Permit Requirements Vary by City
If you're planning to replace your roof, you may wonder whether you need to secure a permit. You may already know that many building and construction projects require permits, such as when building an addition to your home or performing extensive electrical work. But what about roofing?
In some cases, you will need to acquire a permit for your roofing project, but you won't in others. For example, if you perform major construction to your roof or install a completely new roof, including a roofing deck, you will most likely need a permit. It's also important to note that permit requirements generally vary by city and/or county.
Phoenix Permit Requirements
In Phoenix, many home repairs and remodeling projects will require permits. However, not all roof replacements need a permit. According to Phoenix Building Construction Code (PBCC) Section 105.2.1 Building 2215705, reroofing projects that use the same type of materials as the original roof and which do not have more than two layers of asphalt shingles applied over an existing asphalt shingle roof will not require a permit.
It is important to note that according to the City of Phoenix, some roof replacements will require a permit, and it is recommended that you call and confirm this before beginning your project.
Tucson Permit Requirements
In Tuscon, most residential projects require a permit and inspections. However, if you are making a roof repair or replacement, you generally do not need a permit, provided that the replacement is "like for like." That being said, if you are replacing roof sheathing or a roof deck, you must secure a building permit. Additionally, if you live in one of Tucson's Historic Preservation Zones (HPZs), you must get a permit and submit a Historical Preservation Design Review for any development.
Review the City of Tucson's website for more information on their building permit exemptions.
Our General Roof Permit Recommendations
While specific regulations can vary by city and county, you will generally need a permit to perform any kind of major construction or structural work on your home, including some roof replacements. Because the consequences of not securing appropriate permits are significant, we always recommend that you confirm what permits are required before beginning your project.
Consequences of performing unpermitted work can include:
- A citation from the city
- Fines and possible court costs
- Additional service fees for obtaining a permit after the fact
- Violation of homeowners insurance
- Problems selling your home
Additionally, if you perform unpermitted work on your roof (or home) and the city finds out, you may be required to undo all of the unpermitted work. This means you will have to acquire a permit and pay to have the job done a second time, often paying for additional materials. If this happens with a roofing project, it can be astronomically expensive to undo and redo work because of a permitting issue.
We Can Help You With Permitting
At Lyons Roofing, we know how important proper permitting is, and we know that many of our customers have never had to get permits before. But, you don't have to worry! We can help you determine if a permit is required for the work you want to have done. Before beginning work, our roofers will make sure everything is in order and ready to go.
Have more questions about roof replacement permitting requirements? Reach out to Lyons Roofing. We have been installing and replacing roofing across the Phoenix and Tuscon areas for years, and we can answer all your questions.
