One of the most common questions we get: 'Do I need a permit for my bathroom remodel?' The answer depends on the scope of work. Here's a straightforward guide to Pima County's permit requirements for bathroom renovations.
In This Guide
When You DO Need a Permit
**Permits Required**:
✓ **Plumbing Changes**: Moving or adding drains, water lines, or fixtures to new locations
✓ **Electrical Work**: New circuits, moving outlets, adding exhaust fans, or upgrading electrical panels
✓ **Structural Changes**: Removing walls, enlarging doorways, or modifying load-bearing elements
✓ **Additions**: Expanding the bathroom footprint
✓ **Water Heaters**: Installing or relocating water heaters
✓ **Major HVAC Changes**: Adding or relocating heating/cooling
**Why It Matters**: Permits ensure work meets safety codes. Unpermitted work can: • Cause insurance issues • Complicate home sales • Result in fines • Require expensive corrections
- When in doubt, ask the permit office
- Reputable contractors handle permits for you
- Keep all permit records for future reference
When You DON'T Need a Permit
**Generally Permit-Free**:
✓ **Like-for-like replacements**: Replacing a toilet with a toilet, faucet with a faucet (same location)
✓ **Cosmetic updates**: Paint, wallpaper, new mirrors
✓ **Cabinet replacement**: Same footprint, no plumbing changes
✓ **Countertop replacement**: No plumbing modifications
✓ **Flooring**: Unless subfloor repairs are extensive
✓ **Fixture updates**: New showerhead, faucet handles, hardware
**Gray Areas**: • Tub-to-shower conversions (usually requires permit) • Accessibility additions (grab bars are usually exempt, but walk-in tub conversions may need permits) • Exhaust fan replacement (same location usually exempt)
- Cosmetic-only remodels are typically permit-free
- Same-location replacements are usually okay
- Keep receipts even for non-permitted work
The Permit Process
**How It Works**:
1. **Application**: Submit plans and permit application 2. **Review**: Plan examiner reviews for code compliance 3. **Approval**: Permit issued, work can begin 4. **Inspections**: Required at key milestones 5. **Final**: Inspection and approval
**Timeline**: • Simple permits: Often same-day • Complex projects: 2-4 weeks for plan review • Inspections: Usually within 24-48 hours of request
**Costs**: • Plumbing permits: $50-150 typical • Electrical permits: $50-100 typical • Building permits: Based on project value
- KimberTec handles all permitting for our projects
- We schedule inspections to minimize delays
- Permit fees are a small price for peace of mind
Inspections: What to Expect
**Common Bathroom Inspections**:
1. **Rough Plumbing**: Before walls close, drain and supply lines checked 2. **Rough Electrical**: Wiring before drywall 3. **Final Plumbing**: Fixtures tested and inspected 4. **Final Electrical**: Everything working and safe 5. **Final Building**: Overall completion review
**What Inspectors Look For**: • Proper pipe sizes and materials • Correct slope on drain lines • GFCI protection in wet areas • Proper ventilation • Code-compliant fixture spacing
**If Something Fails**: Don't panic. Minor corrections are common and usually quick fixes. That's why we use licensed plumbers and electricians.
- Our work passes inspection the first time, almost always
- We're present for all inspections
- We handle any required corrections
Ready to Get Started?
Let us handle the permits and inspections for your bathroom remodel. We know Pima County's requirements inside and out and ensure your project is done right.