Arizona encourages rainwater harvesting and Phoenix places no permit requirements on residential rainwater collection systems. The city has offered rebate programs for water-saving landscaping improvements. Rainwater harvesting is recommended in conjunction with native, low-water-use plants for desert landscaping.
Rainwater harvesting in Phoenix is generally permitted for residential use including garden irrigation, lawn watering, and non-potable household purposes. Arizona does not impose significant state-level restrictions on residential collection. Rain barrels and cisterns may be installed without special permits in most cases, though large systems may trigger building or plumbing permits. HOAs may have restrictions on visible rain barrel placement. Potable use of collected rainwater requires treatment systems that meet health department standards. Some cities offer rain barrel rebate programs.
No penalties for standard residential collection. Large cistern installations without building permit: standard building code violation $100 to $500.
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix follows the 2018 Phoenix Building Construction Code Chapter 9 (IBC/IRC) and Ordinance G-5898 (effective April 18, 2014). Smoke alarms are required in...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. PCC Section 23 requires property maint...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting hours, and blower noise are governed by HOA CC&Rs. PCC Secti...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Lighting timing, brightness, and animation are governed by subdivision CC&Rs and HO...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs. Trade permits filed through Planning...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix has no specific ordinance regulating residential smokers or pellet grills. ADEQ Rule R18-2-219 prohibits visible emissions exceeding 20 percent opaci...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle rainwater harvesting.
See how Phoenix's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.