designed by a qualified Arizona registrant. (4242)
4. When deemed necessary by the Building Safety Director to ensure compliance with this Chapter and the technical codes. (4242)
EXCEPTIONS: The following are exempted from the above requirements and do not require preparation by an Arizona registrant: (4242)
(a) Landscaping planting plans, and (4242)
(b) Detached single-family dwellings constructed in accordance with the Mesa Residential Code. (4242)
(K) Examination of Documents. The Building Safety Director shall examine or cause to be examined the permit application and accompanying construction documents and shall ascertain by such examinations whether the construction indicated and described is in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter, the technical codes, and other pertinent laws or ordinances. (4242)
1. Approval of Construction Documents. When the Building Safety Director issues a permit, the construction documents shall be approved, in writing or by stamp, as "Reviewed for Code Compliance." One (1) set of construction documents so reviewed shall be retained by the Building Safety Division as required by the approved Building Safety Division retention schedule. Other sets shall be returned to the applicant with one (1) to be kept at the site of work and open to inspection by the Building Safety Director. When the submittal documents include site and floor plan drawings produced electronically, the applicant shall provide an electronic copy of all site plan and floor plan drawings on compact disk or other approved media to the Building Safety Director. (4242)
2. Previous Approvals. This Chapter and the technical codes shall not require changes in the construction documents, construction, or designated occupancy of a structure for which a lawful permit has been heretofore issued or otherwise lawfully authorized, and the construction of which has been pursued in good faith and has not been abandoned. (4242)
3. Addenda and Revisions to Submittal Documents. The project owner may submit modifications of the application or the attached submittal documents at any time prior to the final completion of the work. Revisions (changes made prior to the issuance of the permit) and addenda (changes made after permit issuance) shall be subject to the same plan review and approval process as the original permit application. Upon approval, revised/modified documents shall supercede and shall be incorporated into the original submission or permit documents. The approved revisions and addenda shall not constitute a new permit request. The review and approval of revisions and addenda constitutes an additional service and is subject to the payment of a premium fee as established in the latest Schedule of Fees and Charges. Projects with revisions or addenda that increase the scope of work, as determined by the Building Safety Director, may be subject to a complete recalculation of fees or to obtaining an entirely new permit. (4242, 4493, 4579, 4807)
When addenda to the design drawings, construction documents or other data are submitted by applicants seeking to change the approved permit documents such that the scope of the original permit is not expanded, an additional fee shall be paid by the applicant in accordance with the latest Schedule of Fees and Charges established by the City. (4493, 4579, 4807)
4. Staged Approval. The project owner shall determine if the project is to be constructed under one permit for the entire project or under a series of permits (stages) for the project. The Building Safety Director is authorized to issue any number of separate permits for the construction of the site work, underground utilities, buildings and structures needed to complete the whole project in accordance with pertinent requirements of this chapter and the technical codes. The holder of a permit for the construction of any portion of a project shall proceed with the construction operation at the permit holder's own risk and without assurance that additional permits will be granted. Choosing to build in more than one stage will not result in a fee premium. (4493)
5. Phased Approval. The project owner shall determine if the building or structure is to be constructed under one (1) permit for the entire project or under a series of permits (phases) of the building. The Building Safety Director is authorized to issue separate permits for the construction of the building's shell and any number of tenant completion permits needed to complete the whole building in accordance with pertinent requirements of this chapter and the technical codes. The holder of a permit for the shell or other parts of a building or structure shall proceed with the construction operation at the permit holder's own risk and without assurance that additional permits will be granted. Refer to paragraph 6 for foundation permits. (4242, 4493, 4807)
Choosing to build in more than one phase will result in an increase in the fees charged as established in the latest edition of the Schedule of Fees and Charges. A building constructed under a phased approach is not permitted to be occupied until all of the phases for the building, or portion thereof, have been successfully completed. A shell is an incomplete building and cannot be safely occupied. (4493)
Separating a construction project in multiple permits (staging) for the construction of a project shall not be considered phasing and shall not trigger the assessment of a phasing fee premium. Refer to Section 4-1-8 (L) for information on fee calculations for phased projects. (4493, 4807)
6. Foundation Permits. The Building Safety Director is authorized to issue a permit for the construction of foundations or any other part of a building or structure before the construction documents for the whole building or structure have been submitted, provided adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying with pertinent requirements of this Chapter, the technical codes and the Mesa Zoning Code. The holder of a permit for the foundation or other parts of a building or structure shall proceed with the construction operation at the holder's own risk and without assurance that a permit for the entire structure will be granted. The granting of foundation permits is a special service that will result in an increase in the fees charged as established in the latest Schedule of Fees and Charges. (4493, 4579, 4807)
7. Expedited Plan Review. For projects on which the owner requests "expedited" or "super-expedited" plan review services (faster than normal turnaround times), and the Building Safety Director agrees to provide such services either in-house or through the use of an outside plan review contractor, the building permit shall be subjected to an additional premium fee as established in the latest Schedule of Fees and Charges. At the time of application, the owner shall request the expedited services and shall pay an additional expedited permit application deposit equal to 100% of the permit application deposit. The Building Safety Director will provide the plan review services needed for the initial review and up to two subsequent reviews within the City's stated plan review turnaround times for expedited projects, or as otherwise agreed. The balance of the expedited premium shall be paid prior to the issuance of the permits. If for any reason the permit is not issued, the entire deposit is forfeited. In the event that the City fails to provide the requested expedited or super-expedited services within the City's stated plan review turnaround times, the expedited or super expedited premium is waived and the premium portion of the deposit will be refunded in accordance with Section 4-1-8(W). (4493, 4579, 4807)
The total expedited or super-expedited premium shall not be prorated even in the event that some of the plan review submissions for a project are not requested to be expedited. If only one submission is requested to be expedited or super-expedited for that project, the total premium fee shall be charged. (4493, 4807)
(L) Annual Facilities Permit Plan Reviews. Plans, drawings, diagrams, and/or other data describing the work to be performed shall be provided for review at the Qualified Facility. When such plans are required to be prepared by a registered architect or engineer or are of a nature that is too complex for on-site review, the Building Safety Director may choose to perform the plan review at a Building Safety Service Center. (4242)
(M) Validity of Permit. The issuance or granting of a permit shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this Chapter, the technical codes, or of any other ordinance of the jurisdiction. Permits presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this Chapter, the technical codes, or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid. The issuance of a permit based on construction documents and other data shall not prevent the Building Safety Director from requiring the correction of errors in the permit documents or in the construction. The Building Safety Director is also authorized to prevent occupancy or use of a structure where in violation of this Chapter, the technical codes, or of any other ordinances of this jurisdiction. Work shall be installed in accordance with the approved construction documents, and any changes made during construction that are not in compliance with the approved construction documents shall be resubmitted for approval as an amended set of construction documents. (4242)
In addition, an Annual Facilities Permit shall be valid only for the time period the named agent remains in the employ of the Qualified Facility in an active capacity. If the named agent should leave the employ, the Qualified Facility shall notify the Building Safety Director within seven (7) calendar days. The Qualified Facility shall obtain a replacement agent within forty-five (45) days of such notification. If, within the prescribed period, the Building Safety Director is not provided with information that a new agent has been obtained, the Annual Facilities Permit will be deemed suspended until such agent is obtained. The acceptance of the new agent shall be subject to the approval of the Building Safety Director. (4242)
(N) Expiration of Permit. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within one hundred eighty (180) days after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is declared suspended or abandoned by the owner for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days after the date the work is commenced, or if the Building Safety Director declares the permit suspended or abandoned after the expiration of one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of permit issuance. When requested by the permit holder within one hundred eighty (180) days after the expiration of the permit, the Building Safety Director is authorized to grant one (1) or more extensions of time, for periods not more than one hundred eighty (180) days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. Such extension, when granted, shall be in writing. (4242)
Refunds, if applicable, shall be in accordance with section 4-1-4(G). The fee for extending an expired permit shall be as established in the latest Schedule of Fees and Charges. (4493, 4579)
(O) Suspension or Revocation. The Building Safety Director is authorized to suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this Chapter wherever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect, inaccurate, or incomplete information, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this Chapter, the technical codes, or of any other ordinances of this jurisdiction, including, upon notification by the Tax Collector or other City official, delinquencies in the payment of privilege and excise taxes levied pursuant to the provisions of Title 5, Chapter 10, of the Mesa City Code or delinquencies in the payment of any other accounts owed to the City of Mesa. (4242, 4579)
(P) Suspension or Revocation of Annual Facilities Permit. The Building Safety Director may suspend or revoke an Annual Facilities Permit when the Qualified Facility fails to comply with any of the Annual Facilities Permit responsibilities or there exists a willful violation of any provisions of this Chapter. Violations that may result in annual permit revocation include, but are not limited to, one (1) or more of the following: (4242)
1. Performing construction work without an agent as required. (4242)
2. Performing construction work without the agent's knowledge or consent. (4242)
3. Concealing work without inspection approval or authorization. (4242)
4. Refusal to uncover concealed work. (4242)
5. Construction or installing work contrary to inspection orders. (4242)
6. Failure to report all work done under authority of the annual permit. (4242)
7. Refusal to eliminate unsafe hazards as required in this Chapter. (4242)
If the violation involves work performed, a separate permit as required under Section 4-1-4(A) shall be required. Such permit is subject to regular permit fees and an investigation fee as prescribed in Section 4-1-8. (4242)
An Annual Facilities Permit may be reinstated after all violations have been remedied to the satisfaction of the Building Safety Director. Reinstatement of an annual permit having been revoked requires payment of a new Annual Facilities Permit fee. (4242)
When the Building Safety Director suspends or revokes the Annual Facilities Permit, the Qualified Facility may appeal the decision in accordance with Chapter 2-11 of the Mesa City Code. (4242)
(Q) Placement of Permit. The building permit or copy thereof shall be kept on the site of the work until the completion of the project. (4242)
(R) Responsibility. It shall be the duty of every person who performs work for the installation or repair of building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems, for which this Chapter or the technical codes are applicable, to comply with this Chapter and the technical codes. (4242)
(S) Digital/Electronic Drawing Submission. It shall be the responsibility of every permit holder to provide a digital file copy of the permit drawings as required in Section 7-2-3 to the Fire Department through the Building Safety Division prior to the issuance of the permit by the Building Safety Director. Such digital files shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section 7-2-3 as determined by the Fire Marshal, except drawings for permits related to R-3, R-4, and R-5 occupancies, and accessory structures located on the same lot as an R-3, R-4 or R-5 occupancy. (4579, 4807)
(T) Required Operational Permits. The Fire Code Official is authorized to issue operational permits as set forth in Title 7, Chapter 2, Mesa Fire Code. (4634)
(U) Permit-by-Inspection Program. The permit-by-inspection program (PBI) is a voluntary alternative to the standard Building Safety plan review and permit issuance processes for simple projects of certain occupancies and degree of complexity. P-B-I is intended to provide a simplified approach to permit review and issuance in which Building Safety Inspectors review permit applications and attached submittals and approve the issuance of the permit. The owner can choose to utilize this program or the standard approach, subject to acceptance of the Building Safety Director. The inspector then performs the required inspections as the work progresses on that permit. (4807)
1. Eligible projects. Projects eligible for consideration under the P-B-I shall comply with all of the following limitations:
A. Tenant improvement or tenant completion permits involving Group B (Business), Group M (Mercantile), or Group S (Storage) occupancies; (4807)
B. Not involving a change of occupancy, except changes between Group B and Group M occupancies; (4807)
C. Not more than 10,000 square feet in floor area; (4807)
D. Not involving high piled storage or hazardous materials; and (4807)
E. Not requiring additional zoning approvals. (4807)
2. Exceptions. The Building Safety Director may accept projects for P-B-I consideration that do not comply with all of the eligible requirements under Subparagraph (T)1 above including remodeling or addition permits for Group R-5 occupancies. (4807)
3. Projects shall comply with all other requirements of Section 4-1-4. (4807)
(Ord. No. 5685, § 2, 3-21-22)
