Window Replacement in Anthem, AZ

Anthem is not a city. It is an unincorporated community, so Maricopa County issues its building permits, and the county's window rule is genuinely unclear. The county amended the commercial code to exempt glazing replacement and did not amend the residential section that governs a detached house. Whether that exemption reaches a house in Anthem is not settled by the documents, and the county is the only place to get an answer.

Verified

Superior Replacement Windows

Window Replacement
·
Anthem
  • Replacement Windows
  • Glass Company
  • New Windows
  • Window Installation
  • +1 more
5.0
(5 reviews)

Who has jurisdiction

The Census Bureau records Anthem as a census designated place, meaning it isn't incorporated. Maricopa County describes residents of "Anthem, New River, and other unincorporated areas of the North Valley", and county Planning and Development provides development services to unincorporated Maricopa County. There's no Anthem building department to call.

An ambiguity worth naming

The county adopted the 2018 residential and building codes on 17 August 2022, with local additions dated 19 September 2022. Those additions amend the commercial code, IBC 105.2, to exempt "minor repair or replacement in kind of non-structural components such as glass or glazing materials, sash, doors and hardware". They don't amend IRC R105.2, which is the section that governs a detached house.

So whether that glazing exemption reaches a house in Anthem isn't settled by the documents. We'd rather say that than guess. County Planning and Development is on 602-506-3301, and its published position is narrow: "building permits are required for all structures with the exception of a non-habitable structure with no electrical, plumbing or mechanical components that is less than 200 square feet in size."

Questions to ask before an Anthem window job

The ambiguity here is real, so the useful move is to get the county's answer in writing before work starts rather than to rely on anyone's reading.

  • Have you called Maricopa County Planning and Development on 602-506-3301 about this specific job?
  • Did they confirm whether the glazing exemption reaches a detached house, or only commercial work?
  • Are you quoting an exemption from an incorporated city, which does not govern an Anthem address?
  • Are you working to the 2018 residential and building codes the county adopted?
  • Is this a bedroom, and does the replacement still meet the egress opening?
  • What is your ROC license number and classification?

Common questions

Who issues building permits in Anthem?

Maricopa County. The Census Bureau records Anthem as a census designated place, meaning it is not incorporated, and county Planning and Development provides development services to unincorporated Maricopa County. There is no Anthem building department to call.

Do I need a permit to replace a window in Anthem?

The documents do not settle it. The county's local additions amend the commercial code at IBC 105.2 to exempt minor repair or replacement in kind of non-structural components including glass or glazing materials, sash, doors and hardware. They do not amend IRC R105.2, which is the section that governs a detached house.

So what should I do?

Ask the county before work starts. Planning and Development is on 602-506-3301. Its published position is narrow: building permits are required for all structures with the exception of a non-habitable structure with no electrical, plumbing or mechanical components that is less than 200 square feet in size.

Which codes does the county run?

The 2018 residential and building codes, adopted 17 August 2022, with local additions dated 19 September 2022.

Can I rely on a nearby city's rule?

No. An exemption published by an incorporated city governs that city. An Anthem address is unincorporated county, and the city rule has no application to it.