Pima County, AZ Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)
FEMA flood zone rules in Pima County, AZ, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- Improvements over $7,500 in value
- Citation
- Pima County Code § 16.20.010
- Issued by
- Chief engineer, Pima County
- Covers
- FEMA floodplains, riparian, erosion zones
Summary
Pima County requires a floodplain use permit for new structures, improvements over $7,500, or any development in FEMA flood hazard areas, riparian habitats or erosion hazard zones countywide.
A floodplain use permit shall be obtained for any new structure, new manufactured home, replacement of an existing manufactured home or travel trailer, a change of use of any portion of an existing structure, substantial improvements or other improvements to a structure or manufactured home where the value of material and labor exceeds seven thousand five hundred dollars, or any other development upon any land located within: 1. FEMA designated special flood hazard areas.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-64: Contains Supplement, with local legislation through Ordinance 2026-9, passed 7-28-2026, current through 7-28-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Pima County Code § 16.20.010(A), a floodplain use permit is required for any new structure, new manufactured home, replacement manufactured home or travel trailer, change of use, or improvement where material and labor exceed $7,500, on land within FEMA special flood hazard areas, other regulatory floodplains, riparian habitat areas, or erosion hazard areas. Subsection B makes it 'unlawful for such activities to take place without first applying for and obtaining a floodplain use permit from the chief engineer' and complying with all conditions of the permit and title.
Violations & Fines
Building or developing in a floodplain, riparian habitat or erosion hazard area without a permit is unlawful under § 16.20.010(B), enforced through Title 16's administration and violation-penalty chapters.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a floodplain use permit in Pima County?
Who issues the permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pima County
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