In Paradise Valley, plan around the Town’s rules before your design is final. The Town runs its own permitting, separate from Phoenix and Scottsdale, hillside lots have extra steps, and building permits need an HOA acknowledgment. Check zoning and hillside status first, then design, then submit.
Paradise Valley Has Its Own Rules
Paradise Valley has its own Building and Planning Divisions, and its standards protect the Town’s low-density, open character. A few things work differently than in neighboring cities:
- Permit applications are submitted online through the Town’s Citizen Portal.
- Removing more than 12 linear feet of wall, fence, roof or slab needs a demolition permit, issued before the building permit.
- Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, pool and site wall work each have their own permits.
- Plans usually include a site plan and a dust control plan.
Is Your Home on a Hillside Lot?
Hillside-designated properties come with added steps, so find out early. The Town’s Planning Division can confirm your lot’s status before design work begins. For most hillside applications, the Town requires:
- A construction staging plan
- Financial assurance
- A temporary construction easement
- Staked limits of work, with photos
Some projects are also reviewed by the Town’s Hillside Building Committee, which can add time to your schedule.
Your Planning Checklist
Each of these steps is easier before the design is final than after plans are submitted.
| Planning step | Why it matters in Paradise Valley |
|---|---|
| 1Confirm zoning and setbacks | Avoids a redesign after your plans are submitted. |
| 2Check hillside status | Adds staging, assurance and possible committee review. |
| 3Get HOA acknowledgment | Required with building, site wall and pool permits. |
| 4Plan the demolition | Larger demolition needs its own permit first. |
| 5Plan for drainage | Adding 999 square feet or more of hard surface requires a sealed grading and drainage plan. |
Budget for What’s Behind the Walls
Many Paradise Valley homes are older, custom-built properties, and some conditions only show up once walls and floors are opened. A contingency of 10 to 15 percent of your budget is a common rule of thumb, so a surprise doesn’t stop the project.
Design for the Setting
People choose Paradise Valley for the space, the privacy and the mountain views. A good renovation makes the most of all three.
- Frame the views with larger windows and sliding glass walls.
- Connect the kitchen and living areas to covered outdoor space.
- Choose finishes that hold up to strong Arizona sun and heat.
At one Paradise Valley home, we renovated the backyard and built an addition onto the house, an attached casita that gives the family extra living space without leaving home. Projects like this are where the Town’s planning steps matter most. See more on our Projects page.
In Paradise Valley, the paperwork is part of the design. Plan for it from day one.
THE WISE TEAMHow We Work at Wise Construction
Our owner, an Air Force veteran, is personally on site for our projects. Wise Construction is licensed, bonded and insured, and design and construction are handled by one team, so the Town’s requirements are planned into your schedule from the start. Every estimate is itemized so you can see exactly where your money goes. See more on our Remodels & Additions page.
Quick Questions
Who issues permits in Paradise Valley?
The Town of Paradise Valley issues its own permits through its online Citizen Portal. You can reach the Town’s general information line at 480-348-3692.
Do I need a permit to remove a wall?
If you remove more than 12 linear feet of wall, fence, roof or slab, the Town requires a demolition permit before the building permit is issued.
How do I know if my lot is hillside?
Ask the Town’s Planning Division. Hillside-designated lots have extra requirements, so it’s worth knowing before design starts.
Keep Reading
Source: Town of Paradise Valley, Permits and Handouts. Requirements can change, so confirm current rules with the Town.