Tucson was the first U.S. city to mandate rainwater harvesting. Under UDC Section 7.6.5 and Ordinance 10597, new commercial developments must meet 50 percent of their landscape water demand using on-site harvested rainwater. Residential harvesting is voluntary but incentivized through Tucson Water rebates.
The commercial mandate applies to new development and substantial redevelopment. Site plans must include a water harvesting design submitted with building permits showing catchment area, storage capacity, and distribution to planted areas. Passive earthwork approaches such as basins and swales are counted toward compliance, not just active cisterns. Arizona HB 2675 and related statutes specifically legalize rainwater and gray water capture and establish plumbing standards for up to 400 gallons per day of gray water without permit. Tucson residential rebates can reach 2,000 dollars for active systems and 1,000 dollars for passive features.
Failure to meet commercial requirements delays certificate of occupancy and triggers permit revision. Post-occupancy failures can result in civil fines up to 2,500 dollars.
Tucson, AZ
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Tucson, AZ
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Tucson, AZ
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Tucson, AZ
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Tucson, AZ
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Tucson, AZ
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Pima County.
See how other cities in Pima County handle rainwater harvesting.
See how Tucson's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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