Permits
Working together, we can create a built environment that preserves water conveyance and provides habitat for wildlife.
Which Permit Do You Need?
Right-of-Way Use Permit
The Flood Control District requires a Right-of-Way Use Permit be obtained prior to any development or access requested on property that the District owns or has easements over and/or on structures we maintain.
Floodplain Use Permit
Floodplain Use Permits are issued by the Flood Control District of Maricopa County for development in a floodplain, including extraction of sand and gravel or other material. Even if you may not need a building permit for your project, if you are doing work within a designated floodplain, you are required to obtain a Floodplain Use Permit before you build, grade, fill, install any type of wall or fencing, or perform any other man-made change to the property.
Floodplain Regulations for Maricopa County
Additional Permits
Applications for subdivision plats, zoning and other processes, and building permits for unincorporated Maricopa County are handled through the Department of Planning and Development. Cities and towns in incorporated Maricopa County process their own building permits for development within the city/town limits.
Are you installing a manufactured homes or factory-built building? You must also apply for an installation permit at the Arizona Department of Housing Manufactured Housing Division. Other permits, such as the Floodplain Use Permit, may be required prior to receiving the installation permit.
What Is the Status of My Permit?
Right of Way Use Permits
The Flood Control District of Maricopa County (District) requires a Right-of-Way use permit for any construction and/or access on District real property. The District has an on-line permit application process. To access the online application, register as a new user or sign in here. For assistance with online application and plan review see the User Guide. Review the requirements of the section in the User Guide on “File Size and Naming Conventions” prior to uploading plans for review.
How to determine whether or not a Right-of-Way permit is required
First: Review the District’s Structures and Property Viewer and locate the subject property/project. Please note that property includes easements.
Second: Determine whether or not the project will require work on or adjacent to District property, access to District property, have connections to District projects, or will change access points or drainage to any District property and/or projects.
If so, contact the District ROW Specialist for a final determination of whether or not a permit will be required.
Right-of-Way Application Process
Concept Plans: Typically, permit application begins with a conceptual plan. At the applicant's discretion, District staff will meet with the applicant to discuss any conceptual plans or scope and provide information on any FCD standards that may impact the design. There is no charge for this preliminary review of your plans, and we strongly encourage this meeting as it will help to reduce the number of review cycles that your plans might need.
Design Plan Approval: The applicant can upload plans and reports to the District for review. The District will review the plans and provide written comments, if there any deficiencies. Upon completion of the review, FCD will transmit the results of the review to the applicant. Revisions to the plans may be necessary. FCD will transmit a final plan approval letter to the applicant once the FCD receives revised plans that address FCD's concerns. Please note that written correspondence does not constitute authorization to begin construction activities within FCD's right-of-way, a Right-of-Way Use Permit is required.
Easement Requirements: For permanent installations on FCD owned Right-of-Way an easement from the FCD will generally be required. The applicant will also need to provide a map exhibit and legal description of the easement in 8 ½ inches by 11 inches recordable format. After approval of the map and legal, a public notice of the proposed easement will be advertised and the property posted, followed by easement valuation. The applicant will be responsible for all costs associated with an appraisal, if applicable. Applicant shall allow 4 to 6 weeks for FCD review.
Permit Issuance: FCD will issue a Right-of-Way Use Permit after any additional paperwork and information that is outlined in the Plan Approval letter is received, all fees have been paid and a bond has been secured. The permit is typically issued to General Contractor doing the work and normally requires preparation and approval of a Work Plan and Emergency Action Plan.
Construction and Inspection: During construction, District inspectors will visit the site and provide approvals for specified activities usually involving structures. The inspection requirements will be identified during a pre-construction meeting. Changes to the plans will require approval from the District and will follow a similar process as the Design Plan Approval which may require an addendum to the permit.
As-built and Close Out: Once the work is complete and approved by the inspectors, the District requires the submittal of as-built plans and QA/QC testing data.
Related Documents
- Checklist - Pre-Application Meeting
- Checklist - Required Documents
- FCD Access Road Requirements (PDF)
- FCD Policy on the Placement of Controlled Low Strength Material - Slurry
- County Legal Description and Map Exhibit Guidelines
- FCD General Construction Notes
- Checklist - Construction Work Plan (PDF)
- Checklist - Emergency Action Plan (PDF)
- Right of Way Use Permit Fee Schedule
- Performance Bond Form (PDF)
- Security in Lieu of Performance Bond Form (PDF)
- Certificate of Insurance Form
- FCD As-Built Plan/Permit Closeout Requirements (PDF)
Related Information
Floodplain Use Permits
Floodplain Use Permits are issued by the Flood Control District of Maricopa County for development in a floodplain, including extraction of sand and gravel or other material. Even if you may not need a building permit for your project, if you are doing work within a designated floodplain, you are required to obtain a Floodplain Use Permit before you build, grade, fill, install any type of wall or fencing, or perform any other man-made change to the property.
Where do you live?
- Building in Unincorporated County
- In Unincorporated County - No Building Permit Needed
- In a City/Town Managed by the District
- Independent City or Town
One Stop Shop
The One Stop Shop was created as a way to streamline Maricopa County Planning & Development Department customer service by offering representatives from a variety of County department services in one location. Our main office includes representatives from Air Quality, Environmental Services and Flood Control.
What are the steps?
Submit a complete and accurate application to the One Stop Shop at Planning and Development for a Building Permit Opens a New Window. and pay the appropriate building permit fee. If the property is in a floodplain, a Floodplain Use Permit will be prepared as part of the building permit process. Review Comments for your Floodplain Use Permit will be sent to you as part of the combined packet from P&D. You will be notified when it is ready for issuance.
If an owner wishes to grant an agent, contractor or consultant authority to make decisions on their behalf, they can submit a notarized Property Owner Authorization Opens a New Window. form at this time as well
Provide additional information or revisions if requested.
You will be contacted when the Floodplain Use Permit is ready for issuance. The following must be completed:
- If an owner wishes to grant an agent, contractor or consultant authority to make decisions on their behalf and has not already submitted a notarized Property Owner Authorization Opens a New Window. form, the form must be submitted at this time.
- Review the Floodplain Use Permit and Floodplain Use Permit Conditions and Warning and Disclaimer of Liability with staff.
- Submit the required fee Opens a New Window. .
- Sign the Floodplain Use Permit, Applicant’s Responsibilities, and Warning and Disclaimer of Liability.
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.
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 a Floodplain Use Permit application, payment (as applicable) and one (1) copy of other required documents (site plan, grading and drainage plan, details, etc.). The District has an online permit application process. To access the online application, register as a new user or sign in here. For assistance with online application and plan review see the User Guide. Review the requirements of the section in the User Guide on “File Size and Naming Conventions” prior to uploading plans for review.
You may also submit these required materials 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:
- 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.
- Review the Floodplain Use Permit and Floodplain Use Permit Conditions and Warning and Disclaimer of Liability with staff.
- 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:
- Buckeye
- Carefree
- Cave Creek
- Chandler
- El Mirage
- Gila Bend
- Guadalupe
- Litchfield Park
- Mesa
- Queen Creek
- Surprise
- Tolleson
- Wickenburg
- 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.).
Submit a Floodplain Use Permit application, payment (as applicable) and one (1) copy of other required documents (site plan, grading and drainage plan, details, etc.). The District has an online permit application process. To access the online application, register as a new user or sign in here. For assistance with online application and plan review see the User Guide. Review the requirements of the section in the User Guide on “File Size and Naming Conventions” prior to uploading plans for review.
You may also submit these required materials 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:
- 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.
- 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.
Independent City or Town
If your property is located in one of the following cities or towns, you will need to contact them regarding floodplain questions, as they have their own processes for obtaining a permit:
APPLY FOR AN APPEAL / INTERPRETATION
Why to File an Appeal / Interpretation
You may take an Appeal to the Floodplain Review Board for the following:
- A dispute between an appellant and District if the meaning of a word, phrase, or section of the Floodplain Regulations is in doubt, or if the location of a flood way or floodplain is in doubt.
- An applicant may file an appeal challenging a denial of a permit.
- An applicant may file an appeal to challenge a final decision of the District based on the results of an inspection.
Documentation Required for Submittal - Appeals & Interpretations
- Completed Application form and supplemental information to include:
- Name and address of the person requesting the interpretation.
- The regulation and section (example: Section 403.A.5) that requires clarification.
- Any facts relevant to the requested interpretation.
- The person's proposed interpretation of the applicable regulation.
- An accurate plot/site plan and description of the property involved.
- Description of proposed use.
- Finished floor elevations and estimate of the value of use.
- Additional information can be provided as needed.
- District staff may require clarification or additional information after reviewing the submittal.
- View the Appeal / Interpretation Application Form (PDF).
- The application must be signed by the property owner or 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 (PDF).
- Submit one (1) copy to the District of the application form, supplemental information, other documentation you feel is needed to justify your request for appeal or interpretation, and payment (as applicable). You may submit these required materials in hard copy or electronically via email.
Appeal Fees
| Appeals | Fee |
|---|---|
| Appeals, Interpretations | $250 |
| Pre-Application Meeting | $0 |
APPLYING FOR A VARIANCE
Generally, Variances may be granted only if special circumstances, such as size, shape, topography, location or surroundings of the property, would cause the strict application of the Regulations to deprive the property of privileges enjoyed by similar property in the floodplain.
Reasons for a Variance to Be Issued
Variances may be issued for the repair, rehabilitation, or restoration of structures listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the State Inventory of Historic Places, upon a determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation will not preclude the structures' continued designation as a historic structure and the variance is the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure.
Variances shall only be issued upon showing that the use cannot perform its intended purpose unless it is located or carried out in close proximity to water. This includes only facilities defined in Section 205 of the Floodplain Regulations in the definition of "Functionally Dependent Use."
Documentation Required for Submittal - Variance
Completed Application form and supplemental information to include:
- Responses to the requirements from the Floodplain Regulations for Maricopa County (PDF), Article Four, Section 410, B.1. A Through H (PDF).
- An accurate plot/site plan and description of the property involved.
- Description of proposed use.
- Finished floor elevations.
- Estimate of the value of use.
- Additional information can be provided as needed. District staff may require clarification or additional information after reviewing the submittal
View the Application Form (PDF).
The application must be signed by the property owner or 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 (PDF).
Applicant shall submit one (1) copy to the District of the application, responses to requirements, other documentation you feel is needed to justify your request for a variance, and payment (as applicable). You may submit these required materials in hard copy or electronically via email.
Variance Fees
| Variance Fees (Floodplain Administrator, Floodplain Review Board or Board of Directors) | Fee |
|---|---|
| Continuance of Hearing - Applicants Request | $50 |
| New Posting Required | $170 |
| Pre-Application Meeting | $0 |
| Residential/Commercial/Industrial (Posting Required) | $2600 |