Search for Phoenix roofing permits and you will find websites that say a permit is always required and others that say it is not. We went to the City of Phoenix's own residential permit guide. Here is exactly what it says, how old it is, and what to confirm before a roofer starts.
Short answer: the City of Phoenix guide lists "re-shingle or re-tile roof with same material" as work that does not need a permit, and "replacing wood or asphalt shingles with a tile roof" as work that does. Because that guide is an older revision, confirm with the city for your job.
What the City of Phoenix Guide Says
The Planning & Development Department's guide How to Obtain a Residential Building Permit (revision dated 2/20) has two roof-related lines:
- Permit needed: "Roofline extensions, replacing wood or asphalt shingles with a tile roof."
- Permit not needed: "Re-shingle or re-tile roof with same material (no more than two layers of asphalt shingles may be placed over an existing asphalt shingle roof)."
So, according to that document, a like-for-like re-roof does not need a permit, while changing the roof's material to tile, or changing its shape, does.
⚠️ Check the date. That guide is a February 2020 revision. Some third-party websites state that a full roof replacement requires a permit in Phoenix. We could not confirm that from a current city document, so do not rely on either version: call the city for your job.
The Two-Layer Limit
The same line says no more than two layers of asphalt shingles may be placed over an existing asphalt shingle roof. If your roof already has two layers, a third on top is not allowed under that wording. Ask your roofer how many layers you have and whether the quote includes tear-off.
If a Permit Applies: What the Process Looks Like
For permitted work, the guide says each stage of construction is scheduled through the city's automated inspection line (602-495-0800). If an inspection fails, the problems must be corrected and a re-inspection requested before work continues, and a final inspection happens after all work is complete. The application asks for the contractor's valid license number, if applicable. The guide does not give roofing-specific fees; the city publishes its fee schedule separately.
Check the Contractor Too
The city's guide points to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (roc.az.gov). Whether or not a permit applies, ask your roofer for their license number and look it up there before you sign.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- "Are you replacing with the same material, or changing material or roof shape?"
- "Does the city require a permit for this exact scope, and who pulls it?"
- "How many layers does my roof have now, and is tear-off included?"
- "What is your ROC license number?"
Separate from the city, your HOA may have its own rules on roof materials and colors. Check those too.
Who to call: Phoenix Planning & Development customer service is listed in the guide at 602-262-7811.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Phoenix?
The City of Phoenix residential permit guide (revision 2/20) lists re-shingling or re-tiling with the same material as not needing a permit, and replacing wood or asphalt shingles with a tile roof as needing one. Rules can change, so confirm your exact scope with the city before work starts.
How many layers of asphalt shingles are allowed in Phoenix?
The city's guide says no more than two layers of asphalt shingles may be placed over an existing asphalt shingle roof.
Is a permit needed to switch from shingles to tile in Phoenix?
According to the city's guide, yes: replacing wood or asphalt shingles with a tile roof is listed as work that needs a permit.
How are roofing inspections scheduled in Phoenix?
For permitted work, the city's guide says inspections for each stage are requested through its automated inspection line, 602-495-0800.
How do I check a Phoenix roofer's license?
The city's guide refers to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors at roc.az.gov. Ask the roofer for the license number and look it up there.
Sources
Facts on this page come from the sources below. Last reviewed October 24, 2026.
- City of Phoenix Planning & Development, How to Obtain a Residential Building Permit (Rev. 2/20)
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors
Permit rules, fees and timelines change. The Phoenix guide cited here is a 2020 revision. Third-party sites disagree about whether full roof replacements need a permit, and we could not settle that from a current city document. Call Phoenix Planning & Development (602-262-7811) for your job.
Find a Roofer Who Handles the Permit Question for You
Phoenix, AZ roofers listed in our directory. Ask each one about permits and licensing before you sign.
Find Phoenix, AZ Roofers →