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Environmental Rules in Maricopa, AZ (2026)

4 verified environmental rules for Maricopa, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Stormwater Management

New development in Maricopa must provide on-site storm water retention as a required public facility improvement, and the city treats retention as central to flood control and to meeting Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System requirements.

Maricopa Storm Water Retention Rule

Some Restrictions

Maricopa City Code § 18.85.040(D)

D. Storm Water Retention Required. Storm water retention is an integral component of the city’s storm water management program and compliance with Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System requirements. Due to limitations of discharge outlets, on-site retention is a high priority element for a successful program to minimize flooding and related property damage.

Erosion Control

Before the city approves any new development, its storm drainage design must conform to Maricopa's engineering standards and carry an Engineering Division-approved grading and drainage plan under Maricopa City Code § 18.85.040(B). Subsection (D) treats on-site storm water retention as a core piece of the city's compliance with Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) rules, the state permit program governing construction-site erosion and sediment control.

Maricopa Erosion & Storm Drainage Control Rule

Some Restrictions

Maricopa City Code § 18.85.040(B), (D)

B. Design. The design of sanitary sewer, storm drainage, and water system facilities shall conform to the city’s standard details and engineering policies and private utility company standards where these are separately provided. An approved grading and drainage plan by the engineering division is required prior to development approval. Specific exception to this standard may be approved for de...

Flood Zones

New construction and substantial improvements in Maricopa's special flood hazard areas must have the lowest floor elevated to or above the regulatory flood elevation, per the city's Flood Damage Prevention chapter.

Maricopa Flood Zone Construction Standards

Some Restrictions

Maricopa City Code § 16.05.200(C)(1)

Residential construction, new, or substantial improvement, shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to or above the regulatory flood elevation. a. In a Zone AO, the base flood elevation is determined from the FIRM panel. If unspecified, the required elevation is at minimum two feet above highest adjacent grade. b. In a Zone A where the base flood elevation has...

Flood Elevation Requirements

New homes and substantial improvements in Maricopa's special flood hazard areas must set the lowest floor at least one foot above the base flood elevation: the city's defined "regulatory flood elevation." A floodplain use permit and engineer certification are required before and after construction.

Maricopa Flood Elevation Freeboard Rule

Some Restrictions

Maricopa City Code §§ 16.05.050, 16.05.200(C)(1)

“Regulatory flood elevation (RFE)” means an elevation one foot above the base flood elevation. ... Residential construction, new, or substantial improvement, shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to or above the regulatory flood elevation.

Looking for Pinal County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Maricopa city rules.

Environmental Rules in Pinal County