Surprise enforces stormwater management requirements for new development and construction sites. The city holds an MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permit from ADEQ. Construction sites over 1 acre must obtain an Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) permit.
The City of Surprise manages stormwater under its MS4 permit from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). New development must include stormwater retention and drainage plans to manage runoff on-site and prevent flooding of adjacent properties. Construction sites disturbing 1 or more acres must obtain an AZPDES Construction General Permit and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Post-construction stormwater controls are required for commercial and multifamily development. Residential property owners must maintain drainage features on their lots and may not block or redirect natural drainage patterns. Desert retention basins are a common stormwater feature in Surprise neighborhoods. Illegal dumping into storm drains is prohibited — storm drains flow directly to desert washes without treatment. Contact Public Works at (623) 222-1300 for stormwater issues.
Construction sites without SWPPP or AZPDES permits face ADEQ enforcement and fines. Illicit discharge to storm drains is a violation of city code and the Clean Water Act. Development without proper drainage plans will not receive permits.
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 stormwater management.
See how Surprise's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.