Archives August 2025

When planning a commercial building project in Phoenix, such as new construction, tenant improvements, additions, or changes of use, you must navigate the city’s detailed permitting and review process. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Building Permit & Plan Review

All commercial projects require a plan review and issuance of a commercial building permit by the City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department. Applications are submitted via the EPR Web Portal and must include architectural and structural plans prepared by a licensed engineer or architect .

2. Pre‑Application & Site Plan Approval

For new construction or large additions, a pre‑application meeting and preliminary site plan review are required before submitting building plans Phoenix. This ensures compliance with zoning, setbacks, parking, civil grading, and landscaping requirements.

3. Professional Sealed Plans

Building documents must include sealed, licensed professional drawings for structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Phoenix enforces International Building Code (IBC) standards plus local amendments Phoenix Permit Velocity.

4. Trade‑Specific Permits

Separate trade permits are required for:

• Electrical work (licensed electrician)
• Plumbing installations (licensed plumber)
• Mechanical/HVAC installations
• Grading and drainage for earthmoving or site changes
• Specialty permits such as sign permits or demolition permits 

5. Review, Fees & Inspections

Once submitted, plans undergo reviews by building, zoning, fire, and environmental departments. Plan review fees are due upon submittal, and if corrections are required, revisions must be made and resubmitted Phoenix. After approval and payment, the permit is issued and inspections scheduled throughout construction, culminating in a Certificate of Occupancy.

6. Special Environmental or Health Approvals

Depending on your project’s nature, additional approvals may include:

• Floodplain use permits
• Environmental health clearance (e.g. for food service, pools)
• Fire safety review for new construction Phoenixourtaxpartner.com

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Why Choose Schembri Engineers for Phoenix Commercial Permits?

Schembri Engineers has provided expert engineering design, inspection, and plan review support in Phoenix since 1985. With 15,000+ clients served and more than 39 years of experience, our licensed Professional Engineers deliver fast, accurate, and reliable documentation for building permits that meet city standards,

• Licensed expertise: We prepare fully sealed structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans required by Phoenix schembriengineers.com.
• Fast turnaround: Inspection and plan-review reports are delivered rapidly—typically within days of inspection schembriengineers.com.
• Full-service support: We assist with pre‑application, zoning compliance, civil grading, MEP calculations, and more to streamline your permit process.

With top ratings—a 5-star Yelp profile, 4.8 on Google, and Home Advisor Top Rated status—Schembri Engineers is recognized for integrity, thoroughness, and exceptional service schembriengineers.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I always need a commercial permit for renovations?
Yes—remodels, tenant improvements, additions, or use changes in commercial buildings require permits and plan review .

Q: Can I prepare and submit plans myself?
No. Projects must include sealed plans by a licensed professional engineer or architect. Schembri Engineers offers precisely that service.

Q: How long does the permit process take?
Timeline varies: minor tenant improvements may close in under a month; full new commercial construction with site review can take several months, especially if revisions are required.

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Getting Started: The Schembri Engineers Advantage

1. Schedule a pre‑application consultation: Our experts advise on site and zoning considerations upfront.
2. Develop professional sealed plans: We prepare civil, structural, MEP, and more in compliance with Phoenix codes.
3. Submit via EPR & SHAPE portals: We guide you through plan submission, redline response, and fee payment.
4. Support inspections & compliance: From permit issuance to final Certificate of Occupancy, we help manage inspections and approvals.

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Conclusion

Securing commercial building permits in Phoenix involves navigating zoning rules, submitting sealed plans, paying fees, and coordinating inspections. Working with a trusted engineering firm like Schembri Engineers ensures you meet Phoenix’s building code and avoid costly delays.

For efficient, professional support through every step of your permit process—from design to approvals—contact Schembri Engineers today. Our licensed engineers bring decades of experience to every project, delivering peace of mind and compliance on time.

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Contact Schembri Engineers
Phone: 602‑993‑6699
Email: Phil@SchembriEngineers.com (for inspections/evaluation), Dave@SchembriEngineers.com (for design/engineering)

When hiring an engineering firm in Arizona, you need a partner who understands the unique challenges of the desert environment. The best firms have decades of local experience, prioritize client communication, offer a comprehensive suite of services, and hold professional certifications. Look for a company with a proven track record, an unwavering focus on safety and quality, and a reputation for innovative problem-solving. Ultimately, the most successful firms demonstrate longevity, stability, and a deep-rooted foundation of trust with the community. These are the 10 qualities that matter most for any Arizona project.

At Schembri Engineers, we’ve spent over four decades serving the Arizona community, and we know exactly what it takes for a project to succeed here. Here are the 10 essential qualities you should look for when hiring an engineering partner for your next Arizona project.

1. Decades of Local Experience

A firm with deep roots in Arizona understands the specific environmental factors that impact construction, from the intense summer heat to the flash flooding during monsoon seasons. They’ll know how to design for expansive clay soils and work with local municipalities across the state.

2. A Commitment to Transparent Communication

The best firms in Arizona take the time to listen to your needs, explain complex technical details in simple terms, and keep you in the loop. You should feel like a partner, not a passenger, in your project.

3. A Comprehensive Suite of Services

Why hire multiple firms when you can have one trusted partner? Look for an engineering company that offers a full suite of services, including civil and structural engineering, as well as mechanical, plumbing, and electrical design. A holistic approach streamlines your project and ensures every component works together seamlessly.

4. Professional Certifications That Matter

Certifications are a mark of professional excellence. Our commitment to quality is underscored by having a Board Certified Building Inspection Engineer on our team—a credential that sets us apart and ensures every project meets the highest professional standards.

5. A Proven Track Record

Experience is everything in a state with such distinct building challenges. For over 40 years, Schembri Engineers has been the trusted choice for over 15,000 clients across Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding areas. We’ve built our reputation one successful project at a time.

6. A Focus on Safety and Quality

The primary role of an Arizona structural engineer is to ensure your building can withstand everything from a powerful dust storm to a minor tremor. A top firm prioritizes meticulous design and rigorous analysis to guarantee a safe, durable, and reliable structure.

7. Innovative Problem-Solving

Every project has unique hurdles, especially in a growing state like Arizona. The best firms don’t just follow the rules; they are creative problem-solvers who can develop innovative and cost-effective solutions for your project’s specific needs.

8. A Strong Reputation in the Arizona Building Community

A firm with a strong reputation among local builders, architects, and city officials is a firm you can trust. Schembri Engineers has cultivated strong relationships throughout the Arizona building community over many decades, a testament to our reliable and professional service.

9. Longevity and Stability

A firm that has been in business for decades demonstrates stability and a deep-rooted commitment to the community. This longevity is a promise that they’ll be here to support you for the long term and have a deep understanding of Arizona’s evolving building codes.

10. A Foundation of Trust

Ultimately, your choice comes down to trust. As a family-owned business, Schembri Engineers is built on a foundation of integrity, personal accountability, and a genuine care for the community we’ve called home for generations.

Choose Schembri Engineers for Your Next Arizona Project

If you’re looking for an engineering partner that embodies all these qualities and understands the unique landscape of Arizona, look no further.

Contact Schembri Engineers today to see how we can bring our decades of local experience and unwavering commitment to your project.

When you look at a new building, you see its beautiful facade, its functional layout, and its modern finishes. But beneath the surface lies its structural integrity. The stability and longevity of any building, from a custom home to a commercial complex, depend entirely on the principles of structural design and analysis.

At Schembri Engineers, we’ve been the trusted partner for countless builders and property owners across Arizona since 1985. We understand that our work is more than just drawing plans; it’s about creating a safe, durable, and reliable foundation for the future.

What is Structural Design?

Structural design is the art and science of shaping a building’s skeleton. It’s the process where engineers determine the most effective materials, sizes, and configurations for a structure’s components—like beams, columns, and foundations. The goal is to ensure the building can safely support all the loads it will face throughout its lifespan.

This includes:

• Static loads: The weight of the building itself and its contents.
• Dynamic loads: Forces from wind, seismic activity (earthquakes), and even heavy rainfall.
• Environmental factors: The specific challenges of Arizona’s climate, such as intense heat and shifting desert soils.

What is Structural Analysis?

If structural design is the plan, structural analysis is the critical quality check. This is the scientific, data-driven process of evaluating a proposed design. Using advanced mathematical models and software, our engineers simulate how a structure will perform under various conditions.

We analyze key factors to ensure the design is sound, including:

• Stress and Strain: Measuring how forces will affect the building’s materials.
• Load Distribution: Confirming that loads are correctly transferred through the structure to the ground.
• Deflection and Vibration: Ensuring the building won’t experience excessive movement that could compromise its integrity or comfort.

Through rigorous analysis, we can identify and correct potential weak points before construction even begins, saving time, money, and most importantly, ensuring safety.

The Schembri Engineers Difference

For over 40 years, Schembri Engineers has been a leader in Arizona’s engineering industry. Our deep understanding of structural design and analysis is just one reason why we’ve earned the trust of over 15,000 satisfied clients.

• Experience that Matters: With decades of hands-on experience, we are intimately familiar with the specific structural challenges faced by buildings in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding regions.
• Comprehensive Expertise: As a family-owned firm, we offer a full suite of services, from civil and structural engineering to mechanical, plumbing, and electrical design, making us a one-stop-shop for your project.
• Certified and Trusted: We are home to a Board Certified Building Inspection Engineer, a designation that underscores our commitment to the highest standards of professional excellence.

Whether you’re embarking on a new construction project, planning a complex renovation, or need a forensic analysis of an existing structure, our team is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to deliver a safe and effective solution.

Don’t leave the integrity of your project to chance. Partner with a team that has a proven track record. Contact Schembri Engineers today to discuss your structural design and analysis needs.