Floodplain Development Permits - Tempe, AZ

Introduction

In Tempe, Arizona, property owners and developers must follow local floodplain rules when building, grading, or altering land in mapped flood zones. This guide explains how to determine if your site is in a regulated floodplain, which permits you may need, the application steps, enforcement pathways, and where to get official forms and technical mapping. Follow city requirements to reduce flood risk, protect property, and remain eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program.

Determine whether your property is in a floodplain

Start by checking the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and the City of Tempe floodplain resources to confirm flood zone designation and any city-specific requirements. You may need to order elevation certificates or base flood elevation data before permitting. See official flood mapping tools and guidance for your parcel.

FEMA Flood Map Service Center^[2]

Permits required and when to apply

Most development, grading, structural additions, and certain utility work in identified floodplain zones requires a Floodplain Development Permit from the City of Tempe. Applications are reviewed for compliance with the local floodplain ordinance, building code, and minimum floodproofing or elevation standards.

To begin the permit process, submit project plans and any required technical documents through the City of Tempe Development Services or the floodplain permit portal listed by the city.

City of Tempe Floodplain Management^[1]

Applications & Forms

• Floodplain Development Permit application — name/number not specified on the cited page; obtain via the City of Tempe floodplain or development services pages.
• Elevation Certificate (FEMA form) — required when specified by the reviewer; fee information not specified on the cited page.
• Permit fees — amounts not specified on the cited city page; check the development services fee schedule or contact the department for current fees.
• Where to submit — Development Services counter or the Tempe online permit portal per city instructions.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of floodplain rules in Tempe is carried out by the City of Tempe Development Services/Engineering and Code Enforcement functions; official contact and complaint pathways are published by the city. The municipal code and floodplain management pages govern compliance, inspections, and corrective actions.

• Fines and civil penalties: specific dollar amounts are not specified on the cited city floodplain page; therefore penalty amounts are "not specified on the cited page".^[1]
• Escalation: information on first/repeat/continuing offence ranges is not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: cease-and-desist orders, stop-work orders, required mitigation or restoration, and court actions are available remedies per city enforcement procedures (details not specified on the cited page).
• Enforcer and inspections: Development Services, Building Safety, and Code Enforcement staff perform reviews and inspections; file complaints via the city contact pages.
• Appeals and review: appeal routes are handled through the city's permit appeal process; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
• Defences and discretion: approved permits, variances, and documented mitigation measures may be considered; variance procedures are governed by the local code and are case specific.

Applications & Forms

• Floodplain Development Permit application — obtain from the City of Tempe; form name/number and filing deadlines are not specified on the cited page.
• Supporting documents commonly required: site plan, grading plan, floodproofing or elevation data, and elevation certificate when applicable.

Common violations

• Starting work in a mapped floodplain without a permit.
• Altering drainage or grading that increases flood risk downstream.
• Failure to provide required elevation certificates or floodproofing documentation.

FAQ

Do I need a floodplain development permit for my Tempe property?

If your property is inside a mapped flood hazard area, most construction, grading, and certain site work require a Floodplain Development Permit; check FEMA maps and the City of Tempe floodplain guidance for your parcel.

How long does review take?

Review time varies with project complexity and submittal completeness; expedited review options and specific timelines are not specified on the cited city page—contact Development Services for current estimates.

What penalties apply if I build without a permit?

Penalties may include stop-work orders, required mitigation, fines, and court action; exact fine amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited page.

How-To

1. Confirm flood zone using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and City of Tempe resources.^[2]
2. Contact City of Tempe Development Services early to discuss project scope and required documents.^[1]
3. Prepare plans and technical documentation (site plan, grading, and elevation data) and complete the floodplain permit application.
4. Submit application and pay required fees via the city permit portal or at the Development Services counter.
5. Respond promptly to reviewer comments and schedule required inspections during and after construction.

Key Takeaways

• Check FEMA maps and contact Tempe Development Services before design.
• Obtain a Floodplain Development Permit for most work in mapped floodplain zones.
• Contact the city early to avoid delays and enforcement actions.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Tempe Floodplain Management
• Tempe Development Services
• Tempe Building Safety
• Tempe Code Enforcement

1. [1] City of Tempe Floodplain Management
2. [2] FEMA Flood Map Service Center