Does Coconino County, AZ have its own coastal development ordinance?

No. Coconino County, AZ does not appear to have a local coastal development ordinance, Arizona state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Arizona Revised Statutes.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Coconino County

Coconino County, AZ Environmental Rules: Coastal Development (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Statute: ARS §48-3613 / §48-3601 et seq.
Authority: Coconino County Flood Control District
Requirement: Written authorization to develop
Real hazard: Post-fire flash flooding
Waterways: Rio de Flag, Oak Creek

Summary

Coconino County is landlocked high country, so 'coastal' rules mean floodplain and watercourse protection. Under ARS §48-3613, you cannot obstruct a watercourse or develop in a mapped floodplain without written authorization from the county Flood Control District.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Coconino County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

a person shall not engage in any development which will divert, retard or obstruct the flow of waters in any watercourse without securing written authorization from the board

Source: Arizona Revised StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

There is no ocean here; the water hazards are the Rio de Flag through Flagstaff, Oak Creek in the canyon country, the Little Colorado, and post-wildfire flash floods off the Museum and Pipeline Fire burn scars. The Coconino County Flood Control District administers floodplain management under ARS §48-3601 et seq. Any development that would divert, retard, or obstruct a watercourse, and any building within a delineated floodplain, needs the board's written authorization. FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas carry elevation standards, and the Army Corps and City of Flagstaff Rio de Flag project targets chronic downtown flooding. Riparian corridors along Oak Creek receive added protection.

Violations & Fines

Diverting or obstructing a watercourse, or building in a delineated floodplain, without the Flood Control District's written authorization violates ARS §48-3613, bringing stop-work orders, civil penalties, and orders to remove the encroachment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Coconino County has no coast: what do these rules cover?

Floodplain and watercourse development. Under ARS §48-3613 you need the Flood Control District's written authorization to obstruct a watercourse or build in a mapped floodplain.

Why is post-wildfire flooding such a big deal near Flagstaff?

Burn scars can't absorb rain, so monsoon storms over the Museum and Pipeline Fire scars sent flash floods and mud through Flagstaff neighborhoods in 2021 and 2022.

Sources & Official References

[1]Arizona Revised Statutes

Other rules in Coconino County

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Defensible SpaceSome Restrictions Stormwater ManagementSome Restrictions Erosion ControlSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesFew Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Coconino County rules

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