Tempe Floodplain Ordinances and Mitigation Guide
Tempe, Arizona sits in a desert region where episodic heavy rains and channelized waterways create localized flood risk. This guide explains the city-level rules that apply to floodplain development in Tempe, what steps property owners and developers must take to reduce risk, and where to find official permits, maps, and contacts. It summarizes enforcement, common violations, and practical mitigation actions such as elevation, safe routing of stormwater, and floodproofing. Where the city pages do not give numeric penalties or fee tables, the guide notes that the official source does not specify those amounts.
Floodplain basics and legal framework
The City of Tempe administers floodplain management through Building Safety and Community Development and relies on FEMA flood maps and state guidance for technical standards. Official city guidance explains permit triggers, the role of base flood elevations, and participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). For specific development standards and technical requirements see the city floodplain page and the municipal code cited below: City of Tempe Floodplain Management[1] and Tempe Building Safety and Permits[2].
Who enforces the rules
The primary enforcer is the City of Tempe Building Safety / Floodplain Manager within Community Development. Inspections and plan reviews occur through Development Services. Complaints or reports about unauthorized work in a floodplain are handled by the city’s code enforcement or building inspection teams.
Penalties & Enforcement
Tempe addresses unauthorized floodplain development through building code enforcement and civil or administrative remedies administered by the city. Where specific fines or escalation steps are not published on the city pages, this guide indicates that the amount is not specified on the cited page.
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Continuing offences (daily penalties): not specified on the cited page.
- Court actions: the city may pursue civil action or seek injunctive relief.
- Stop-work orders and mandatory corrective actions (elevation, removal, or reconstruction) are typical non-monetary sanctions.
- Enforcer and contact: City of Tempe Building Safety / Floodplain Manager; report via Development Services contact pages listed below.
Applications & Forms
Permits for development in flood-prone areas are processed through Tempe Building Safety. The city’s permit pages describe application routing and plan review but do not publish a single consolidated floodplain permit form or fee schedule on the linked pages; fee details and specific form names may be provided at permit intake or in the plan review checklist.
- Floodplain development permit: refer to Building Safety permit intake (form name or number not specified on the cited page).
- Deadlines: standard plan review timelines apply; specific floodplain review deadlines not specified on the cited page.
- Fees: not specified on the cited page; check permit fee schedule at intake.
- Submission: online or in-person via Development Services per the Building Safety page.
Required mitigation measures and practical steps
Typical city expectations and best practices include elevating structures above the base flood elevation, using flood-resistant materials, maintaining natural drainage corridors, and avoiding alteration of floodways. Property owners should integrate FEMA maps and Tempe requirements into design and permit submittals.
- Obtain building permits for new construction, additions, or substantial improvements affecting flood elevations.
- Design grading and drainage to avoid increasing flood risk to neighboring properties.
- Keep records of elevations certificates and approved plans; these support insurance and resale disclosures.
- Buy or maintain flood insurance if in a mapped flood zone; Tempe participates in NFIP per city guidance.
Action steps for homeowners and developers
- Before work: check the city floodplain map and contact Development Services for required permits.
- Schedule a pre-application meeting with the Floodplain Manager when projects affect drainage or base flood elevations.
- Implement mitigation measures (elevation, barriers, floodproofing) in plans submitted for review.
- Obtain elevation certificates and final inspection sign-off before occupancy.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit to change grading on my property in Tempe?
- Yes. Grading or alterations that affect stormwater flow or are within mapped floodplain areas require permits and plan review by Building Safety; contact Development Services for project-specific guidance.
- Where can I find Tempe floodplain maps?
- Tempe provides guidance on floodplain mapping and references FEMA maps on its Floodplain Management page; contact the Floodplain Manager for parcel-specific determinations.[1]
- What happens if I build without approval in a floodplain?
- The city may issue stop-work orders, require corrective work or removal, and pursue civil remedies; specific fines are not specified on the cited page.
How-To
- Confirm flood zone: consult Tempe floodplain resources and FEMA maps and note base flood elevation for your parcel.
- Contact Development Services: request pre-application guidance and confirm required permit types and documentation.
- Prepare plans: include floodproofing, elevations, and drainage control details per city and FEMA guidance.
- Submit permit application and required certificates; respond to plan review comments and obtain inspections.
- After final approval: obtain an elevation certificate and maintain records for insurance and resale.
Key Takeaways
- Always verify flood zone and base flood elevation before design or purchase.
- Permits and plan review through Tempe Building Safety are required for most work in mapped flood areas.
- Contact the Floodplain Manager early to avoid costly rework or enforcement actions.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Tempe Floodplain Management
- Tempe Building Safety and Permits
- City of Tempe Contact and Report a Concern