Sahuarita, AZ Environmental Rules: Grading & Drainage (2026)

Sahuarita regulates grading and drainage through its engineering standards and Land Development Code. A grading permit is required for earthwork exceeding specified thresholds, typically any cut or fill over 2 feet in depth or disturbance of 5,000 square feet or more. All grading must maintain positive drainage away from structures and must not redirect stormwater onto neighboring properties. The town adheres to Pima County Floodplain Management Ordinance requirements for properties within or adjacent to FEMA-designated flood zones and regulatory floodplains along the Santa Cruz River and desert washes. Development within the regulatory floodplain requires a floodplain use permit from Pima County Regional Flood Control District. Retention and detention basin requirements apply to new development to control post-construction runoff rates. The first-flush retention requirement captures the initial runoff volume to prevent pollutant transport. HB 2675 supports rainwater harvesting, and Sahuarita encourages passive water harvesting through grading design (directing roof runoff to landscape basins). The town engineering division reviews drainage reports for subdivisions and commercial development. Single-family residential lot grading that maintains existing drainage patterns typically requires only a standard building permit review.