Tucson, AZ Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Article II of Chapter 26 sets Tucson's stormwater management program, adopted to comply with the city's Municipal Stormwater Permit and the federal Clean Water Act. Section 26-40 prohibits ten categories of conduct: any discharge that is a source of pollutants; allowing or causing a discharge that contributes a pollutant to stormwater; any discharge that violates the city's Municipal Stormwater Permit even if separately AZPDES/NPDES-permitted; establishing or maintaining an illicit connection to the municipal separate storm sewer system; depositing, dumping, or storing materials that could pollute or obstruct stormwater flow; failing to comply with an AZPDES/NPDES permit, including Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) obligations; failing to submit required notices of intent, notices of termination, or no-exposure certifications; failing to implement a Corrective Action Plan using Best Management Practices; misrepresenting information in a permit or plan; and disabling required sampling or monitoring devices.

Section 26-41 exempts naturally occurring flows (stormwater, rising groundwater, springs, dechlorinated pool water) and de minimis discharges such as charitable car washes using biodegradable soap, provided they don't independently become pollutant sources. Under Section 26-47, an authorized representative who discovers a violation can issue a written notice by personal service or certified mail requiring a Corrective Action Plan, installation of monitoring devices at the violator's expense, cleanup, and an immediate stop-work order if the condition threatens public health or the environment.