Surprise is a regulated small Phase II MS4 under Arizona's AZPDES program (ADEQ general permit AZG2016-002), so any construction site disturbing one or more acres must obtain coverage under the AZPDES Construction General Permit (AZG2020-001), prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), and implement erosion and sediment best management practices. City review is handled under Chapter 107 (Design and Engineering Requirements) of the Land Development Ordinance.
The City of Surprise is located in an urbanized area of Maricopa County and is a regulated Phase II Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) under the Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) program administered by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Operators of construction sites that disturb one acre or more (or less than one acre if part of a larger common plan of development) must file a Notice of Intent (NOI) for coverage under the AZPDES Construction General Permit AZG2020-001 and develop a site-specific Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) before any earth-disturbing activity begins. The SWPPP must identify erosion controls (such as preserved vegetation, soil stabilization, and surface roughening) and sediment controls (such as silt fences, fiber rolls, inlet protection, and stabilized construction entrances) appropriate to the desert environment, plus a schedule of inspections, recordkeeping, and corrective action. At the city level, grading, drainage, and erosion-control design submittals are reviewed under Chapter 107 (Design and Engineering Requirements) of the Surprise Land Development Ordinance, which incorporates the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Standard Specifications and the Maricopa County Drainage Design Manual. The city's Stormwater Management Program also requires post-construction stormwater controls and prohibits illicit non-stormwater discharges to the city's storm drains and washes. Confirm current submittal requirements and disturbance thresholds with Surprise Development & Community Services and the Public Works Stormwater coordinator before mobilizing.
Disturbing one or more acres without AZPDES Construction General Permit coverage, failing to prepare or implement a SWPPP, or illicit discharges of sediment, concrete washout, or other pollutants to city storm drains can trigger ADEQ enforcement (penalties up to $25,000 per day per violation under ARS 49-262), city stop-work orders under Chapter 107, and required corrective work at the owner's expense.
Surprise, AZ
Amplified music and sound in Surprise must comply with the city's noise ordinance. Amplified sound audible beyond property lines that disturbs neighbors is p...
Surprise, AZ
Excessive barking dogs in Surprise are addressed through the city's nuisance provisions and Maricopa County animal control regulations. Dogs that bark contin...
Surprise, AZ
Surprise regulates construction noise through its City Code. Residential construction is generally permitted Monday through Saturday during daytime hours. Su...
Surprise, AZ
Surprise is near Luke Air Force Base, which generates significant military jet noise. The city has no authority over military flight operations but maintains...
Surprise, AZ
Surprise does not experience snow and has no space saving or dibs system for parking. The desert climate eliminates the need for shoveled-out parking spot re...
Surprise, AZ
Surprise prohibits abandoned, inoperable, or junk vehicles on public streets and visible on private property. Vehicles without current registration or that a...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle erosion control.
See how Surprise's erosion control rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.