Arizona Statewide Rule

Arizona AZPDES Stormwater Permits and Construction Erosion Control

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Arizona (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: A.R.S. § 49-255.01
Agency: ADEQ Water Quality Division
Trigger: One acre disturbed
Required plan: SWPPP with BMPs
Max penalty: $25,000 per day

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Arizona bans discharging pollutants to protected waters without an AZPDES permit under A.R.S. § 49-255.01. Construction sites disturbing one acre or more must obtain ADEQ's Construction General Permit and implement erosion and sediment controls through a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.

A. A person shall not discharge except under either of the following conditions: 1. In conformance with a permit that is issued or authorized under this article or rules authorized under section 49-203, subsection A, paragraph 2. 2. Pursuant to a permit that is issued or authorized by the United States environmental protection agency until a permit that is issued or authorized under this article takes effect.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under A.R.S. § 49-255.01(A), no person may discharge to waters of the United States except in conformance with a permit issued under this article. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) runs the AZPDES program and issues the Construction General Permit (AZG2025-001), which covers stormwater from construction disturbing one acre or more, or smaller sites in a larger common plan of development. Permittees file a Notice of Intent and prepare a SWPPP specifying best management practices such as silt fences, stabilized entrances, and sediment basins to control erosion. Sites that fully retain stormwater qualify for reduced control measures under subsection L.

Violations & Penalties

ADEQ enforces under A.R.S. § 49-262(C), which authorizes civil penalties of not more than $25,000 per day per violation for discharging without an AZPDES permit or violating permit conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need an AZPDES construction permit?

When land disturbance reaches one acre or more, or a smaller site is part of a common plan of development totaling one acre or more.

What erosion controls does the permit require?

A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan with best management practices like silt fences, stabilized construction entrances, and sediment basins to prevent sediment leaving the site.

Who enforces AZPDES stormwater rules?

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, with civil penalties up to $25,000 per day per violation under A.R.S. § 49-262(C).

Sources

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.