Yavapai County, AZ Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Open Space/Sustainable Development 2.0x bonus tier
- Governing item
- Common-area irrigation with reclaimed water
- Related permit
- ADEQ Type 1 Reclaimed Water General Permit
- State reg cite
- AAC R18-9-711
- Max project size
- 640 acres
- Governing section
- Ordinance Section 441.D.3.g
Summary
Yavapai County has no blanket recycled-water mandate, but its density-bonus zoning rewards it: Planning & Zoning Ordinance Section 441.D.3.g lets developers count common-area irrigation with reclaimed water toward the nine sustainability elements needed for a 2.0x density bonus under the Open Space and Sustainable Development Option.
3. The maximum density established by Section 441.C.3 may be increased to a value equal to the maximum density multiplied by a factor of 2.0 when nine (9) out of the twelve (12) conservation and sustainable design elements required by Section 441.D.1 and nine (9) out of the following twelve (12) conservation and sustainable design elements are incorporated within the development. Land Development Items: ... g. Irrigation of common area landscaping primarily with reclaimed water.
Full Breakdown
Section 441 lets a developer trade specific conservation measures for extra density on land using the Open Space and Sustainable Development Option, capped at 640 acres. 1, plus nine of a second list of twelve elements. k credits "use of gray water systems in all single-family residences according to ADEQ Type 1 Reclaimed Water General Permit (AAC R18-9-711) 13 Best Management Practices," tying individual-lot graywater reuse to the state environmental permit rather than a county rule alone. D to confirm the elements genuinely advance the ordinance's sustainability purpose before granting any bonus. 5 subordinates any conflicting local requirement to state law governing minimum lot size for water and wastewater systems.
Violations & Fines
No standalone recycled-water fine exists; once a project banks the reclaimed-water credit, the commitment runs with the recorded covenant against the lot. Breaching a recorded covenant condition is treated as a zoning violation under Section 206, carrying up to $750 per day for an individual or $10,000 for a corporation, a possible Class 2 misdemeanor, and injunctive action by the County Attorney or an affected neighbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the County require developments to use reclaimed water?
What is the difference between the reclaimed-water item and the gray water item?
Is the reclaimed-water bonus automatic once nine elements are included?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yavapai County
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