Pima County requires erosion and sediment control plans for all grading and construction activities in unincorporated areas. The Sonoran Desert landscape with sparse vegetation and intense monsoon rainfall makes erosion control critical. Grading permits through Development Services require detailed erosion mitigation before work begins.
Pima County Code Title 18 (Floodplain and Erosion Hazard Management) and the county grading ordinance require erosion and sediment control measures for all land-disturbing activities. Developers must submit an erosion control plan as part of the grading permit application. Required measures include silt fencing, stabilized construction entrances, dust control (per Pima County Department of Environmental Quality dust regulations), temporary sediment basins, and revegetation plans using native species. The county enforces Arizona Department of Environmental Quality dust action general permits -- sites over 0.1 acres of disturbance must file a dust control plan. Pima County is particularly sensitive to erosion due to caliche soils, steep bajada slopes, and intense monsoon precipitation that can deliver 1-2 inches per hour. Wash banks and riparian areas receive additional protections under county buffer zone requirements.
Grading without an approved erosion control plan results in stop-work orders and fines. Dust violations reported to ADEQ can trigger penalties of $1,000-$10,000 per day. Sedimentation of washes or waterways may trigger both county and federal Clean Water Act enforcement. The county may require bonding for erosion control compliance on larger projects.
Pima County, AZ
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Pima County, AZ
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Pima County, AZ
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Pima County, AZ
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Pima County, AZ
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Pima County, AZ
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See how Pima County's erosion control rules stack up against other locations.
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