Do You Need a Permit for Concrete Work in Glendale, AZ?

October 23, 2025

Before You Start: Know Glendale’s Concrete Permit Guidelines

If you're planning to cut, remove, or demolish concrete in Glendale, AZ, there’s one critical question you need to answer before getting started:

Do you need a permit?

For many property owners and contractors, permits feel like just another bureaucratic speed bump. But skipping them can lead to serious consequences—stop-work orders, city fines, legal liability, and even mandatory reconstruction.

At Adam’s Concrete Cutting and Demolition, we’ve spent over 25 years navigating local codes and helping clients do things the right way from day one. Whether you’re a homeowner cutting a patio or a commercial builder modifying slab foundations, we’ll guide you through the permit process with confidence.

When Does Concrete Work Require a Permit in Glendale?


Permits are typically required when concrete work affects structural elements, public access, or utility systems. If you're unsure whether your project qualifies, here’s a breakdown of common scenarios where a permit is generally required:

Residential Projects That May Require a Permit:

  • Removing or replacing driveways and sidewalks that connect to the public right-of-way

  • Cutting or replacing garage slabs or foundation concrete

  • Trenching through concrete for plumbing or electrical lines

  • Demolishing patios or pool decks attached to the structure

  • Altering grade or drainage through slab removal

Commercial & Industrial Projects That Often Require a Permit:

  • Wall sawing or cutting into load-bearing walls or structural slabs

  • Concrete removal for ADA accessibility upgrades

  • Trenching for fire suppression systems, HVAC lines, or utility upgrades

  • Demolition of concrete surfaces in occupied or publicly accessed buildings

  • Work inside shopping centers, offices, or medical buildings

As a rule of thumb: If your concrete work changes structure, utility access, or public use, a permit is likely required.

What Happens If You Skip the Permit?


It might be tempting to “just get started” and deal with the paperwork later, but skipping the permit process can lead to major setbacks, including:


Stop-Work Orders

If a city inspector sees unpermitted work in progress, they can shut down your job immediately. You may be required to pull a retroactive permit or remove the work entirely.


Fines and Penalties

Property owners may be fined hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the scale of the unpermitted work.


Problems With Future Sales or Refinancing

Unpermitted structural work often shows up during appraisals and inspections. This can delay or cancel real estate deals or prevent refinancing.


Voided Insurance Policies

Some homeowner or builder insurance policies will deny claims related to unpermitted structural changes—especially if damage results from that work.


Redoing the Work—at Your Cost

In worst-case scenarios, unpermitted work must be demolished and redone to meet code. That means doubling your cost and timeline.

How We Help With Permits at Adam’s Concrete Cutting


When you work with Adam’s, you’re not just hiring a crew with saws—you’re partnering with a team that understands compliance, safety, and liability.

Here’s how we make the process easier:

We Know the Glendale Process

We’ve worked with the City of Glendale’s Building Safety Division for years. We can help you determine if your project requires a permit and connect you with the correct departments.

We Coordinate With GCs or Permit Holders

If you're a general contractor or hiring one, we’ll collaborate on plans, inspection scheduling, and permit requirements for your scope of work.

We Stay Within Code

Our methods follow local building codes, OSHA safety regulations, and industry standards—helping you avoid noncompliance issues.

We Document Everything

We keep clean records, plans, and cut sheets so you have everything needed for inspections or post-project documentation.

FAQs About Concrete Work Permits in Glendale, AZ


Do I need a permit to cut concrete on my own property?


It depends on what you’re cutting. Non-structural concrete, like a detached slab in your yard, often doesn’t require a permit. However, any work affecting foundations, driveways, walkways, or city-connected surfaces likely does.

Who is responsible for getting the permit—me or the contractor?

Usually, the licensed contractor pulls the permit. However, the property owner is ultimately responsible for ensuring the work is legal. That’s why it’s crucial to hire someone experienced in this process.

How long does it take to get a permit?

In Glendale, basic residential permits (like sidewalk replacement) may be approved in 1–3 business days. Commercial permits may take longer—up to 2 weeks—depending on plan review requirements.

How much does a permit cost?

Fees vary, but expect anywhere from $75 to several hundred dollars depending on the job scope. That’s a small price compared to the cost of noncompliance.

Can you cut concrete without damaging underground utilities?

Yes. Before we cut or drill, we’ll mark underground lines and check utility maps. If needed, we can coordinate with Blue Stake Arizona for safe digging and cutting.

Local Resource: Where to Learn More About Permits in Glendale

  • Glendale Building Safety Division
     
    Website: https://www.glendaleaz.com
    Phone: (623) 930-2800
    Address: 5850 W. Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301

Need help? We’ll guide you through the process—no stress, no confusion.

Work With a Contractor Who Handles It All


At Adam’s Concrete Cutting and Demolition, we make sure your concrete project is safe, legal, and smooth from start to finish. Whether it’s a basic sidewalk cut or a multi-phase commercial job, we help clients across Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Avondale, and Phoenix avoid costly surprises by doing things right.

  • Licensed & insured (AZ ROC #249502)

  • Over 25 years of experience

  • Experts in cutting, drilling, and removal

  • Trusted by homeowners, builders, and property managers

Avoid costly mistakes—call Adam’s for concrete work done right and done legally.

Serving Glendale, AZ & nearby areas. Call (623) 444-4195 or email concretecutting@live.com

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