How to Get a Building Permit for Landscaping in Phoenix, AZ

Evergreen Design Group | National Landscape Architects

Phoenix, AZ, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. As of June 2025, it is the #1 city in the nation for new industrial developments, with over 8.6 million square feet of space allocated to new industrial properties.

The city’s residential and commercial sectors are also experiencing surges in new developments. Between 2023 and 2024, the city and the surrounding Maricopa County also added 38,000 new housing units, and nearly 30 million square feet of commercial projects are in development.

One of the most common questions new development owners ask is: Do I need a building permit for landscape architecture in Phoenix?

Professional landscape architect firms like Evergreen Design Group specialize in program management. We’ll help you determine whether your project needs a permit, and we’ll assist you at every stage of the city’s review process before starting construction.

When Do You Need a Building Permit For Landscape Architecture?

According to the City of Phoenix website, city authorities require property owners to obtain a building permit to landscape the following projects, including major landscape architecture programs:

  • Commercial developments. Shopping centers, retail plazas, office complexes, hotels, restaurants, and resorts.
  • Industrial sites. Manufacturing plants, warehouses, distribution centers, and business parks.
  • Subdivision projects. According to the Phoenix municipal code, a subdivision project refers to the act of dividing an existing parcel of land into multiple lots. Most subdivision projects require creating new streets and easements, such as when creating a new residential neighborhood or a mixed-use area.

How to Obtain a Building Permit For Your Program

After determining whether your program falls into one of the three categories requiring a permit, follow this step-by-step guide:

Hire a Licensed Landscape Architect

All building permit applications begin with a review of the landscape architecture plan by city authorities. You need formal landscape plans prepared and licensed by a professional landscape architect licensed to operate in Arizona, such as Evergreen Design Group’s Phoenix branch.

Landscape architects will prepare three sets of plans in accordance with the city’s requirements: the Landscape Plan, the Irrigation Plan, and the Landscape Inventory and Salvage Plan. Each of these plays a critical role in ensuring the development complies with local codes and enhances the property’s environmental integration.

  • The Landscape Plan outlines proposed vegetation, ground cover, and hardscape elements, ensuring visual appeal and functional use of outdoor spaces.
  • The Irrigation Plan details water-efficient systems and layouts to support sustainable long-term plant health, especially important in arid climates.
  • The Landscape Inventory and Salvage Plan, a requirement unique to Phoenix, involves cataloging all existing plant material on-site—particularly native trees and significant vegetation—and evaluating which elements can be protected or relocated. This plan supports the city’s broader ecological goals by promoting native plant preservation and minimizing unnecessary removal.

The landscape architect’s responsibility is to verify that all three plans meet local rules and ordinances and that they include all items outlined on the city’s Landscape Plan Checklist. This includes:

  • Program title, owner details, and contact information
  • Vicinity maps and detailed planting plans
  • Compliance with zoning ordinances
  • Estimated right-of-way landscaping and salvage costs

Follow the City’s Requests

Once submitted, the City of Phoenix will review your plans for compliance with local building codes and safety compliance. Be prepared to respond to any of their requests, such as comments, questions, or correction demands.

Check whether you need additional approvals, such as zoning clearance or floodplain use. If your program is phased, you’ll need to resubmit a permit application for each development phase and certify that each completed phase works independently.

Pay the Fees

City fees for submitting and reviewing landscape architecture plans vary depending on the program’s type, valuation, and services requested.

Some of the most common fees you can expect to pay include:

  • Major landscape plan reviews
  • Minor plan reviews or revisions to an approved plan
  • Building permit fees

Additional fees may apply depending on the project’s type and scope, and whether you need to submit corrections. For example, if your program involves significant grading, drainage, or paving, you may also need to cover civil engineering plan fees.

Receive Your Permit

Once your plan is approved, all of the city’s requests are met, and all fees are paid, you should receive your building permit within 1 to 5 business days.

After receiving your permit, you may begin construction. Note that your program must pass a final inspection from the city before a Certificate of Occupancy can be delivered. The final inspection involves a verification of the landscape materials and certification that they’ve been installed according to the submitted plans.

Contact Evergreen Design Group in Phoenix, AZ

Evergreen Design Group is an experienced landscape architecture firm with national-level experience. Our team has over 20 years of experience delivering detailed plans for landscape architecture projects, including in Phoenix, AZ.

At Evergreen Design Group, we offer consulting, design, and program management services, including assistance with compliance and permits. We are committed to the needs of your program, ensuring that your plan complies with local laws without compromising your original vision.

Reach out to us today to discuss your next landscape architecture program in Phoenix, AZ.

Additional Checklists Online to help you plan: