Customers may request information, submit drawings, and purchase building permits On-line​ or at the Development Center. These documents provide critical information needed to successfully complete the residential project plan review, permitting and inspections process.Obtaining a building permit prior to construction or installation. Apply By Creating a Portal Account. We offer permitting and planning services that allow neighborhoods in unincorporated Maricopa County to grow in a safe, balanced way. In this video you will learn how to obtain a residential building permit from the City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department. In this video I will be guiding users on how to apply and submit a permit application with the shape phoenix portal. Step 1: Draft site plan. A draft plan or site plan will need to be submitted to Shape Phoenix, a webpage on the city's planning department website. Below is the link to get your project set up.