8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Maricopa County, Arizona.
Verified from official government sources
Maricopa County requires stormwater management for development in unincorporated areas. The FCDMC Drainage Policies and Standards Manual sets requirements for stormwater capture, retention, and conveyance. Construction projects over 1 acre require an AZPDES stormwater permit from ADEQ. Projects must retain the first flush on-site and demonstrate adequate drainage to prevent downstream flooding.
Maricopa County requires erosion control measures for construction and grading activities in unincorporated areas. The FCDMC Drainage Policies and Standards Manual addresses erosion prevention during and after construction. ADEQ's AZPDES Construction General Permit requires a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for projects disturbing 1+ acres, including erosion and sediment control best management practices.
Maricopa County is located in the inland Sonoran Desert of Arizona, hundreds of miles from any coast. Coastal development regulations do not apply. The county has no coastal zones, shoreline management programs, or related ordinances.
The Flood Control District of Maricopa County (FCDMC) manages floodplain regulations for unincorporated areas and 14 municipalities. Development in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas requires a Floodplain Use Permit. Desert flash flooding along washes and arroyos is the primary flood risk. Building in or near washes requires flood control approval. The county participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
FEMA Flood Map Service Center
FEMA Flood Map Service Center: Welcome! Looking for a Flood Map? Enter an address, a place, or longitude/latitude coordinates: Looking for more than just a current flood map? Visit Search All Products to access the full range of flood risk products for your community. About Flood Map Service Center The FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) is the official public source for flood hazard informatio...
Grading and drainage in unincorporated Maricopa County are regulated by the Flood Control District (FCDMC) and Planning and Development Department. Grading plans must show pad and finished floor elevations complying with floodplain requirements. The Drainage Policies and Standards Manual governs stormwater conveyance. Projects must capture and treat the first flush on-site without discharging into FCDMC right-of-way.
Maricopa County Air Quality Department Rule 322 caps heavy-duty diesel vehicle idling at five minutes within any sixty-minute period. The rule applies countywide on private and public property and includes specific exemptions for federal idle reductions, sleeper cabs, and emergency operations.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has not adopted a climate emergency declaration or countywide Climate Action Plan. Climate work happens through the Heat Relief Network, MCAQD ozone planning, and city-level CAPs in Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa rather than a county mandate.
Arizona has no statewide energy code, and Maricopa County has not adopted a cool-roof ordinance for unincorporated areas. The county follows the 2018 International Residential Code with limited energy provisions, leaving roof-reflectance choices to the property owner.
10 cities in Maricopa County have their own environmental rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
13 verified rules • Climate Emergency Mobilization, Coastal Development
9 verified rules • Climate Emergency Mobilization, Coastal Development
5 verified rules • Coastal Development, Erosion Control
5 verified rules • Coastal Development, Erosion Control
5 verified rules • Coastal Development, Erosion Control
5 verified rules • Coastal Development, Erosion Control
5 verified rules • Coastal Development, Erosion Control
5 verified rules • Coastal Development, Erosion Control
5 verified rules • Coastal Development, Erosion Control
5 verified rules • Coastal Development, Erosion Control
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