Surprise, Arizona - City Development Fees
Surprise | City | Maricopa County | Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ MSA (Northwest Valley)
Surprise is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, located in the northwest quadrant of the Phoenix metro area (Maricopa County). The City of Surprise administers development impact fees under ARS §9-463.05 (adopted by Resolution 2024-72, effective August 5, 2024), zoning and development review fees through the Development Services Fee Schedule (CD 04/2025, Resolution 2025-19, effective April 15, 2025) and the more recent Citywide Fee Schedule (Resolution 2026-16, effective May 19, 2026), water meter installation and sewer line extension fees, and Community Facilities District application and administrative expense fees under ARS §48-708(E). Fee data on this page was sourced directly from official City of Surprise PDFs downloaded from surpriseaz.gov. For the full list of Arizona jurisdictions tracked by ZoneFee, see the Arizona development fee guide. Related Arizona cities: Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Peoria. Verify current amounts with the City of Surprise before relying on them.
On this page
Fee Summary
| Fee Type | Status | Top-Line Figure | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact Fees (ARS §9-463.05) | Confirmed | Single-Family Detached $4,326 per dwelling (Fire $1,737 + Parks $1,800 + Police $581 + General Government $208); Water System 0.75-inch SPA 1 $5,325; Water Resource 0.75-inch $3,649; Wastewater 0.75-inch SPA 1 $4,481 | 2024-08-05 |
| Zoning, Permit, and Development Review Fees | Confirmed | Building Permit $100 base + $6/$1,000 valuation; Rezone $3,000 + $20/acre; Site Plan $3,000 + $30/acre; Preliminary Plat $2,500 + $30/lot; General Plan Amendment Major $6,000; Development Agreement $5,000 | 2026-05-19 (Citywide); 2025-04-15 (Dev Services) |
| Utility Tap and Meter Fees | Confirmed | Water Meter Installation 3/4-inch $422.70 to 8-inch $19,050.00 (market cost, updated July 1 annually); Sewer Line Extension $116-$3,035 per connection/EDU or per acre by geographic sub-area | 2025-04-15 |
| Community Facilities District (CFD) Fees | Confirmed | CFD Application $15,000 per CFD; CFD Administrative Expense $50,000 per CFD (or actual cost, whichever is less); Additional Deposits $25,000 per CFD | 2026-05-19 |
| Proffers | Not applicable | Arizona jurisdictions do not use Virginia-style cash proffers (Virginia Code §15.2-2303 has no Arizona counterpart) | - |
Impact Fees (ARS §9-463.05)
Source: Resolution No. 2024-72 (effective August 5, 2024; SHA-256 e2ffc46a...) -- A Resolution of the Mayor and Council of the City of Surprise, Arizona, Adopting Development Fees Pursuant to ARS §9-463.05 (Exhibit A: Development Impact Fee Schedule), cross-confirmed against the Development Services Fee Schedule (CD 04/2025, SHA-256 87b5a36c...). Impact fees cover Parks, Fire, Police, and General Government components by land use type, plus Water System, Water Resource, and Wastewater capacity fees by meter size with geographic Service Planning Area (SPA) variation. Note: grandfathered facilities fees from pre-June 1, 2011 IIP debt remain assessed alongside these new fees per the resolution text; their amounts are not listed in the current resolution and are not captured here.
Residential Impact Fees (per dwelling unit)
| Land Use Type | Fire | Parks | Police | General Government | Total (New Fees) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Family Detached | $1,737 | $1,800 | $581 | $208 | $4,326 |
| Multi-Family | $1,064 | $1,102 | $356 | $143 | $2,665 |
| Mobile Home / RV Unit | $734 | $760 | $245 | $132 | - |
Nonresidential Impact Fees (per 1,000 square feet)
| Land Use Type | Fire | Parks | Police | General Government |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail / Commercial | $2,381 | $211 | $1,662 | $261 |
| Office | $1,141 | $324 | $796 | $148 |
| Industrial | $394 | $115 | $275 | $49 |
| Warehouse | $200 | $34 | $140 | $28 |
| Public / Institutional | $790 | $203 | $551 | $92 |
Water System Impact Fees (by Meter Size and Service Planning Area)
Water System impact fees vary by meter size and Service Planning Area (SPA 1-4). SPA 1 represents the highest-cost planning area. SPA 5 is not applicable for Water System fees.
| Meter Size | SPA 1 | SPA 2 | SPA 3 | SPA 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.75" (3/4") | $5,325 | $5,296 | $3,142 | $2,966 |
| 1.00" | $8,892 | $8,844 | $5,248 | $4,954 |
| 1.50" | $17,732 | $17,636 | $10,464 | $9,878 |
| 2.00" | $28,381 | $28,228 | $16,749 | $15,811 |
| 3.00" | $56,816 | $56,508 | $33,529 | $31,651 |
| 4.00" | $88,764 | $88,284 | $52,384 | $49,450 |
| 6.00" | $177,476 | $176,516 | $104,736 | $98,870 |
| 8.00" | $283,972 | $282,436 | $167,584 | $158,198 |
Water Resource Impact Fees (uniform -- all SPAs)
Water Resource impact fees apply uniformly across all Service Planning Areas.
| Meter Size | Fee (All SPAs) |
|---|---|
| 0.75" (3/4") | $3,649 |
| 1.00" | $6,093 |
| 1.50" | $12,150 |
| 2.00" | $19,448 |
| 3.00" | $38,932 |
| 4.00" | $60,824 |
| 6.00" | $121,611 |
| 8.00" | $194,585 |
Wastewater Impact Fees (by Meter Size and Service Planning Area)
Wastewater impact fees vary by meter size and Service Planning Area (SPA 1 through SPA 4-5). Note that SPA 2-4-5 fees are substantially higher than SPA 1 for wastewater -- the inverse of the Water System pattern.
| Meter Size | SPA 1 | SPA 2 | SPA 3 | SPA 4-5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.75" (3/4") | $4,481 | $9,003 | $9,108 | $9,190 |
| 1.00" | $7,484 | $15,035 | $15,210 | $15,347 |
| 1.50" | $14,923 | $29,979 | $30,329 | $30,601 |
| 2.00" | $23,886 | $47,984 | $48,544 | $48,981 |
| 3.00" | $47,817 | $96,059 | $97,179 | $98,053 |
| 4.00" | $74,705 | $150,075 | $151,825 | $153,191 |
| 6.00" | $149,365 | $300,060 | $303,560 | $306,289 |
| 8.00" | $238,993 | $480,114 | $485,714 | $490,081 |
Impact fee authority: City of Surprise -- Community Development Department. Adopted pursuant to ARS §9-463.05 by Resolution 2024-72 (effective August 5, 2024). Land Use Assumptions and Infrastructure Improvements Plan (IIP) adopted by Resolution 2024-31 (February 20, 2024); IIP as amended June 2, 2026. Grandfathered Facilities fees (from pre-June 1, 2011 IIP debt) remain assessed alongside these new fees per Resolutions 2011-149, 2014-59, 2017-38, 2019-61, and 2020-57 until associated debt is repaid; those grandfathered amounts are not listed in the current fee schedule.
Zoning, Permit, and Development Review Fees
Sources: City of Surprise Citywide Fee Schedule (Resolution 2026-16, effective May 19, 2026; SHA-256 725c8407...; 11 pages) and Development Services Fee Schedule (CD 04/2025, Resolution 2025-19, effective April 15, 2025; SHA-256 87b5a36c...; 17 pages). Where a fee appears in both schedules, the Citywide Fee Schedule (more recently adopted) takes precedence. Note: the Annual Traffic Control Permit changed from $750 (Development Services Fee Schedule) to $75 (Citywide Fee Schedule) -- the Citywide Fee Schedule supersedes.
Building and Fire Permit Fees
| Fee Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Building/Fire Permit Fee -- base | $100.00 per permit |
| Building/Fire Permit Fee -- valuation $1.00 to $999,999.99 | $6.00 per $1,000 of valuation |
| Building/Fire Permit Fee -- valuation $1,000,000.00 and above | $5.00 per $1,000 of valuation |
| Building/Fire/Landscape Plan Review | 65% of the permit fee |
| Building Permit Administrative Processing -- valuation $1.00 to $999,999.99 | 0.50% of valuation |
| Building Permit Administrative Processing -- valuation $1,000,000.00 and above | 0.052% of valuation |
| Solar -- Admin Fee + Plan Review + Permit Fee (3 fees combined) | $109.00 + $128.00 + $63.00 = $300.00 |
Inspection and Permit Processing Fees
| Fee Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Deferred Permit Submittal | $165.00 per deferral |
| Re-Inspection | $100.00 per hour ($200 minimum) |
| After Hour Inspection | $100.00/hour ($200 minimum); $100.00/hour ($300 minimum) for weekends, holidays, and 3rd shift |
| Self-Certification Meeting | $300.00 per meeting |
| Permit Extension -- 1st extension | $115.00 per extension |
| Permit Extension -- 2nd and subsequent | $155.00 per extension |
| Annual Traffic Control Permit | $75.00 per permit |
Civil Construction Permit and Plan Review Fees
| Fee Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Civil Construction Permit (City Jurisdiction/Service Area) | 3.5% of executed contract price or sealed engineer's estimate at 110% |
| Civil Permit and Design Review Administrative Processing | $140.00 per permit/review |
| Standard Civil Plan Review -- 1st and 2nd review | $380.00 per sheet |
| Standard Civil Plan Review -- 3rd and subsequent | $190.00 per sheet (billed in arrears) |
| Expedited Plan Review | 200% of standard review fee ($1,000 minimum) |
| Engineering Report (Traffic Impact Analysis, Water/Wastewater Master Plan, etc.) | $180.00/hour/report -- billed in arrears |
Development Review and Zoning Application Fees
| Application Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Administrative Use Permit (AUP) | $400.00 each |
| Appeals | $1,200.00 each |
| Annexation | $800.00 per annexation |
| Comprehensive Sign Program (CSP) | $1,750.00 each |
| Concept Review | $300.00 per review |
| Concept Review Waiver | $150.00 each |
| Conditional Use Permit (Use Only) | $1,250.00 each |
| Conditional Use Permit with Site Plan | $3,600.00 + $30.00 per acre |
| Development Agreement | $5,000.00 per agreement |
| Development Agreement Amendment | $2,500.00 per amendment |
| General Plan Amendment -- Major | $6,000.00 each |
| General Plan Amendment -- Minor | $2,500.00 each |
| Lot Line Adjustment | $400.00 each |
| PAD/PUD Amendment -- Major | $2,500.00 each |
| PAD/PUD Amendment -- Minor | $885.00 per amendment |
| Planned Unit Development Overlay | $3,540.00 each |
| Rezone | $3,000.00 + $20.00 per acre |
| Site Plan | $3,000.00 + $30.00 per acre |
| Site Plan Amendment -- Minor | $420.00 each |
| Text Amendment | $2,000.00 each |
| Variance | $500.00 + $25.00 per item requested |
| Zoning Verification / Compliance Letter | $100.00 each |
Plat and Land Division Fees
| Application Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Final Plat | $1,200.00 + $17.00 per lot/tract/parcel |
| Minor Land Division | $400.00 + $17.00 per lot/tract/parcel |
| Preliminary Plat | $2,500.00 + $30.00 per lot/tract/parcel |
Zoning and development review fee authority: City of Surprise Community Development Department (Planning and Zoning). Building permit and plan review fee authority: City of Surprise Community Development Department (Building Division).
Utility Tap and Meter Fees
Source: City of Surprise Development Services Fee Schedule (CD 04/2025, Resolution 2025-19, effective April 15, 2025; SHA-256 87b5a36c...), Water Meter Installation Fees section (page 16) and Sewer Line Extension Fees section (page 15). Values confirmed consistent with Citywide Fee Schedule (Resolution 2026-16, May 19, 2026). These are physical connection and meter-installation charges; water and wastewater system capacity is recovered separately through the ARS §9-463.05 impact fees above.
Water Meter Installation Fees
Fees include necessary hardware plus vehicle and labor costs for 3/4-inch to 2-inch ultrasonic meters. Fees for 3-inch to 8-inch meters include an installation inspection fee plus vehicle and labor costs. Market cost is updated each year on July 1.
| Meter Size | Installation Fee |
|---|---|
| 3/4" Ultrasonic Meter | $422.70 |
| 1" Ultrasonic Meter | $428.20 |
| 1.5" Ultrasonic Meter | $916.13 |
| 2" Ultrasonic Meter | $1,138.08 |
| 3" Ultrasonic Meter (includes installation inspection + vehicle + labor) | $3,238.00 |
| 4" Ultrasonic Meter | $4,145.00 |
| 6" Ultrasonic Meter | $6,653.00 |
| 8" Ultrasonic Meter | $19,050.00 |
Sewer Line Extension Fees (by Geographic Sub-Area)
One-time area-specific connection charges for geographic sub-areas within the Surprise service territory. Residential and commercial rates differ by sub-area.
| Sub-Area | Residential Fee | Commercial Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Bell Pointe | $410 per connection | $410 per EDU |
| Cactus | $116-$118 per acre | $509 per acre |
| Litchfield | $220 per acre | $781 per acre |
| Paradise Acres | $3,035 per EDU | $3,035 per EDU |
| Sarival | $153 per acre | $659 per acre |
Utility tap and meter fee authority: City of Surprise Water Resource Management (water meter installation) and Community Development Department (sewer line extension). Water meter installation fees are updated annually on July 1 to reflect market cost.
Community Facilities District (CFD) Fees
Source: City of Surprise Citywide Fee Schedule (Resolution 2026-16, effective May 19, 2026; SHA-256 725c8407...), Community Development section. Surprise actively uses Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) for infrastructure financing in new development areas under ARS Title 48, Chapter 4. The City levies the following city-administered CFD application and administrative expense fees under ARS §48-708(E).
| Fee Item | Amount | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| CFD Application Fee | $15,000.00 per CFD | ARS §48-708(E) |
| CFD Administrative Expense | $50,000.00 per CFD (or actual cost, whichever is less) | ARS §48-708(E) |
| CFD Administrative Expense Additional Deposits | $25,000.00 per CFD | ARS §48-708(E) |
CFD fees are significant developer cost items when establishing a new Community Facilities District for schools, parks, roads, or utility infrastructure financing. CFDs are frequently used in rapidly growing Northwest Valley cities as a mechanism for infrastructure financing in lieu of or in addition to impact fees.
Coverage Notes - What This Page Does Not Cover
Per ZoneFee's Partial-Verified Publication Standard, the items below were not closed via confirmed standalone fee amounts on this page. They are disclosed here rather than estimated or omitted silently.
Proffers
Arizona jurisdictions do not use Virginia-style cash proffers (Virginia Code §15.2-2303 and §15.2-2303.4 have no Arizona counterpart). Developer-side capital contributions in Arizona are captured under impact fees (ARS §9-463.05, where adopted) and through CFD financing structures, both of which are documented above. Closed-search outcome: this fee family does not apply to this jurisdiction.
Transportation Impact Fees
No explicit transportation or roads/roadway component appears in the current ARS §9-463.05 fee schedule for Surprise (Resolution 2024-72). Transportation costs are captured through other mechanisms in Surprise. This is noted in the source record as an informational item, not a data gap.
Grandfathered Facilities Fees
Per Resolution 2024-72, grandfathered facilities fees from the pre-June 1, 2011 Infrastructure Improvements Plan debt remain assessed alongside the new impact fees (Resolutions 2011-149, 2014-59, 2017-38, 2019-61, and 2020-57 remain in effect until associated debt is repaid). The resolution states no change to grandfathered amounts but does not list their current dollar values. Total developer cost at permit includes both the new fees documented here and the applicable grandfathered fee. The grandfathered amounts are not captured on this page -- consult the City of Surprise directly for these amounts.
Fee Authorities
| Authority | Fee Types | Official Website |
|---|---|---|
| City of Surprise -- Community Development Department (Development Services) | Impact fees (ARS §9-463.05: Parks, Fire, Police, General Government, Water System, Water Resource, Wastewater); building permit and plan review fees; civil construction permit and plan review fees; development review and zoning application fees (Rezone, Site Plan, Preliminary Plat, CUP, General Plan Amendment, etc.); sewer line extension fees | surpriseaz.gov/development-impact-fees |
| City of Surprise -- Finance Department | Citywide Fee Schedule (most recent adoption); Community Facilities District application and administrative expense fees (ARS §48-708(E)) | surpriseaz.gov/finance |
| City of Surprise -- Water Resource Management | Water meter installation fees (market cost, updated July 1 annually); utility rate schedule | surpriseaz.gov/utility-rates-information |
Sources
Last verified by ZoneFee: 2026-06-25. Fee schedules are subject to change. Note: the City of Surprise IIP was amended June 2, 2026 -- if a new impact fee resolution was adopted following that amendment, the Resolution 2024-72 amounts may have been superseded. Verify current rates directly with the City of Surprise Community Development Department before relying on this data for any financial decision.
This page reflects fee data sourced from three official City of Surprise PDFs downloaded from surpriseaz.gov via Stage 3 Playwright and Stage 5 Patchright: Resolution 2024-72 (ARS §9-463.05 impact fees, effective August 5, 2024), Citywide Fee Schedule Resolution 2026-16 (effective May 19, 2026), and Development Services Fee Schedule CD 04/2025 (Resolution 2025-19, effective April 15, 2025). ZoneFee does not guarantee that fee amounts are current at the time you read this page. Fee schedules change. Arizona jurisdictions do not use Virginia-style cash proffers. No explicit roads/transportation component appears in the current ARS §9-463.05 fee schedule. Grandfathered Facilities fees remain in effect alongside the documented new fees but are not listed here. Verify all current rates directly with the City of Surprise before relying on this data for land acquisition, project budgeting, or any financial decision. This page is for research and due-diligence reference only - it is not legal or financial advice.