Permitting is a general term used by the District to refer to any written authorization made by the District. Floodplain Use Permits (FPUPs) are the most common type of permit the District issues. Other permits may include review and approval of Development Plans, Subdivision Plats, Improvement Plans, and the review and approval of Development Services Department Activity Permits.
HELPFUL TIP: You can check on the status of permits by visiting the Development Services Department Permit Search page. The search drop-down near the top of the page can be used to change which type of permit or record to search within.
In general, Floodplain Management personnel process permits for private, single-lot development, whereas Development Review personnel process permits for commercial development and multi-lot subdivisions.
Floodplain Management (Single-lot) Permitting
Floodplain Management staff process permits for single-lot improvements, including such activities as: site-built structures, manufactured homes, accessory structures, walls, fences, septic systems, grading, or any other activity within a regulatory floodplain, erosion hazard area or regulated riparian habitat. Most development activities also require a Development Services Department (DSD) Activity Permit, which should be initiated before applying for an FPUP. An FPUP Application Guide has been created to assist customers in providing the District with all of the information necessary to properly process a permit.
Development (Multi-lot and Commercial) Permitting
Development Review staff process permits for multi-lot subdivision and commercial development subdivision plats, development plans and improvement plans for impacts to floodplains or regulated riparian habitat. In most cases, Development Review staff receive plans for review through the Development Services Department. The District has created guidance documents and a Subdivision and Development Review page to assist the public in providing the District with all of the information necessary to facilitate the review of these plans.
Riparian Habitat Protection
Riparian Habitat is the community of plants found along watercourses or washes. Riparian habitat can range from a narrow band of grasses and shrubs along an ephemeral desert wash to a closed canopy of large mature trees along a perennial stream. Riparian vegetation slows flood flows, provides erosion protection for river banks, improves water quality, and provides numerous economic benefits, recreational opportunities, and aesthetic values. Protecting this resource is an important aspect of sound floodplain management and has many benefits for our land, water, and quality of life. To learn more about the regulations protecting riparian habitat and the District's role in protecting riparian habitat, please visit the Riparian Habitat Protection page and the Riparian Habitat tab of the Rules and Procedures page.
Facility Impact Permit
On December 18, 2018, the Pima County Board of Supervisors approved a new chapter of the Pima County Code,
2018-FC1- Flood Control District Lands and Facilities Regulations. The chapter outlines procedures to authorize impacts to District lands and facilities, including restoration lands, drainageways, basins and bank protection within incorporated and unincorporated portions of Pima County.
The effective date of the regulations is January 18, 2019. Any use of or work on or impacting District owned land or infrastructure will require a Facility Impact Permit on or after this date. Previously, these types of activities would have been permitted through a Right-of-Way Use Permit.
Visit the Facility Impact Permits webpage or contact the District for more information about the requirements to impact or conduct activities on District owned property or infrastructure.