Tucson regulates stormwater through the Unified Development Code and Pima County Regional Flood Control District standards. All new development must retain the first inch of stormwater on-site using green infrastructure such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable surfaces. The city adopted a Water Harvesting Ordinance (Ordinance 10597) requiring commercial developments to meet 50% of landscape water demand through rainwater harvesting.
Tucson was the first U.S. city to require rainwater harvesting for commercial projects. Stormwater management plans are required for all development disturbing one acre or more. The city holds an MS4 permit under the Clean Water Act and enforces illicit discharge prohibitions. Best management practices must address sediment, erosion, and pollutant runoff during and after construction.
Violations of stormwater management requirements can result in stop-work orders, fines up to $2,500 per day per violation, and denial of certificates of occupancy. Illicit discharge violations may also trigger federal Clean Water Act penalties.
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. Tucson Code Chapter 16 (Neighborhood Pr...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, height, lighting hours, and blower noise are governed by HOA CC&Rs. Tu...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Timing, brightness, and animated displays are governed by HOA CC&Rs in master-planne...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs through the Planning and Development S...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has no specific city ordinance regulating residential smokers or pellet grills. Smoke nuisance may be addressed under Tucson Code Section 16-31 (exces...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson Fire Department enforces the International Fire Code with local amendments. Per Tucson's BBQ and Open Flame Devices handout, 20-lb propane cylinders m...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Pima County.
See how other cities in Pima County handle stormwater management.
See how Tucson's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
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