Floodplain Use Permit

Exemptions

Certain uses or agencies may be exempt from building and zoning regulations, but if there is floodplain on a property a Floodplain Use Permit is required for any development.

Applicants submit a complete and accurate Floodplain Use Permit application to the Flood Control District of Maricopa County

What are the steps?

Check to see if your property is in a regulated floodplain. You may also call 602-506-2419 and speak with a Floodplain Representative.

Submit to the District a Floodplain Use Permit application, payment (as applicable) and one (1) copy of other required documents (site plan, grading and drainage plan, details, etc.). You may submit these required materials in hard copy or via email in a PDF format. Please note the size limit is 10MB per email.

If an owner wishes to grant an agent, contractor or consultant authority to make decisions on their behalf, the owner must submit a notarized Property Owner Authorization form.

District staff will contact you to provide additional information or revisions if requested. Three (3) paper copies of the application and required documents are required for permit issuance. District staff will notify applicants if needed paper copies will be generated by the District or, for larger submittals, if they are required to be provided by the applicant.

Once contacted that your Permit is ready for issuance, you must then complete the following:

1. Review and sign the "Floodplain Use Permit and Applicant's Responsibilities" with District Floodplain Management & Services staff. This review can be completed in person; for less complex permits, the District may consider a review over the phone.
2. Review the Floodplain Use Permit and Floodplain Use Permit Conditions and Warning and Disclaimer of Liability with staff.
3. Submit additional fees if required

.Permit issued.

Revisions or modifications

Revisions or modifications to the application for the building permit will be reviewed by the District and the applicant notified if the Floodplain Use Permit or Floodplain Clearance Review must be amended or a new application initiated.

Permits for cities

The Flood Control District of Maricopa County manages floodplains for several incorporated communities in the County.

What are the steps?

When you are submitting an application for a building permit at your city or town they will check to see if you are in the floodplain. The District manages floodplains for:

1. Buckeye
2. Carefree
3. Cave Creek
4. Chandler
5. El Mirage
6. Gila Bend
7. Guadalupe
8. Litchfield Park
9. Mesa
10. Queen Creek
11. Surprise
12. Tolleson
13. Wickenburg
14. Youngtown

If the property is in a floodplain, the city/town will give you a "Floodplain Use Permit required" card or the city form (which may also be your building permit application) to submit to the District with a Floodplain Use Permit application.

Submit to the District the document listed in number 2 above, along with your Floodplain Use Permit application, payment (as applicable) and one (1) copy of other required documents (site plan, grading and drainage plan, details, etc.). You may submit these required materials in hard copy or via email in a PDF format. Please note the size limit is 10MB per email.

If an owner wishes to grant an agent, contractor or consultant authority to make decisions on their behalf, the owner must submit a notarized Property Owner Authorization form.

District staff will contact you if additional information or revisions are needed. One (1) copy of the requested documents and/or revisions shall be submitted to the District as noted above. Once the permit is ready for issuance, the permit and documents will be prepared and stamped by the District. The District keeps a copy, the applicant receives one, and a copy is emailed to the community contacts.

You will be contacted when the Floodplain Use Permit is ready for issuance. The following must be completed:

1. Review and sign the Floodplain Use Permit, Applicant's Responsibilities, and Warning and Disclaimer of Liability with District permitting staff. This review can be completed in person; for less complex permits, the District may consider a review over the phone.
2. Submit additional fees if required.

Permit issued.

Proceed with your municipality's application. Note: Inspections are done by the local jurisdictions

Please note:

• Some communities will not accept a permit application until you have obtained a Floodplain Use Permit from the District and the city/town.
• Permit conditions for Elevation Certificates require follow-up with the District.
• Revisions to the application for the permit require District review, and the applicant will be notified if the Floodplain Use Permit may be amended or if a new application is required.
• Payment of fees can be made by credit card by calling (602) 506-1501.

If you would like to meet with staff for a pre-application meeting to discuss your project, please call the District at 602-506-2419.