Tempe Stormwater and Sewer Hookup Rules for Builders

Environmental Protection Arizona 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 20, 2026 Flag of Arizona

Tempe, Arizona requires builders to manage stormwater runoff and obtain proper sewer hookups before beginning construction or connecting new development to the city systems. This guide summarizes city rules, permitting touchpoints, common compliance steps and where to get official forms so builders meet Tempe standards and avoid enforcement actions.

Overview of Requirements

Builders must prevent unpermitted discharge to storm drains, control erosion and sediment during construction, and secure sanitary sewer connections that meet city specifications. Local requirements are administered through city stormwater programs and Development Services permitting. See the Tempe Stormwater program for operational guidance: Tempe Stormwater Program[1]

Design and Construction Controls

  • Implement best management practices (BMPs) for erosion and sediment control during grading and site work.
  • Provide stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs) when required by city permit conditions.
  • Design permanent post-construction stormwater controls when development increases impervious area.
Follow temporary and permanent BMPs to avoid sediment discharge to public drains.

Permits and Connections

Sewer hookups and construction permits are handled via Tempe Development Services; builders must obtain applicable permits before connecting to city sewer mains or altering stormwater systems. For permit types, fees and submission instructions see Permits & Inspections: Permits & Inspections[2]

Applications & Forms

Specific application names and form numbers for sewer connections are available from Development Services. If a named sewer-connection form or a published fee table is required, it is listed on the permits page cited above; if a specific form number is not shown there, it is not specified on the cited page.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is performed by the City of Tempe Public Works/Stormwater division and Development Services for permitting violations. The municipal code and department guidance set compliance expectations and enforcement pathways; exact statutory fines or dollar amounts for stormwater or sewer-connection violations are not specified on the cited city pages.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary orders: stop-work orders, corrective orders and civil enforcement actions are used to compel compliance.
  • Enforcer: City of Tempe Public Works - Stormwater and Development Services for permits; contact via department pages.
Contact the stormwater or development services desk promptly if you receive a notice to avoid escalation.

Appeals and review routes are handled through city administrative or permit appeal procedures; specific appeal time limits and hearing timelines are not specified on the cited pages. Builders should follow the notice instructions on any enforcement letter and consult Development Services for the appeal process and deadlines.

Common Violations

  • Unapproved discharge of sediment or washwater to public storm drains.
  • Failure to obtain required permits before sewer connection or site grading.
  • Noncompliance with required BMPs shown on approved plans.

Action Steps for Builders

  • Confirm permit requirements with Development Services before starting work.
  • Submit SWPPP and sewer-connection documentation with permit application where required.
  • Install, maintain and document BMPs during construction.
  • Report or respond immediately to any city compliance notice to preserve appeal rights.

FAQ

Do I need a separate stormwater permit for grading and erosion control?
Often yes; grading and project size determine whether a stormwater plan or SWPPP is required and those requirements appear during permit review by Development Services.[2]
How do I request a sewer hookup inspection?
Inspection requests and scheduling for sewer connections are arranged through Development Services or the permits portal listed on the city permits page.[2]
Who enforces illicit discharges to the storm drain system?
City of Tempe Public Works - Stormwater division enforces illicit discharge rules and responds to complaints; contact details are on the stormwater program page.[1]

How-To

  1. Confirm project permitting requirements with Development Services and identify required stormwater controls.
  2. Prepare or hire a qualified professional to produce a SWPPP or erosion-control plan when required.
  3. Submit permit application, engineering plans and stormwater documentation to Development Services.
  4. Install temporary BMPs (silt fence, inlet protection) before site disturbance.
  5. Schedule required inspections and maintain records of maintenance and corrective actions.
  6. Complete final permanent stormwater controls and obtain final sign-off prior to project closeout.

Key Takeaways

  • Obtain required permits before connecting to sewer or disturbing soil.
  • Install and document BMPs throughout construction to avoid enforcement.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Tempe Public Works - Stormwater program
  2. [2] Tempe Development Services - Permits & Inspections
  3. [3] City of Tempe - City Code access

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