Bolthole Index

Maricopa County, Arizona

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in the Town of Gilbert, Arizona

Inside the Town of Gilbert, Arizona, building work is regulated under the town's own adopted building code, and only small one-story non-habitable sheds up to 200 square feet are exempt from permits1. Septic systems need approval from both the town's building official and Maricopa County Environmental Services, and the town grants it only where sewer service is unavailable2. Land outside town limits follows Maricopa County's rules.

At a glance

Building permit
Required in Gilbert, with an exemption for non-habitable one-story sheds up to 200 square feet1
Building code
Town-adopted 2018 International Building Code, as amended by Gilbert3
Septic
Town building official and Maricopa County Environmental Services must both approve; only where sewer is unavailable2
Sewer connection
Required when town sewer service is available, subject to waivers4
Wells
Notice of Intent to Drill filed with the Arizona Department of Water Resources5
RVs
Floodplain rules apply to RVs left on site for 180 consecutive days or more6
Floodplain
Development in special flood-hazard areas needs a floodplain permit7

Who to call

Building permits

Town of Gilbert Development Services

Planning, plan review and building inspection inside Gilbert town limits

(480) 503-6700

90 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85296

Septic permits

Maricopa County Environmental Services - Onsite Wastewater Program

County approval of onsite wastewater (septic) systems, required in addition to the town's approval

602-506-6666

[email protected]

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 16, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Town of Gilbert means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Gilbert, Arizona?

Yes, in almost every case. Gilbert has adopted the 2018 International Building Code with its own amendments, and the town code lists permit exemptions narrowly3. The exemption most landowners will use covers one-story detached non-habitable accessory structures with a floor area of no more than 200 square feet; it does not excuse work that violates the code or other laws1.

A house, an addition or an accessory dwelling is not a non-habitable shed, so plan on a permit for each. Maricopa County's separate permit rules cover only unincorporated land, not addresses inside Gilbert; see the Maricopa County page if your parcel is outside town limits.

Who issues building permits in Gilbert, and how do you reach them?

Gilbert Development Services handles planning, plan review and inspection for the town, at 90 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85296, phone (480) 503-6700 for planning and (480) 503-6728 for plan review and inspection8. The town's code assigns sewer-connection permits to the building official and right-of-way encroachment permits to the town engineer9.

We could not confirm the full building-permit application steps, fees or the inspection schedule from Gilbert's published code, so ask Development Services for the current checklist and fee schedule before you budget.

Does Gilbert have zoning, and what does it mean for RVs, tiny homes and setbacks?

Gilbert publishes a Land Development Code through Development Services, which is where zoning districts and development standards live8. We could not confirm the district list, minimum lot sizes, setbacks, height limits or any tiny-home rule from the town's code, so call Planning at the number above and give them the parcel address before you rely on any assumption.

Maricopa County's zoning districts, such as RU-43 or R1-18, apply only to unincorporated land and do not govern a lot inside Gilbert10.

How do septic permits work inside Gilbert?

Septic in Gilbert is a two-agency approval: building an on-site septic system requires the approval of both the town's building official and the Maricopa County Department of Environmental Services2. The town will not approve a septic system unless the town engineer determines that sewer service is not available11.

Sewer is treated as available for a lot in an existing subdivision when mains are within 330 feet of the property line4. A waiver may apply when connecting would cost more than 150% of an adequately designed septic system, and the town engineer acts on a written request within 30 days4. For the county side, contact the Onsite Wastewater Program at 602-506-6666 or [email protected]12.

Can you live in an RV on your land in Gilbert?

Gilbert's floodplain rules address recreational vehicles directly: an RV must be on site fewer than 180 consecutive days, or be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or meet the floodplain permit, elevation and anchoring requirements6. Ready for highway use means wheels or a jacking system, quick-disconnect utilities and security devices, and no permanently attached additions6.

That is a flood-hazard standard, not a general permission to live in an RV on a residential lot. We could not confirm Gilbert's zoning rule on living in an RV or tiny home, so ask Planning at (480) 503-6700 first8. Camping in public parks and rights-of-way is a separate matter and is prohibited unless the town authorizes it13.

Building a home in Gilbert: the steps, in order

  1. Call Planning at Development Services to confirm zoning, setbacks and lot standards for your parcel8.
  2. Check whether the parcel sits in a special flood-hazard area; development there needs a floodplain permit under the FEMA study Gilbert adopted7.
  3. Ask the town engineer whether sewer is available; if it is, connection is required, subject to waivers4.
  4. If sewer is unavailable, get both town and county septic approval2.
  5. For a well, file a Notice of Intent to Drill with the Arizona Department of Water Resources and use a licensed driller5.
  6. Submit plans to Plan Review & Inspection at (480) 503-6728 and schedule inspections8.

What stays with Maricopa County, and what to check before you buy?

Gilbert decides building permits, zoning and sewer connection inside town limits, while Maricopa County Environmental Services still has to approve any septic system11. Well drilling is notified to the state water agency, not the town5.

Maricopa County's property tax picture is a county-wide figure: the effective rate is about 0.5%14. Confirm the parcel's flood status, sewer availability and zoning with the offices above before closing. For land outside Gilbert's limits, use the Maricopa County guide.

Watch-outs

  • Septic is never the town's decision alone: Maricopa County Environmental Services must also approve, and the town approves only where sewer is unavailable2.
  • A Maricopa County rule for unincorporated land does not apply inside Gilbert, so a county zoning district or lot minimum from a listing may not match the town's rules10.
  • We could not confirm Gilbert's minimum lot sizes, setbacks, height limits, owner-builder rules or permit fees; Development Services at (480) 503-6700 can answer these8.

Sources

  1. Sec. 10-31. Adoption of building code (Town of Gilbert), quoted and re-checked
  2. Sec. 10-312. Connection required; expenses; abatement of cesspools (Town of Gilbert), quoted and re-checked
  3. Sec. 10-31. Adoption of building code (Town of Gilbert), quoted and re-checked
  4. Sec. 10-312. Connection required; expenses; abatement of cesspools (Town of Gilbert), quoted and re-checked
  5. Permitting and Wells Overview (Town of Gilbert), quoted and re-checked
  6. Sec. 34-55. Standards for recreational vehicles (Town of Gilbert), quoted and re-checked
  7. Sec. 34-37. Basis for establishing special flood hazard areas (Town of Gilbert), quoted and re-checked
  8. Town of Gilbert Development Services (gilbertaz.gov)
  9. Sec. 10-312. Connection required; expenses; abatement of cesspools (Town of Gilbert), quoted and re-checked
  10. Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  11. Sec. 10-312. Connection required; expenses; abatement of cesspools (Town of Gilbert), quoted and re-checked
  12. Maricopa County Environmental Services - Onsite Wastewater Program (swm.maricopa.gov)
  13. Sec. 42-292. Prohibited use of public right-of-way (Town of Gilbert), quoted and re-checked
  14. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 16, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Town of Gilbert

Town of Gilbert’s own rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Building work inside Gilbert town limits.

    • Permits are not required for one-story detached non-habitable accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet, subject to the listed exclusions.
    • The exemption does not authorize work violating the code or other laws.

    floor area: <= 200 sq ft (one-story detached non-habitable accessory structure)

    “Permits shall not be required for the following: Building: 1. One-story detached non-habitable accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m 2 )”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Building construction inside Gilbert town limits.

    • 2018 International Building Code adopted with Appendices C, I, and K, as amended by subsection 10-31-3.
    “The "International Building Code, 2018 Edition" published by the International Code Council, Inc., together with its Appendices C, I, and K thereto, as amended by subsection 10-31-3 (collectively "Building Code"), are hereby adopted by reference as if set out at length in the Code of the Town of Gilbert, copies of which shall be filed in the office of the city clerk and kept available for public use and inspection.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles placed on site inside Gilbert town limits, particularly in flood-hazard areas.

    • The RV must be on site fewer than 180 consecutive days, or be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or satisfy the floodplain permit, elevation, and anchoring requirements.
    • Ready for highway use requires wheels or a jacking system, quick-disconnect utilities and security devices, and no permanently attached additions.

    maximum ordinary on-site period: < 180 consecutive days (alternative compliance paths in Sec. 34-55(b)-(c))

    “All recreational vehicles placed on site shall: (a) Be on site for fewer than 180 consecutive days, or (b) Be fully licensed and ready for highway use.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping in public places and public rights-of-way inside Gilbert town limits.

    • Camping in public parks or places is prohibited unless authorized by the town.
    • Special-use or reservation permits may authorize camping or overnight vehicle parking in a park or preserve.
    • Town-sponsored or town-approved camping is excepted.
    • Camping or sleeping in public rights-of-way is unlawful except for physical emergency or medical assistance.
    “No person shall camp in any public park or place, except where specifically authorized by the town.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured homes placed on site or substantially improved inside Gilbert special flood-hazard areas.

    • The home must be elevated to the regulatory flood elevation and securely anchored.
    • A registered professional engineer or surveyor must certify the elevation requirements after installation.
    • This is a floodplain standard, not a townwide occupancy authorization.
    “Be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral movement.”
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    Septic construction inside Gilbert town limits.

    • Gilbert building-official approval is required.
    • Town approval will not be granted unless the town engineer determines sewer service is unavailable.
    “Construction of a septic system shall require the approval of both the building official and Maricopa County Department of Environmental Services. Town approval will not be granted unless the town engineer determines that sewer service is not available.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction of septic systems inside Gilbert town limits.

    • Both Gilbert building-official and Maricopa County Department of Environmental Services approval are required.
    • Town approval requires a town-engineer determination that sewer service is unavailable.
    “Construction of a septic system shall require the approval of both the building official and Maricopa County Department of Environmental Services.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Sanitation inside Gilbert town limits where sewer service is unavailable.

    • A septic system requires both town and county approval.
    • Where sewer service is available, connection is required subject to the code's waivers.
    “Town approval will not be granted unless the town engineer determines that sewer service is not available.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Real property inside Gilbert town limits when town sewer service is available.

    • Existing-subdivision single-family lots: sewer is available when mains are within 330 feet of the property line.
    • A waiver may apply when connection cost exceeds 150% of an adequately designed septic system; written cost justification is required, and the town engineer acts within 30 days, subject to appeal.
    • For new single-family subdivisions of ten or fewer lots, sewer is available within 660 feet; for other new development, within one-half mile.
    • The town engineer may waive or modify the new-development distances for undue hardship and minimal town benefit.
    • Connection expenses are borne by the owner; cesspools, privies, and open or unconnected drains must be abated.

    existing-subdivision sewer-distance threshold: <= 330 feet (cost waiver may apply) · small new single-family subdivision sewer-distance threshold: <= 660 feet (town-engineer hardship waiver) · other new development sewer-distance threshold: <= 0.5 mile (town-engineer hardship waiver) · connection-cost waiver threshold: > 150 percent (cost of construction or replacement of an adequately designed septic system)

    “For single family residential lots in existing subdivisions, sewer service shall be available if sewer pipes or mains are located within 330 feet of the property line.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision proposals and other development inside Gilbert special flood-hazard areas.

    • For proposals greater than 50 lots or five acres, whichever is lesser, special flood-hazard area and base-flood-elevation identification and plan elevation information are required.
    • All subdivision proposals and other development must minimize flood damage, locate utilities to minimize flood damage, and provide adequate drainage.

    threshold: > 50 lots (the rule also applies when the proposal exceeds five acres, whichever is lesser)

    “All new subdivision proposals and other proposed development (including proposals for manufactured home parks and subdivisions), greater than 50 lots or five acres, whichever is the lesser, shall:”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development inside Gilbert special flood-hazard areas.

    • Gilbert adopts the cited FEMA Flood Insurance Study dated October 16, 2013, with accompanying maps and subsequent amendments or revisions.
    • The adopted FIS/FIRM is the minimum area of applicability and may be supplemented by additional studies.
    • Additional standards address subdivision development, utilities, drainage, manufactured homes, and recreational vehicles.

    FIS date: October 16, 2013 (subsequent amendments or revisions also apply)

    “The special flood hazard areas identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in a scientific and engineering report entitled "The Flood Insurance Study (FIS) for Maricopa County, Arizona and Unincorporated Areas" dated October 16, 2013, with accompanying flood insurance rate maps (FIRMS) and all subsequent amendments and/or revisions, are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this article.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals inside Gilbert town limits.

    • The town may suspend a short-term-rental license for up to 12 months after three verified violations within 12 months, excluding specified aesthetic, solid-waste, and vehicle-parking violations unless also a serious public-health or safety threat.
    • A single verified serious violation can also support suspension.
    • Suspension decisions may be appealed under section 14-84.

    maximum suspension period: <= 12 months · violation threshold: >= 3 verified violations in 12 months (listed exclusions apply)

    “The town may initiate an administrative process to suspend a short-term rental license for a period of up to 12 months for any of the following:”
  • Permit processPartial

    Sewer and encroachment permits inside Gilbert town limits.

    • Sewer connections require application and a permit from the building official.
    • Encroachments in public rights-of-way require a permit from the town engineer.
    • Other building-permit process details were not established.
    “It is unlawful for any person to tap or connect or cause to be tapped or connected any service, drain or other pipe with the sewer system of the town or to connect its property to or with any such tap, drain or other pipe connected with said sewer system without first applying for and obtaining a permit from the building official.”

Rules another office applies inside Town of Gilbert

Town of Gilbert does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Well permitRequired

    Drilling, deepening, or modifying a groundwater well inside Gilbert town limits.

    • A Notice of Intent to Drill must be filed with the Arizona Department of Water Resources before drilling, deepening, or modifying a well.
    • The filing requires the appropriate fee.
    • Authority is valid for one year; after that, a new Notice of Intent is required.
    • A licensed well-drilling contractor must perform the work.

    authorization validity: 1 year (new Notice of Intent required afterward)

    “Prior to drilling a new well, or deepening or modifying an existing well, a person must file a Notice of Intent to Drill with the Department.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Town of Gilbert or Maricopa County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions inside Gilbert town limits.
  • Inspections — Building inspections inside Gilbert town limits.
  • Zoning districts — Gilbert zoning districts and district schedules.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size inside Gilbert town limits.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size inside Gilbert town limits.
8 more unanswered
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • Permit fees

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Town of Gilbert publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Maricopa County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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