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Frequently asked questions
Source: Arizona Roofing Help (arizonaroofinghelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 3, 2026.
How much is an Arizona residential roofing contractor license?
For a new two year Specialty Residential (R) license: license fee $270 and $80 application fee, plus the Residential Recovery Fund assessment of $370, for $720 total, per the ROC fee page. Exam fees are extra.
How much can I get from the Arizona Recovery Fund?
Up to $30,000 per residence, and no more than $200,000 in total per contractor license, if you qualify.
Can a handyman do small jobs in Arizona without a license?
Only casual or minor work under $1,000 in total that needs no permit. Any job that needs a permit needs a licensed contractor, the ROC says.
Does my Arizona contractor have to give me a written contract?
For jobs over $1,000, A.R.S. 32-1158 lists what the written contract must contain, including the license number and total price with taxes.
How long do I have to file an ROC complaint?
For remodels and repairs, two years from the date work was last performed. For new construction, two years from close of escrow or occupancy, whichever came first.
Can I do work on my own Arizona home without a license?
Yes, if it is for your own use and not for sale or rent for at least a year, per the ROC. Permits and building codes still apply.
Who licenses roofers in Arizona?
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors: R-42 for residential, C-42 for commercial and CR-42 for both.
Can an Arizona roofer replace rotted decking?
Up to 10 percent of the roof substrate when problems are found after signing. Beyond that, the ROC says the roofer must subcontract to a properly licensed contractor.
How do I check a roofer's license in Arizona?
Look up the license on the ROC Contractor Search and confirm the class (such as R-42) covers the job. ROC: (602) 542-1525.
Can I cancel a storm damage roofing contract if my insurer denies the claim?
Yes. Under A.R.S. 32-1158.02, subsection B, you have the right to cancel within seventy-two hours after your insurer notifies you that the claim has been denied. It covers roof repair or replacement contracts after a catastrophic storm in an insurer designated area.
Can I cancel a storm damage roofing contract in Arizona?
Yes. A.R.S. 32-1158.02 lets you cancel for any reason within four business days after signing, and within 72 hours after your insurer denies the claim.
How much can a storm roofer ask up front in Arizona?
No more than 50 percent of the total contract as a down payment under A.R.S. 32-1158.02.
Can a roofer pay my insurance deductible in Arizona?
No. For storm repair claims, A.R.S. 32-1158.02 bars a contractor from advertising, promising or paying your deductible, or rebating it.
Can I cancel a roofing contract I signed at my door in Arizona?
If it is a home solicitation sale under A.R.S. 44-5001, you may cancel before midnight of the third business day after the transaction. Storm repair contracts also have a four business day cancel right.
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Arizona?
It depends on the city. Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Scottsdale and Peoria generally exempt same material reroofs; Flagstaff requires a permit for re-roofing.
Do I need a permit to reroof in Phoenix?
Not to re-shingle or re-tile with the same material (two asphalt layers maximum). Switching from shingles to tile needs a permit.
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Tucson?
Not for same type material with no structural work outside historic zones. Replacing decking or other structure needs a permit.
Do I need a permit to reroof in Mesa?
Mesa says you can replace your roof with the same material type or better, following the manufacturer's instructions. Historic homes need Planning approval.
When does Chandler require a reroof permit?
When switching to a different material such as concrete tile, or when like material already exceeds two layers.
Do I need a permit to reroof in Scottsdale?
Not when the same roofing material is used. A permit is required if any sheathing or roof framing is repaired or replaced.
Do I need a permit to replace a roof in Tempe?
Not if the new covering is the same or better fire class, adds no load, and no more than two sheets or 64 square feet of sheathing are replaced, per the 2018 code copy we read.
Do I need a permit to reroof in Peoria?
Not with the same type of material and no more than two layers of asphalt shingles, per Peoria's code amendments.
Do I need a permit to reroof in Flagstaff?
Yes. Flagstaff requires a permit for re-roofing, an ice barrier, and Class A or B rated material. Wood shakes and shingles are prohibited.
On this site: Arizona roofing contractor license fees · Contractor bonds and the Recovery Fund in Arizona · The Arizona handyman exemption and $1,000 limit · What an Arizona roofing contract must include · How to file a complaint against an Arizona contractor · Doing your own work on your Arizona home · Arizona roofing contractor license (ROC R-42, C-42, CR-42) · How to check an Arizona roofer before you hire · Arizona storm damage roofing contract rules · Arizona rules for roofers and insurance claims · Door to door roofing sales and the 3 day cancel rule in Arizona · Reroof permit rules in Arizona cities · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): License Classifications (browser) checked November 3, 2026
- Arizona State Legislature: A.R.S. 32-1158.02 (post-catastrophic storm repair contracts) (checked November 3, 2026)
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): License and Renewal Fees (effective 7/1/2014) (browser) checked November 3, 2026
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): Recovery Fund (browser) checked November 3, 2026
- Arizona State Legislature: A.R.S. 32-1126 (fees; residential contractors' recovery fund assessment, subsection G) (checked November 3, 2026)
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): Bond Information (browser) checked November 3, 2026
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): Before You Hire a Contractor (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 State Legislature: A.R.S. 32-1158 (contract requirements) (checked November 3, 2026)
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): File a Formal Complaint (browser) checked November 3, 2026
- Arizona State Legislature: A.R.S. 32-1162 (complaint time limits) (checked November 3, 2026)
- Arizona Secretary of State: Arizona Administrative Code Title 4, Chapter 9 (Registrar of Contractors rules, PDF) (browser) checked November 3, 2026
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): Contract Requirements (browser) checked November 3, 2026
- Arizona State Legislature: A.R.S. 44-5001 (home solicitation sales; definitions) (checked November 3, 2026)
- Arizona State Legislature: A.R.S. 44-5004 (home solicitation sales; notice and cancellation form) (checked November 3, 2026)
- City of Phoenix Planning and Development: How to Obtain a Residential Permit (brochure, PDF) (checked November 3, 2026)
- City of Tucson Planning and Development Services: Do I Need a Permit? (Exemptions) (browser) checked November 3, 2026
- City of Mesa Development Services: Residential Construction Frequently Asked Questions (browser) checked November 3, 2026
- City of Chandler Development Services: Homeowner Building Permit Manual (PDF) (checked November 3, 2026)
- City of Scottsdale Planning and Development: Re-Roofing Your Home (handout, PDF) (checked November 3, 2026)
- City of Tempe (hosted by Municode): Tempe Administrative Code, City Code Section 8-100 (effective 10/01/2018, PDF) (checked November 3, 2026)
- City of Peoria (American Legal Publishing code library): City Code Sec. 18-25, International Residential Code adopted and amended (browser) checked November 3, 2026
- City of Flagstaff: When is a building permit needed? (PDF) (checked November 3, 2026)
- City of Phoenix Planning and Development: Work Exempt from Permit (PDF) (checked November 3, 2026)
- City of Phoenix Planning and Development: Reroofing Over The Counter (OTC) Permit/Plan Review Application (PDF) (checked November 3, 2026)
- City of Mesa Development Services: Residential Construction (browser) checked November 3, 2026
- City of Scottsdale Planning and Development: Home Improvement (checked November 3, 2026)
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