FAQs • Maricopa County, AZ • CivicEngage

Why do I need the District’s permission to build or grade on my property?: The District has authority to enforce the Floodplain Regulations for Maricopa County on all Special Flood Hazard Areas within the boundaries of Maricopa County in order to protect other residents and to minimize damage and losses due to flooding. When development is proposed within these areas, it is the intent of the District to take reasonable action and enforce regulations on those that choose to build in Special Flood Hazard Areas in order to minimize the consequence of flooding and to prevent unwise development.
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Flood Control - Permits (Español)

1. How much does a permit cost?: It depends on the type of permit and the complexity of the review. For Floodplain Use permits, please review the Permitting Fee Schedule for specific costs. For Right-of-Way Use Permits see the Permit Use and Fees.
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Floodplain Use Permits in unincorporated Maricopa County must be paid at the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department while the Community Floodplain Use Permits for the jurisdictions that the District performs floodplain management for can be paid at the District or by phone by calling 602-506-1501.

For Right-of-Way Use Permits, fees can be paid on-line as part of the on-line permitting process. For more information visit the Right-of-Way Use Permit web page.

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3. Why do I need the District’s permission to build or grade on my property?: The District has authority to enforce the Floodplain Regulations for Maricopa County on all Special Flood Hazard Areas within the boundaries of Maricopa County in order to protect other residents and to minimize damage and losses due to flooding. When development is proposed within these areas, it is the intent of the District to take reasonable action and enforce regulations on those that choose to build in Special Flood Hazard Areas in order to minimize the consequence of flooding and to prevent unwise development.
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4. How can I keep my neighbor from making changes on their property that will eventually cause problems on my property?

If your neighbor has obtained an approved Floodplain Use Permit and/or Building Permit, it should minimize adverse impacts downstream.

If the development or changes are not permitted, you can report them to the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department Code Enforcement Division. If you suspect the development is within a delineated floodplain within Maricopa County you can contact the District to open an investigation, 602-506-2419. All other potential floodplain violations, not within unincorporated Maricopa County, will be directed to the applicable jurisdiction.

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5. Can I get a permit to drain my pools into a District canal?: No. District channels are for carrying storm water only. Pool water has contaminants that can hurt the environment, and so is not allowed in District channels.
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6. Am I able to obtain a permit to ride off-road vehicles on District property?: No. Many of the District’s properties serve as replacement habitat and/or are environmentally sensitive areas. This fact along with the existing air quality standards within Maricopa County makes it prohibitive to allow off-road vehicle use on District property.
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