The City strives to assist the public in understanding the plan review process by outlining the timelines for different projects and offering some guidelines to assist in the types of information needed to conduct a plan review.  The extent of the review required to issue permits for a project depends upon the use & occupancy type of the structure, its location, and the impact of its construction on the environment.

The goal of the Building & Safety Division is to complete all plan reviews within its estimated timeframes.  Please be mindful that all turnaround times will primarily depend on the current daily workload of the Plans Examiner.

In order to reduce the number of resubmittals for a specific project and to reduce any unnecessary delays in the approval of the plans, it is highly recommended that a design professional that is familiar with the process be brought on board to be part of the team.  Please keep in mind that complete plans will reduce the amount of time that it gets resubmitted resulting in a permit being issued in a shorter amount of time.  It is not the intent of our Plans Examiner to design the project but rather to enforce minimum standards covering public safety, health, and general welfare through structural strength, stability, sanitation, and safety to life & property from fire, floods, earthquakes, and other hazards attributed to the built environment.

Please read the following information carefully to ensure a complete set of plans are provided and the services of proper design professionals are obtained for the initial submittal.

Requirements On Who Can Prepare Plans

Building permit applicants are not required to engage an Arizona Licensed Architect or Arizona Registered Engineer to prepare plans for a one-story single-family dwelling, residential garage, or accessory structure, provided such buildings are of Conventional Wood Frame Construction and are of limited structural complexity.  However, if one is not skilled in the preparation of plans and are not knowledgeable about construction and code standards, it is advisable to obtain the services of a design professional.  

Plans for structural complex dwellings and plans for particular occupancies must be prepared by an Arizona Licensed Architect or Arizona Registered Engineer in accordance with State law.  At the initial submittal, drawings, calculations, and other supporting documents pertaining to such construction shall bear the name and license number of the professional who has prepared them.

Seismic & Wind Design Requirements

The City of Somerton is located within Seismic Design Category D and the basic wind speed is 115 mph.

Minimum Requirements for Submittal of Plans

All plans can be submitted through our Online Permit Portal, via email to mariaybarra@somertonaz.gov, or in person by visiting our office located at 143 N. State Ave., Somerton, AZ 85350.

 When submitting plans to our online portal, submit the following items as separate PDF files:

  • Full set of plans containing site plan, architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical.  These must be submitted as one PDF file and NOT as separate PDF files;
  • Truss Calculations;
  • Manual Js;
  • Structural calculations (stamped & signed by an Arizona Registered Engineer); and
  • Any other supporting documents, i.e. geotechnical/geological report.

The plan review guidelines are provided to assist with a basic understanding of the types of plans and drawings that are required for the Plans Examiner to conduct a plan review.

Drawing Submittal Requirements for New Homes and Room Additions

  • Plot Plan
  • Foundation Plan
  • Floor Plan
  • Roof Plan
  • Exterior Elevations
  • Building Sections
  • Required Details
  • Engineering (Structural) Plans & Calculations
  • Other Requirements

Drawing Submittal Requirements for New Commercial/Industrial Plans

  • Plot Plan
  • Foundation Plan
  • Floor Plan
  • Roof Plan
  • Exterior Elevations
  • Building Elevations
  • Required Details
  • Finish Materials
  • Engineering (Structural) Plans and Calculations
  • State Energy Conservation Information
  • Other Requirements

Drawing Submittal Requirements for Tenant Improvement Plans

  • Plot Plan
  • Floor Plan
  • Wall Section
  • Required Details
  • Plumbing & Mechanical Plan
  • Electrical Plan
  • State Energy Conservation Information