To figure out if a contractor has an active ROC license and obtain other information related to the license, you can use
Arizona Registrar of Contractors
online service
Contracting by an unlicensed contractor does not allow residence owner to recourse through AZ ROC.
Contracting by licensed entity homeowner may also be eligible to apply to the Registrar's Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund to get up to $30,000 to complete the work properly.
A plan, building permit or inspections are required for most residential works including all new residential buildings, porches, additions, garages, detached accessory structures over 200 square feet or remodeling of existing structures, furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, water heater installation or replacement, electrical reconnections. Building permit with structure engineered design is needed for residential walls or fences over 7 feet tall to be constructed.