Arizona Statewide Rule
Arizona Floodplain Management and County Flood Control Authority
Key Facts
- Statute
- ARS 48-3601 et seq.
- Lead Agency
- County flood control district
- Floor Standard
- NFIP minimums or stricter
- State Coordinator
- AZ Dept of Water Resources
Summary
Arizona statutorily delegates floodplain regulation to counties and flood control districts, setting uniform minimum standards for development in mapped floodplains statewide.
Except as provided in section 48-3610, the board shall adopt and enforce regulations governing floodplains and floodplain management in its area of jurisdiction which shall include the following: 1. Regulations for all development of land, construction of residential, commercial or industrial structures or uses of any kind which may divert, retard or obstruct floodwater and threaten public health or safety or the general welfare.
Full Breakdown
ARS Title 48 Chapter 21 (ARS 48-3601 et seq.) establishes floodplain management as a county responsibility and authorizes county flood control districts to adopt regulations meeting at least National Flood Insurance Program minimums. Cities may administer floodplain rules within their boundaries by intergovernmental agreement, but standards must equal or exceed county and state minimums. Building or grading in a regulatory floodway without a floodplain use permit is prohibited. The Arizona Department of Water Resources oversees state coordination.
Violations & Penalties
Unpermitted floodplain development can result in stop-work orders, civil penalties up to several hundred dollars per day, mandatory removal, and loss of NFIP eligibility for the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build in an Arizona floodplain?
Can Arizona cities adopt weaker floodplain rules than the county?
Sources
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