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Do I need a permit for a concrete driveway, patio or slab in Phoenix?
The short answer
It depends on the project. The City of Phoenix permit brochure lists new or altered driveways in the right-of-way as needing a permit. It says uncovered patio slabs less than 30 inches above ground do not. Changing drainage on your lot does need one. Call Phoenix Planning and Development at 602-262-7811 to confirm.
Last updated October 19, 2026
Driveways
The city's residential permit brochure lists new driveways and changes to existing driveways in the right-of-way as work that needs a permit.
The city's driveway policy for single-family homes adds detail. On roads with roll curb or ribbon curb and gutter, a concrete driveway up to 10.5 feet long in the right-of-way is treated as part of the on-site driveway, and no driveway permit is required. A driveway longer than 10.5 feet in the right-of-way needs a separate driveway permit.
On roads with no sidewalk, curb and gutter, or ribbon curb, the policy says a driveway permit is required.
Patios and slabs
The brochure's list of work that does not need a permit includes uncovered patio slabs or decks less than 30 inches above ground.
A patio cover is different. The city's residential page lists patio covers among the additions that need construction permits.
Other things that can trigger a permit
The brochure also lists a change of drainage conditions on your lot, and alteration of hillside topography or hillside vegetation, as work that needs a permit.
Other Valley cities set their own rules. Ask your own city before you pour.
Key facts
| Driveway in the right-of-way | Permit required for new or altered driveways (city brochure) |
|---|---|
| Concrete driveway, up to 10.5 ft in the right-of-way, with roll curb or ribbon curb and gutter | No driveway permit required (city driveway policy) |
| Uncovered patio slab under 30 inches above ground | No permit needed (city brochure) |
| Change to drainage on your lot | Permit required (city brochure) |
| Phoenix Planning and Development | 602-262-7811 |
More questions
- Does the contractor or the owner get the permit?
- The Arizona Registrar of Contractors says permits are the responsibility of the property owner, and that many contractors include the cost of obtaining them in the contract. Spell out who pulls the permit in the written contract.
- Does Firm Foundations by Jardines pull the permit?
- No. We don't pull permits for the customer. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors says permits are the responsibility of the property owner.
- Does a patio cover need a permit?
- Yes. The City of Phoenix residential page lists patio covers among the remodels and additions that require construction permits.
- What if I live in another Valley city?
- Ask your own city. This page covers only what the City of Phoenix publishes.
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