Bolthole Index

Maricopa County, Arizona

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

The Town of Paradise Valley, Arizona requires a building permit for any structure over 8 inches high that needs a fixed location on the ground, including single-family homes and guest houses1. The town adopts its own zoning ordinance2. Septic permits are handled by Maricopa County Environmental Services on behalf of the state, not by the town3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for structures over 8 inches high on a fixed location; applications are electronic14
Zoning
Town of Paradise Valley zoning ordinance with district tables25
Septic
Permit required; issued by Maricopa County on ADEQ's behalf63
RV living
Limited: under 180 consecutive days, or licensed and highway-ready, or meeting floodplain rules7
Camping on private land
Three or fewer consecutive nights, with owner consent and out of view8
Building height
24 feet on lots under 3 acres; 30 feet on lots of 4 acres or more9
Floodplain
Development permit required in a Special Flood Hazard Area10

Who to call

Building permits

Town of Paradise Valley permitting office

Building permits, plan submittals through the electronic Citizen Portal, and general permitting questions inside town limits

480-348-3692

[email protected]

6401 E Lincoln Drive Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

Septic permits

Maricopa County Environmental Services - Onsite Wastewater Program

Septic applications, construction authorizations and final inspections, issued on ADEQ's behalf

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 Paradise Valley means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Paradise Valley, Arizona?

Yes. The Town of Paradise Valley requires a building permit application for any structure built over 8 inches high that needs a fixed location on the ground, and the town lists single-family residences and guest houses among them1. A separate application is required for each type of structure1. The town adopted the 2015 International Building Code with its own amendments11. Permitted work is inspected, and you need a valid permit number to schedule an inspection12. We could not confirm a town owner-builder exemption, so ask the permit office before assuming you can pull your own permit.

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

The town's own permitting office issues building permits inside Paradise Valley13. All permit applications must be submitted electronically through the town's Citizen Portal, where you can also track status and upload documents4. Call 480-348-3692 or email [email protected] for permitting questions13. Depending on scope, expect to supply site plans, sewer or septic verification and, for a single-family residence, a grading and drainage plan sealed by an Arizona civil engineer4. Maricopa County's planning and permitting offices serve unincorporated land, not addresses inside the town.

Does Paradise Valley have zoning, and what does it mean for height and setbacks?

Yes. The Town Code contains a zoning ordinance with district-specific regulations2, published in Table 1001-A1, Table 1001-A2 and Table 1001B5. Rules differ by district. Maximum height for a primary building is 24 feet on lots under 3 acres, 26 feet on lots of 3 acres to under 4 acres, and 30 feet on lots of 4 acres or more9. Front setbacks run 40 feet in R-35, R-35A and R-18, 35 feet in R-18A and 20 feet in R-1014. Side setbacks depend on height and stories14. Subdivision plats and lot splits go to the Planning Commission15. We could not confirm the town's lot-coverage, accessory-dwelling or tiny-home rules; ask the town planning staff.

How do septic permits work in Paradise Valley?

The state environmental agency, ADEQ, has delegated septic permit issuance to Arizona's counties, so Maricopa County Environmental Services issues septic permits for Paradise Valley addresses3. The county requires applications for new septic systems, residential remodels of homes with septic systems and alterations to existing systems6. Many properties in town are on septic rather than sewer, and the town has two sewer providers, the City of Phoenix and the City of Scottsdale, depending on where you live16. When a home on septic is resold, Arizona's statewide program requires a seller inspection by a certified inspector within six months of transfer, and the buyer must file a Notice of Transfer within 15 calendar days17. Contact the county program at 602-506-666618. We could not confirm a rule on private wells.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Paradise Valley?

Only in limited ways. Under the town's floodplain standards, an RV placed on site must be on site fewer than 180 consecutive days, or be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or meet the floodplain permit and elevation requirements7. Camping on private residential property is limited to three or fewer consecutive nights, with the owner's consent, no payment, and out of view from any street8. We could not confirm any rule that addresses tiny-home occupancy; ask the town permit office before buying. Short-term rentals need a town permit, and rentals over 30 consecutive days do not19.

Building a home in Paradise Valley: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm the zoning district and its height and setback limits in the town's zoning tables5.
  2. Check whether the parcel is on sewer or septic, and which provider serves it16.
  3. If septic, apply to Maricopa County Environmental Services6.
  4. Check the town's floodplain rules, since a permit is required before development in a flood hazard area10.
  5. Submit the building permit application electronically through the Citizen Portal4.
  6. Schedule inspections with your permit number12.

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

Septic permits come from Maricopa County, not the town3. For land outside town limits, the county's own rules apply; see the Maricopa County page. The county zoning ordinance covers only unincorporated land20. Before buying, ask the town about driveway access and permit fees, which we could not confirm. Maricopa County's effective property tax rate is 0.5%21.

Watch-outs

  • Search results for Maricopa County permits describe unincorporated land; inside Paradise Valley, the town's own office issues building permits1.
  • A property in a Special Flood Hazard Area needs a floodplain development permit before construction begins10.
  • We could not confirm the town's current permit fee schedule, owner-builder rules or tiny-home rules; call the town permit office at 480-348-369213.

Sources

  1. Permits and Handouts (Town of Paradise Valley), quoted and re-checked
  2. Section 1001. District Regulations (Town of Paradise Valley), quoted and re-checked
  3. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facility (Town of Paradise Valley), quoted and re-checked
  4. Permits and Handouts (Town of Paradise Valley), quoted and re-checked
  5. Section 1001. District Regulations (Town of Paradise Valley), quoted and re-checked
  6. Onsite Wastewater (Septic) Program Guidance for Homeowners (Town of Paradise Valley), quoted and re-checked
  7. Section 5-11-27. Standards for Recreational Vehicles (Town of Paradise Valley), quoted and re-checked
  8. library.municode.com (Town of Paradise Valley), quoted and re-checked
  9. Section 1001. District Regulations (Town of Paradise Valley), quoted and re-checked
  10. Section 5-1-2. Amendments (Town of Paradise Valley), quoted and re-checked
  11. Section 5-1-2. Amendments (Town of Paradise Valley), quoted and re-checked
  12. Inspection Scheduling & Permitting (Town of Paradise Valley), quoted and re-checked
  13. Town of Paradise Valley permitting office (paradisevalleyaz.gov)
  14. Section 1001. District Regulations (Town of Paradise Valley), quoted and re-checked
  15. Planning Commission (Town of Paradise Valley), quoted and re-checked
  16. Utility Services (Town of Paradise Valley), quoted and re-checked
  17. Onsite Wastewater Inspection and Notice of Transfer (Town of Paradise Valley), quoted and re-checked
  18. Maricopa County Environmental Services - Onsite Wastewater Program (swm.maricopa.gov)
  19. Apply for a Short-Term Rental Permit (Town of Paradise Valley), quoted and re-checked
  20. Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance Update, quoted and re-checked
  21. 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 Paradise Valley

Town of Paradise Valley’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Structures inside Paradise Valley town constructed or erected over 8 inches that require a fixed location on the ground, including single-family residences and guest houses.

    • A separate application is required for each type of structure.
    • The Town Code amendment identifies structures not over 8 inches high as permit-exempt work.

    height threshold: > 8 inches (structures not over 8 inches high are exempt under the cited amendment)

    “The Building Permit application should be used for any structure constructed or erected over 8”, the use of which requires a fixed location on the ground.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction inside Paradise Valley town limits.

    • The Town amended the adopted 2015 International Building Code; the amendments include administrative provisions and permit rules.

    building code edition: 2015 International Building Code (as amended by Town Code Section 5-1-2)

    “The 2015 International Building Code Shall Be Amended as Follows:”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted construction inside Paradise Valley town limits.

    • Inspection scheduling requires a valid permit number and inspection number.
    • Requests before 3 p.m. are performed the next business day after a confirmation number is issued.
    • Failure to cancel timely may result in a re-inspection fee.
    “You may also schedule inspections and view results via our website. You must have a valid permit number to use both the telephone and web systems. Both systems use inspection numbers, which can be obtained here (PDF) for easy reference.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Paradise Valley town limits.

    • The Town Code contains an Appendix A Zoning Ordinance and district-specific regulations.
    “District height, area and other regulations are shown on Table 1001-A1, 1001-A2, and 1001B which follows.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts inside Paradise Valley town limits.

    • District regulations are published in Table 1001-A1, Table 1001-A2, and Table 1001B.
    • The reviewed excerpt does not enumerate every district or zoning-map boundary.

    published district regulation tables: Table 1001-A1, Table 1001-A2, and Table 1001B

    “District height, area and other regulations are shown on Table 1001-A1, 1001-A2, and 1001B which follows.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles placed on land inside Paradise Valley town limits, including the floodplain provisions covered by Section 5-11-27.

    • The RV must satisfy at least one listed condition: fewer than 180 consecutive days; fully licensed and ready for highway use; or the floodplain-development permit and manufactured-home elevation and anchoring requirements.
    • Ready for highway use requires the vehicle to be on wheels or its jacking system, attached only by quick-disconnect utilities and security devices, and without permanently attached additions.

    maximum consecutive days under first option: < 180 days (the alternative licensing/permit options remain available)

    “All recreational vehicles placed on site will either: A. Be on site for fewer than one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days. B. Be fully licensed and ready for highway use.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping on private residential property inside Paradise Valley town limits.

    • Owner consent is required.
    • Camping is limited to three or fewer consecutive nights.
    • The activity may not violate Town Code or regulations.
    • No fee or other consideration may be paid.
    • Camping must be completely obscured from view from any public or private street.
    • Camping on Town-controlled public property is separately prohibited unless expressly permitted.

    maximum private-property camping duration: <= 3 consecutive nights (all listed conditions must be met)

    “Camping on private residential property, so long as all of the following conditions are met: 1. The property owner consents to the camping, and the camping is limited to three (3) or fewer consecutive nights.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured homes placed or substantially improved inside a Special Flood Hazard Area in Paradise Valley town limits.

    • The home must be elevated to the Regulatory Flood Elevation.
    • The home must be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system.
    • After installation, a registered professional engineer or surveyor must certify compliance to the Floodplain Administrator.
    • Other applicable state and local anchoring requirements also apply.
    “All manufactured homes that are placed or substantially improved shall: A. Be elevated to conform to Section 5-11-22 (C) so that the bottom of the structural frame or the lowest point of any attached appliances, whichever is lower, is at or above the Regulatory Flood Elevation; and B. Be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist flotation, collapse or lateral movement.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Residential properties inside Paradise Valley town limits; sewer availability and provider depend on location.

    • The Town has two sewer providers: City of Phoenix Water Services and Town of Paradise Valley sewer operated and maintained by City of Scottsdale.
    • Many Town properties use septic rather than sewer.
    • The reviewed source did not state a universal distance or availability threshold requiring connection.
    “there are two sewer providers within the town of paradise valley, including the city of phoenix water services and the town of paradise valley (operated and maintained by the city of scottsdale). where you live within the town would determine your sewer provider.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision plats and lot splits inside Paradise Valley town limits.

    • The Planning Commission reviews subdivision plats and lot splits; the page does not state that the Commission is the final approving authority for every subdivision matter.
    “Applications include: Special Use Permit review and recommendation to Council [...] Subdivision plats, lot splits [...] General Plan amendment review and recommendation to Council [...] Zoning Code amendment review and recommendation to Council”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction or development, including placement of manufactured homes, within a Special Flood Hazard Area inside Paradise Valley town limits.

    • A permit must be obtained before construction or development begins.
    • The application may require scaled plans, elevations, drainage facilities, base-flood data for subdivision proposals or development greater than 50 lots or 5 acres, and a description of watercourse alteration or relocation.

    subdivision/development threshold for required base flood elevation data: > 50 lots (or development greater than 5 acres)

    “A permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins, including placement of manufactured homes, within any SFHA established in Section 5-11-7.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals inside Paradise Valley town limits.

    • Before offering or renting an STR, the owner or representative must register it with the Town, obtain a valid Town permit, and obtain a valid transaction privilege tax license.
    • The application requires specified owner, property, responsible representative, emergency-contact, and telephone information.
    • Maricopa County Assessor registration and state TPT licensing are also required.
    • The Town states that an application is administratively reviewed and a permit issued within 7 days if information is complete and accurate.
    • Rentals over 30 consecutive days do not require a Town rental permit.

    permit review time: 7 days (if all information is provided and accurate) · long-term rental threshold: > 30 consecutive days (no Town rental permit required)

    “application will be administratively reviewed by the town of paradise valley and a permit issued within 7 days if all information is provided and is accurate.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Town permit applications inside Paradise Valley town limits.

    • All permit applications must be submitted electronically.
    • Applications are submitted through the Citizen Portal; applicants may track status and upload documents there.
    • Additional documents depend on scope, including site plans, sewer/septic verification, grading and drainage plans, and possible ADEQ notice of intent.
    “All permit applications must be submitted electronically. Please follow the instructions from the list below. [...] Other: Additional documents may be required based on scope of work: [...] Sewer Septic Verification [...] Grading and Drainage Plan sealed by a Civil Engineer registered in AZ will be required on a SFR or where 999 sf or more of impervious area is added or if the value of the work is greater than $500,000.”

Rules another office applies inside Town of Paradise Valley

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

  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Primary buildings in the R-175, R-43, R-35, R-35A, R-18, R-18A, and R-10 districts.

    • The R-175 side-yard requirement depends on building height and stories.
    • The R-35/R-35A second-story and over-24-foot portions require 40-foot side setbacks.
    • R-10 yards may instead follow a previously recorded plat or conditions existing at annexation, subject to the table's stated exceptions.

    R-175/R-43 front setback: 40 ft (R-175 lots without a primary building built before June 13, 1991 require 100 ft) · R-35/R-35A front setback: 40 ft · R-18 front setback: 40 ft · R-18A front setback: 35 ft · R-10 front setback: 20 ft (plat or annexation exceptions in footnote 4)

    “side yards are a minimum of 40 feet for lots with buildings two (2) stories or a height greater than 24 feet. on lots with buildings of one story and a height not greater than 24 feet, the minimum side yard is 20 feet.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Primary buildings on residential lots inside Paradise Valley town limits.

    • Lots less than 3 acres have a 24-foot maximum excluding chimneys.
    • Lots 3 acres or greater but less than 4 acres have a 26-foot maximum excluding chimneys.
    • Lots 4 acres or greater have a 30-foot maximum including chimneys.
    • Additional R-43 and R-175 non-hillside imaginary-plane restrictions apply.

    maximum height for lots less than 3 acres: 24 ft (chimneys excluded) · maximum height for lots 3 to less than 4 acres: 26 ft (chimneys excluded) · maximum height for lots 4 acres or greater: 30 ft (chimneys included)

    “lot size, acre maximum building height, feet less than 3 24 not including chimneys 3 or greater but less than 4 26 not including chimneys 4 or greater 30 including chimneys”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater systems serving property inside Paradise Valley town limits.

    • ADEQ retains statewide authority but delegates permit issuance to counties.
    • Maricopa County Environmental Services administers the local septic review and approval process in Maricopa County.
    • The Town page identifies Maricopa County Environment Services Department as the septic-system contact.
    “ADEQ has authority for issuing permits for OWTFs and has delegated this authority to each of the 15 counties, which issue permits on behalf of ADEQ.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New septic systems, septic-system residential remodels, and alterations to existing septic systems serving property inside Paradise Valley town limits.

    • MCESD requires applications for new septic systems, residential remodels to homes with septic systems, and alterations to existing septic systems.
    • New systems proceed through application, construction authorization, and discharge authorization or authorization to backfill.
    “MCESD requires applications for new septic systems, residential remodels to homes with septic systems, and alterations to existing septic systems.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Property inside Paradise Valley town limits using a conventional or alternative septic system when the home is transferred.

    • The inspection is triggered by resale of a home by an owner or with assistance of a real-estate professional.
    • The seller must retain a certified inspector.
    • The inspection must occur within six months from inspection date to transfer date.
    • The buyer must submit a Notice of Transfer within 15 calendar days after transfer and pay the applicable fee.
    • Maricopa County is among the counties using county-specific Notice of Transfer instructions.

    buyer notice deadline: 15 calendar days (after date of property transfer) · inspection timing: 6 months (from inspection date to property transfer)

    “Arizona’s statewide inspection program for onsite wastewater (septic) treatment facilities is triggered by the resale of a home by an owner or with the assistance of a real estate professional.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders undertaking construction inside Paradise Valley town limits.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Construction inside Paradise Valley town limits.
  • Lot coverage — Land inside Paradise Valley town limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Paradise Valley town limits.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling occupancy inside Paradise Valley town limits.
5 more unanswered
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • 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 Paradise Valley publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Maricopa County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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