Tempe electrical permit and electrician rules
Source: Arizona Electrician Help (arizonaelectricianhelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 3, 2026.
Electrical permit rules in Tempe
- Cord and plug portable motors and appliances connected to an approved receptacle.
- Replacing switches, fuses, lamp sockets, light fixtures and receptacles, and other minor repair work, but not the outlets themselves.
- Repairing or replacing an overcurrent device of the same capacity in the same location.
- Repairing or replacing fixed motors, transformers or appliances of the same type and rating in the same location.
Those are items on Tempe's list of electrical work exempt from permit. The copy we read is the Tempe Administrative Code effective 10/01/2018; ask Tempe Building Safety for the current edition. (source: City of Tempe)
Statewide rules that apply here
The ROC says that, generally, if labor and materials exceed $1,000 or the job needs a permit (no matter the price), a contractor license is required. The handyman exemption in A.R.S. 32-1121 covers only work of a casual or minor nature, priced under $1,000 in total, that needs no local building permit and is not part of a larger job split into smaller contracts. (source: Arizona Registrar of Contractors) (source: Arizona State Legislature)
Acting as a contractor in Arizona without a license in good standing is unlawful unless an exemption applies (A.R.S. 32-1151). It is a class 1 misdemeanor, with a fine of at least $1,000 for a first offense and at least $2,000 after that (A.R.S. 32-1164). (source: Arizona State Legislature) (source: Arizona State Legislature)
An R-11 Electrical license lets a contractor install and repair residential electrical systems. Check the license on the ROC Contractor Search before you hire. (source: Arizona Registrar of Contractors) (source: Arizona Registrar of Contractors)
See Arizona electrical license types, how to check an electrician and how to complain.
Other cities: Phoenix · Tucson · Mesa · Chandler · Scottsdale · Glendale · Tempe · Flagstaff
On this site: Arizona electrical contractor license fees · Contractor bonds and the Recovery Fund in Arizona · The Arizona handyman exemption and $1,000 limit · What an Arizona electrical contract must include · How to file a complaint against an Arizona contractor · Doing your own work on your Arizona home · Arizona electrical contractor license types (ROC) · How to check an Arizona electrician before you hire · Electrical permit rules in Arizona cities · Solar, panel and service upgrade permits in Arizona cities · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- City of Tempe (hosted by Municode): Tempe Administrative Code, City Code Section 8-100 (effective 10/01/2018, PDF) (checked November 3, 2026)
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): License Classifications (browser) checked November 3, 2026
- Arizona State Legislature: A.R.S. 32-1121 (persons not required to be licensed) (checked November 3, 2026)
- Arizona State Legislature: A.R.S. 32-1151 (contracting without a license) (checked November 3, 2026)
- Arizona State Legislature: A.R.S. 32-1164 (violations; class 1 misdemeanor) (checked November 3, 2026)
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): Before You Hire a Contractor (browser) checked November 3, 2026
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