How are sewer connection fees calculated in Tempe?

The municipal code and utility rate schedules determine the basis for connection fees; specific calculation factors and numeric rates are not specified on the cited page—contact Tempe Utilities or Development Services for the current schedule.

What discharge limits apply to businesses?

Industrial and commercial dischargers must meet limits established by the city’s sewer use rules and pretreatment program; numeric pollutant limits referenced in local documents are not specified on the cited page.

How do I report an unauthorized discharge or sewer spill?

Report spills or illegal discharges to Tempe Utilities or the city’s emergency contact phone; see Resources for the official complaint and contact pages.

Tempe Sewer Fees & Discharge Limits Guide

Utilities and Infrastructure Arizona 3 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026

In Tempe, Arizona, sewer connection fees and discharge limits are administered locally by the city’s utilities and environmental programs. This guide explains how connection charges are generally assessed, summarizes the municipal framework for industrial and commercial discharge limits, outlines enforcement and appeal paths, and lists practical steps to apply for a connection or report a violation. Use the Help and Support / Resources section below to find the official municipal code, utility billing pages and contact points for filing applications or complaints with the City of Tempe.

Overview of fees and discharge limits

Tempe assesses sewer connection fees and ongoing sewer service charges as part of utility billing and development permitting. Industrial and commercial dischargers are typically subject to local sewer use rules and any applicable pretreatment program limits that implement state and federal standards. Exact fee schedules, pollutant concentration limits, and metric bases (per fixture, per EDU, or per unit of flow/BOD/TSS) are established in city ordinances, tariffs, or departmental rate schedules; specific numeric values are not specified on the cited municipal pages in this guide. See Resources for official texts and forms.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Tempe enforces sewer use rules through its utilities/environmental programs and may apply monetary and non-monetary sanctions for violations. Where official pages do not list numeric penalties or escalation steps, the entry below notes that the specific amounts or deadlines are not specified on the cited page.

Fines: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence procedures and ranges are not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: administrative orders to cease discharge, mandatory corrective actions, suspension of discharge privileges, equipment seizure, or referral to municipal court may be used.
Enforcer: City of Tempe Utilities/Environmental Services or the department designated in city code handles inspections and enforcement; complaints and incident reports go to the utilities or code enforcement contact points listed in Resources.
Appeals and review: formal appeals or administrative review routes are available under city procedures; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
Defences and discretion: authorized permits, approved pretreatment equipment, variance approvals, or documented reasonable excuse may be considered as defenses where the code provides discretion.

Contact Tempe Utilities promptly if you receive a notice or observe an unauthorized discharge.

Applications & Forms

Connection applications and developer service agreements: specific form names and numbers are not specified on the cited page; contact the City of Tempe utilities or development services for current forms.
Pretreatment or industrial discharge permit forms: not specified on the cited page; regulated users should contact environmental utilities for permitting requirements.
Submission: most applications are filed with Tempe Development Services or Utilities; check the city’s official pages for online portals, mailing addresses, or in-person submission instructions.

How-To

Determine whether your project requires a sewer connection permit or an industrial discharge permit by contacting Tempe Development Services or Utilities.
Obtain and complete the required connection or pretreatment application form from the city’s utilities or development services office.
Provide required supporting documentation (site plan, plumbing fixtures count, projected flows, pretreatment equipment specs) as instructed on the form or by staff.
Pay the applicable application fee and any assessed connection charges; fee amounts and billing procedures are established by city rate schedules.
Schedule any required inspections and install any required pretreatment equipment before final approval and connection.
If you receive an enforcement notice, follow the corrective steps, preserve records, and file an appeal within the municipal time limits if you contest the action.

Keep application receipts and correspondence to support any future appeal or rate dispute.

FAQ

How are sewer connection fees calculated in Tempe?: The municipal code and utility rate schedules determine the basis for connection fees; specific calculation factors and numeric rates are not specified on the cited page—contact Tempe Utilities or Development Services for the current schedule.
What discharge limits apply to businesses?: Industrial and commercial dischargers must meet limits established by the city’s sewer use rules and pretreatment program; numeric pollutant limits referenced in local documents are not specified on the cited page.
How do I report an unauthorized discharge or sewer spill?: Report spills or illegal discharges to Tempe Utilities or the city’s emergency contact phone; see Resources for the official complaint and contact pages.

Key Takeaways

Connection fees and discharge limits are set by city ordinance, rate schedules and the utilities department.
Contact Tempe Utilities or Development Services for current forms, fees, and permit details.