Bolthole Index

Maricopa County, Arizona

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Tolleson, Arizona

Tolleson, Arizona requires a building permit for new buildings, remodels, additions and property improvements, and the city issues those permits itself1. Tolleson also administers its own zoning districts and zoning code2. Septic is not settled: we could not confirm whether Maricopa County or another office handles septic permits inside city limits, so ask before you plan a system.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new buildings, remodels, additions and improvements1
Zoning
Tolleson runs its own zoning districts and code2
RV as a home
Prohibited as a dwelling in single-family districts; allowed in RVP park districts34
Mobile homes
One per lot in the R1-MH district5
Guest house
One per lot with a City Council use permit6
Certificate of occupancy
Required before a one- or two-family dwelling is occupied7
Septic
Not confirmed inside city limits; ask the county Onsite Wastewater Program8

Who to call

Building permits

City of Tolleson, Development Services (Civic Center)

Building permits, plan review, inspections and zoning questions inside Tolleson city limits

623-936-7111

[email protected]

9055 W. Van Buren Street, Tolleson, AZ 85353

Septic permits

Maricopa County Environmental Services - Onsite Wastewater Program

Onsite wastewater (septic) applications for Maricopa County; ask whether it covers a lot inside Tolleson

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

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Do you need a building permit in Tolleson, Arizona?

Yes. Tolleson requires building permits for all new buildings, remodeling, additions to a home or business, and improvements to a property1. The homeowner or a licensed contractor must apply, and work started without a permit can bring extra charges and fines1. Permit fees are based on the cost of construction9.

Tolleson lists its current construction codes as the 2024 International Building, Residential, Plumbing and Mechanical codes, among others, though its development handbook still states 2018 editions, so confirm the edition with the city before filing10. These are the city's rules, not Maricopa County's; the county's building code covers only unincorporated land11.

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

The City of Tolleson issues building permits inside city limits, through its Development Services staff at the Civic Center, 9055 W. Van Buren Street9. Call 623-936-7111 or email [email protected]9. Do not go to the Maricopa County Planning & Development counter in Phoenix for a lot inside Tolleson; that office serves unincorporated Maricopa County11.

Inspections happen during construction. All inspections must be approved by Building, Engineering and Fire before a certificate of occupancy is issued12. No one- or two-family dwelling may be occupied until the City Building Official issues that certificate7.

Does Tolleson have zoning, and what does it mean for RVs and mobile homes?

Tolleson administers its own zoning districts and zoning code2. Travel trailers and recreational vehicles are prohibited as dwelling units in all single-family residential districts3. The RVP district is the exception: it permits RV parks, with one recreation vehicle, travel trailer or tent per park space4.

Mobile homes are allowed in the R1-MH district, where one mobile home per lot stands in place of a site-built house5. One guest house per lot is possible in single-family districts with a use permit approved by the Tolleson City Council, and it cannot be used for compensation6. We could not confirm any rule specific to tiny homes or a minimum dwelling size, so ask Development Services.

What lot, height and coverage limits apply in Tolleson?

Standards depend on the district. In the R-2 district, building lot coverage is capped at 40%, or 45% for property zoned R-2 before 1987, and coverage counts slabs, patios, driveways, walkways and storage sheds up to 120 square feet13. R-2 allows buildings up to 40 feet and 3 stories, while R-MHP and RVP districts allow 15 feet14.

Building permits also depend on the lot's legal status: a permit cannot be issued for a lot that is not a lot of record, or a re-subdivided lot in an approved and recorded subdivision, without Planning and Zoning Commission approval15.

How do septic permits work inside Tolleson?

We could not confirm who issues septic permits inside Tolleson city limits. Maricopa County Environmental Services publishes onsite wastewater applications and inspections for unincorporated land, but we did not find that its authority extends into the incorporated city. We also could not confirm whether a new home in Tolleson must connect to public water or sewer.

Before you plan a septic system on a Tolleson lot, call Tolleson Development Services at 623-936-71119, and then the county Onsite Wastewater Program at 602-506-6666 or [email protected]8.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Tolleson?

Not on an ordinary residential lot. Tolleson prohibits RVs and travel trailers as dwelling units in single-family districts3, and the city bans camping on public streets, parks and other public grounds16. An RV can serve as a home only in a permitted RVP recreational vehicle park space4. The opened city sources did not define tiny homes as a separate use, so a tiny home would need to meet the building permit and zoning rules above.

Building a home in Tolleson: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm your lot's zoning district and that it is a lot of record with Development Services at 623-936-7111915.
  2. Apply for a building permit as the homeowner or through a licensed contractor1.
  3. Pay permit fees, which are based on the cost of construction9.
  4. Settle septic or sewer with the city and county offices before design8.
  5. Pass inspections during construction12.
  6. Get the certificate of occupancy before moving in7.

Watch-outs

  • Tolleson's web page lists 2024 construction codes while its development handbook states 2018 codes, so confirm the edition with Development Services before filing10.
  • We could not confirm whether an owner-builder exemption from contractor licensing applies to a permit inside Tolleson; ask Development Services, since the city says the homeowner or a licensed contractor must apply1.
  • Maricopa County's rules cover unincorporated land only; for a parcel outside Tolleson city limits, see the Maricopa County page11.

Sources

  1. Permits & Construction (Tolleson), quoted and re-checked
  2. § 12-4-20 - Single-Family Residential Districts (Tolleson), quoted and re-checked
  3. § 12-4-20 - Single-Family Residential Districts (Tolleson), quoted and re-checked
  4. § 12-4-21 - Multi-Family Residential, Mobile Home Park, and Recreation Vehicle Park Districts (Tolleson), quoted and re-checked
  5. § 12-4-20 - Single-Family Residential Districts (Tolleson), quoted and re-checked
  6. § 12-4-20 - Single-Family Residential Districts (Tolleson), quoted and re-checked
  7. library.municode.com (Tolleson), quoted and re-checked
  8. Maricopa County Environmental Services - Onsite Wastewater Program (swm.maricopa.gov)
  9. City of Tolleson, Development Services (Civic Center) (tolleson.az.gov)
  10. Development Procedures (Tolleson), quoted and re-checked
  11. Permitting Services, quoted and re-checked
  12. tolleson.az.gov (Tolleson), quoted and re-checked
  13. § 12-4-21 - Multi-Family Residential, Mobile Home Park, and Recreation Vehicle Park Districts (Tolleson), quoted and re-checked
  14. § 12-4-21 - Multi-Family Residential, Mobile Home Park, and Recreation Vehicle Park Districts (Tolleson), quoted and re-checked
  15. § 12-2-93 - Issuance of Building Permits (Tolleson), quoted and re-checked
  16. § 7-1-21 - Prohibiting Camping (Tolleson), quoted and re-checked

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 Tolleson

Tolleson’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New buildings, remodeling, additions, and property improvements inside Tolleson city limits.

    • The homeowner or a licensed contractor must apply.
    • Work started without a permit may result in extra charges and fines.
    • The development handbook requires the permit before work begins for specified construction, alteration, repair, demolition, occupancy-change, electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work.
    “Permits are required for all new buildings, remodeling, additions to your home or business, and improvements to your property. The homeowner and/or a licensed contractor must apply for a building permit. Work that is started without a permit can result in extra charges and fines levied against you.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Construction inside Tolleson city limits.

    • The city webpage also lists newer 2024 codes, while the opened development handbook states the 2018 codes; verify the applicable edition with the City before filing.
    “CITY of TOLLESON CURRENT CONSTRUCTION CODES: 2024 IBC, 2024 IMC, 2024 IPC, 2024 IRC, 2024 IFC, 2024 IFGC, 2024 IECC, 2024 IEBC, 2023 NEC, 2024 IPMC, 2010 ADA Standards”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted construction inside Tolleson city limits.

    • The project flow requires inspections during construction.
    • All inspections must be approved by Building, Engineering, and Fire before certificate of occupancy issuance.
    “Inspection during construction Project completed – all inspections Approved by Bldg., Eng., and Fire Issuance of Certificate of Occupancy Permit closed”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    One- and two-family dwellings and occupancy changes inside Tolleson city limits.

    • No one- or two-family dwelling may be used or occupied, and no occupancy classification may be changed, until the City Building Official issues a certificate of occupancy under the adopted International Residential Code.
    “no structure classified as One- and Two-Family Dwellings, as defined in the most recent version of the International Residential Code adopted by the city pursuant to § 12-1-20 , shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a structure or portion thereof shall be made, until the City Building Official has issued a certificate of occupancy therefor pursuant to those provisions of the International Residential Code governing the issuance of certificates of occupancy.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Tolleson city limits; the city administers its own zoning districts and zoning code.

    “The single-family residential districts are comprised of the following use districts:”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    R-2 district inside Tolleson city limits.

    • For property zoned R-2 before 1987, maximum lot coverage is 45% rather than 40%.
    • Coverage includes slabs on grade, patios, gazebos, storage sheds not over 120 square feet, driveways, and walkways.

    maximum lot coverage: 40 percent (45% for property zoned R-2 prior to 1987)

    “Maximum building lot coverage including, slabs on grade, patios, gazebos, storage sheds (not over 120 square feet), driveways walkways shall be 40%. For property zoned R-2 prior to 1987, the maximum lot coverage including slabs on grade, patios, gazebos, storage sheds (not over 120 square feet), driveways, walkways shall be 45%.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    R-2, R-MHP, and RVP districts inside Tolleson city limits.

    • R-2 permits 40 feet/3 stories; R-MHP and RVP permit 15 feet.

    R-2 maximum building height: 40 feet/3 story · R-MHP maximum building height: 15 feet · RVP maximum building height: 15 feet

    “R-2**** 7,000 sf 1,000 sf*** 40 feet/3 story 300 sf 25 feet 10 feet 15 feet 15 feet — R-MHP* 10 acres 3,500 sf 15 feet 300 sf 5 feet 10 feet — 5 feet 20 feet RVP 5 acres 1,500 sf 15 feet 100 sf 5 feet 5 feet — 5 feet 20 feet”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    RV occupancy as a dwelling unit in single-family residential districts inside Tolleson city limits.

    • Travel trailers and recreational vehicles are prohibited as dwelling units in all single-family residential districts.
    • RVP districts separately permit recreational vehicle parks.
    “Mobile homes, except as permitted in the R1-MH District; travel trailers and recreational vehicles are prohibited as dwelling units in all single-family residential districts.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Camping on your landProhibited

    Camping on public streets, rights-of-way, parks, preserves, and other public grounds owned, possessed, or controlled by Tolleson.

    • Special-use permits or reservations may authorize youth organizations or other approved groups to camp or park vehicles overnight in a park or preserve.
    • City-sponsored camping or overnight parking is not prohibited by the section.
    • The ordinance also prohibits camping on or within 500 feet of a parcel containing a school, child-care facility, shelter, or city park when reasonable notice is provided, subject to the ordinance exception.

    notice buffer: 500 feet (subject to the ordinance's exceptions and reasonable notice)

    “It shall be unlawful for any person to camp in or on any public street, alley, sidewalk, rights-of-way, park, preserve, or other public ground owned, possessed, or controlled by the city, except as permitted under subsection (E) herein.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    One mobile home per lot in the R1-MH residential mobile home district.

    • The mobile home is required in lieu of a site-built residence as the primary single-family detached dwelling.
    • The district's minimum lot, height, and setback standards apply.
    “In the R1-MH District, one mobile home per lot is required in lieu of a site-built residence, as the primary, single-family detached dwelling;”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    One guest house per lot accessory to the main dwelling in single-family residential districts.

    • A use permit approved by the Tolleson City Council is required.
    • The guest house must be accessory to the main dwelling and may not be used for compensation.

    guest houses per lot: 1 per lot

    “One guest house per lot, accessory to the main dwelling, and not used for compensation. See definitions of guest house and the requirements.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and building on subdivided property inside Tolleson city limits.

    • A building permit cannot issue for property other than a qualifying lot of record or duly approved and recorded re-subdivided lot without Planning and Zoning Commission approval.
    • The city planning division processes plats and other land-development actions.
    “No building permit shall be issued for the erection of any building on any property other than a lot of record prior to adoption of these regulations or a re-subdivided lot in a duly approved and recorded subdivision without approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    City permits and development applications inside Tolleson city limits.

    • The city publishes a fee-schedule page and links the current City of Tolleson Fee Schedule PDF.
    • Building permit fees are based on project valuation and applicable plan-review fees; confirm the current schedule before filing.
    “Any improvement upon private property or within public rights-of-way within the City of Tolleson is subject to the issuance of a permit upon plan review and approval, and the payment of the applicable fee(s). Permit fees are based upon the cost of construction.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders seeking an exemption from contractor or permitting requirements inside Tolleson city limits.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Residential dwellings inside Tolleson city limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Tolleson city limits.
  • Who permits septic — Onsite wastewater systems inside Tolleson city limits.
  • Septic permit — New or altered septic systems inside Tolleson city limits.
5 more unanswered
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Short-term rentals

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 Tolleson publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Maricopa County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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