Grading & Drainage: Green Valley vs Marana
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Green Valley, AZ and Marana, AZ?
Green Valley and Marana have similar restriction levels.
Green Valley, AZ
Pima County
Pima County requires grading permits for land disturbance in unincorporated areas and enforces strict drainage standards through the Regional Flood Control District. All new construction must demonstrate that post-development drainage does not increase runoff to adjacent properties. Washes and arroyos have mandatory setback buffers.
View full Green Valley rules →Marana, AZ
Pima County
Marana requires grading and drainage permits for land disturbance projects under the Land Development Code. The town works with the Pima County Regional Flood Control District to enforce floodplain management and drainage design standards, particularly critical in the Santa Cruz River watershed.
View full Marana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Green Valley | Marana |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Authority | Development Services | - |
| Drainage Review | RFCD Drainage Design Manual | - |
| Wash Setbacks | 25-100 ft by classification | - |
| Steep Slope Trigger | 15 percent grade | - |
| Retention | First inch on-site | - |
| Permit Threshold | - | 50+ cubic yards or 3+ foot slopes |
| Drainage Standard | - | Post-development must not exceed pre-development flows |
| Flood District | - | Pima County RFCD co-jurisdiction |
| Professional Required | - | Licensed civil engineer or landscape architect |
| Rainwater Harvesting | - | Encouraged under HB 2675 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Green Valley FAQ
Do I need a grading permit in unincorporated Pima County?
Yes. Any significant land disturbance requires a grading permit from Pima County Development Services. Projects near washes or in floodplains also need RFCD drainage review and possibly a floodplain use permit.
What are the wash setback requirements in Pima County?
Setbacks from washes range from 25 to 100 feet depending on the wash classification. Building within these setbacks requires a floodplain use permit and may be prohibited entirely in critical erosion hazard zones.
Can I redirect drainage on my property in Pima County?
You may not redirect drainage in a way that increases runoff to neighboring properties. Post-development drainage must match or improve predevelopment patterns, and the first inch of rainfall must be retained on-site.
Marana FAQ
When do I need a grading permit in Marana?
A grading permit is required when moving more than 50 cubic yards of material, creating slopes over 3 feet in height, or altering natural drainage patterns. Plans must be prepared by a licensed Arizona civil engineer or landscape architect.
Can I harvest rainwater on my Marana property?
Yes. Arizona HB 2675 encourages residential rainwater harvesting, and Marana supports on-site retention. No permit is needed for basic rain barrel or cistern installation, but larger systems that modify drainage may require review under the grading permit process.
What if my property is in a flood zone?
Development in FEMA-designated flood zones requires additional review through the Pima County Regional Flood Control District, including elevation certificates and compliance with the floodplain management ordinance.
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