FAQs • Maricopa County, AZ • CivicEngage

My neighbor has erected several structures without a permit - what should I do?: Building permits are required for all structures with the exception of a structure that is less than 200 square feet with no electrical, plumbing or mechanical. After speaking with your neighbor, if you feel a violation of the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance exists, you may submit an online code compliance violation complaint.

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Planning & Development - Property Research

1. How can I tell if my property has hillside on it?: Our online database is not comprehensive and does not account for all local variations in gradient change which may meet the hillside definition: slope of 15% or greater within any 5 foot elevation change (See MCZO Section 1201). For an accurate picture of a particular lot, please consult with a registered land surveyor. You may view our online planning tool, PlanNet.

2. My neighbor has erected several structures without a permit - what should I do?: Building permits are required for all structures with the exception of a structure that is less than 200 square feet with no electrical, plumbing or mechanical. After speaking with your neighbor, if you feel a violation of the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance exists, you may submit an online code compliance violation complaint.

3. How do I find out about the easements located on or near my property?: Maricopa County Planning and Development has no records of easements on individual lots that are not part of a recorded subdivision; a surveyor, real estate attorney, or a “schedule B” from a title company may be able to assist you with the location of easements. Recorded subdivisions may have easement information listed as part of the recorded plat. You may also research the county recorder office.
county recorder office.

4. My neighbor’s fence seems to be across the property line, as well as the chickens, horse, etc. is looking over the fence at me; the smell, etc. is bothering me, what are you going to do about it?: If you believe there has been a violation on a neighboring property, please contact the Code Compliance Team to report the issue. For an overview of the Code Compliance process, and the option of submitting a complaint online, view the reporting a complaint page.

5. Do I need a permit for a fence or to increase the height of the fence and I want to put up a fence to block my neighbor from using the easement, do I need a permit?: All fencing over 1 foot in height requires a permit from the Planning and Development Departments. Fencing is classified as a “B-fence” requiring building and zoning clearances if it is located on a vacant property; serves as a pool barrier; is over 8 feet in height; is located on a hillside property; or retains soils (retaining wall). All other fencing would be classified as “D-fencing” and requires a drainage clearance. For more information, visit our Residential Construction page.
Residential Construction page.

6. My neighbor is blocking my easement, what are you going to do about it/what can I do about it?: Fencing or structures should not cross an ingress/egress easement. The Planning and Development Department does not prohibit fencing or structures located in an ingress/egress easement, but relies on the customer to provide accurate information on the documents submitted for a permit.

The Planning and Development Department is not involved with ingress/egress easement conflict as this is a civil concern and must be resolved as such. If you believe there has been a violation on a neighboring property, please contact the Code Compliance Team to report the issue. For an overview of the Code Compliance process, and the option of submitting a complaint online, view the reporting a complaint page.