State & Local Requirements
How Does Your Region Affect Septic Pumping?
Please select a region to view FAQs.
Considerations For Pinal County
What Septic Approval and Inspections do you need for Pinal County, AZ outside of city limits?
The governing body for Septic Approvals and Inspections outside of city limits for Pinal County, AZ is “Pinal County's Aquifer Protection Division” which regulates systems through permits, inspections and approvals. https://www.pinal.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=123#:~:text=variety%20of%20functions%20delegated%20by,the%20Arizona%20Department%20of%20Water
Arizona state law (A.A.C. R18-9-A301) requires owners to obtain a written Discharge Authorization for any on-site septic system.
Required Permits and Zoning Clearance include:
On-Site Wastewater Permit: Any new or replacement septic system in unincorporated Pinal County requires a county septic permit. If a property cannot connect to a municipal sewer, the owner must apply for a septic system permit
. This process is initiated by submitting a Notice of Intent to Discharge (NOI) application to Pinal County’s Aquifer Protection Division, which serves as the construction permit for the septic system/
.Zoning & Floodplain Clearance: Before the septic permit can be approved, the Pinal County Planning & Development department must verify that the site’s zoning and flood zone allow a septic system. The applicant obtains a Septic Zoning Clearance form signed by a county planning official confirming the parcel’s zoning designation and noting any flood hazards
. This ensures the proposed septic location complies with local land use regulations (for example, proper lot size, setbacks, and not in a restricted flood zone). The signed clearance must be included with the septic permit application.
Abandonment of Existing System (for Replacements): If replacing an old septic system, the old system must be properly closed even though a separate “abandonment” permit is not required. Pinal County mandates that you pump out the old septic tank, disconnect or collapse the tank (or fill it with material), and cap any sewer lines to it. The county must be notified within 30 days of the closure completion
. (The Aquifer Protection Division provides a “Notice of Abandonment” form for this purpose.) Only after the old system is addressed should the new septic installation proceed under a fresh NOI permit.
Considerations For Maricopa County
What Septic Approval and Inspections do you need for Maricopa County, AZ outside of city limits?
In unincorporated (outside city) areas of Maricopa County, the Environmental Services Department (MCESD) oversees septic system permits and inspections
. Arizona state law (A.A.C. R18-9-A301) requires owners to obtain a written Discharge Authorization for any on-site septic system, which in Maricopa County is issued by MCESD
. This means you must go through the county’s approval process to legally install and operate a septic system.
Considerations For City of Apache Junction
What Septic Approval and Inspections do you need for Pinal County, AZ outside of city limits?
The governing body for Septic Approvals and Inspections outside of city limits for Pinal County, AZ is “Pinal County's Aquifer Protection Division” which regulates systems through permits, inspections and approvals. https://www.pinal.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=123#:~:text=variety%20of%20functions%20delegated%20by,the%20Arizona%20Department%20of%20Water
Arizona state law (A.A.C. R18-9-A301) requires owners to obtain a written Discharge Authorization for any on-site septic system.
Required Permits and Zoning Clearance include:
On-Site Wastewater Permit: Any new or replacement septic system in unincorporated Pinal County requires a county septic permit. If a property cannot connect to a municipal sewer, the owner must apply for a septic system permit
. This process is initiated by submitting a Notice of Intent to Discharge (NOI) application to Pinal County’s Aquifer Protection Division, which serves as the construction permit for the septic system/
.Zoning & Floodplain Clearance: Before the septic permit can be approved, the Pinal County Planning & Development department must verify that the site’s zoning and flood zone allow a septic system. The applicant obtains a Septic Zoning Clearance form signed by a county planning official confirming the parcel’s zoning designation and noting any flood hazards
. This ensures the proposed septic location complies with local land use regulations (for example, proper lot size, setbacks, and not in a restricted flood zone). The signed clearance must be included with the septic permit application.
Abandonment of Existing System (for Replacements): If replacing an old septic system, the old system must be properly closed even though a separate “abandonment” permit is not required. Pinal County mandates that you pump out the old septic tank, disconnect or collapse the tank (or fill it with material), and cap any sewer lines to it. The county must be notified within 30 days of the closure completion
. (The Aquifer Protection Division provides a “Notice of Abandonment” form for this purpose.) Only after the old system is addressed should the new septic installation proceed under a fresh NOI permit.
Considerations For City of Chandler
What Septic Approval and Inspections do you need for Maricopa County, AZ outside of city limits?
In unincorporated (outside city) areas of Maricopa County, the Environmental Services Department (MCESD) oversees septic system permits and inspections
. Arizona state law (A.A.C. R18-9-A301) requires owners to obtain a written Discharge Authorization for any on-site septic system, which in Maricopa County is issued by MCESD
. This means you must go through the county’s approval process to legally install and operate a septic system.
Considerations For City of Gilbert
What Septic Approval and Inspections do you need for Maricopa County, AZ outside of city limits?
In unincorporated (outside city) areas of Maricopa County, the Environmental Services Department (MCESD) oversees septic system permits and inspections
. Arizona state law (A.A.C. R18-9-A301) requires owners to obtain a written Discharge Authorization for any on-site septic system, which in Maricopa County is issued by MCESD
. This means you must go through the county’s approval process to legally install and operate a septic system.
Considerations For City of Gold Canyon
What Septic Approval and Inspections do you need for Pinal County, AZ outside of city limits?
The governing body for Septic Approvals and Inspections outside of city limits for Pinal County, AZ is “Pinal County's Aquifer Protection Division” which regulates systems through permits, inspections and approvals. https://www.pinal.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=123#:~:text=variety%20of%20functions%20delegated%20by,the%20Arizona%20Department%20of%20Water
Arizona state law (A.A.C. R18-9-A301) requires owners to obtain a written Discharge Authorization for any on-site septic system.
Required Permits and Zoning Clearance include:
On-Site Wastewater Permit: Any new or replacement septic system in unincorporated Pinal County requires a county septic permit. If a property cannot connect to a municipal sewer, the owner must apply for a septic system permit
. This process is initiated by submitting a Notice of Intent to Discharge (NOI) application to Pinal County’s Aquifer Protection Division, which serves as the construction permit for the septic system/
.Zoning & Floodplain Clearance: Before the septic permit can be approved, the Pinal County Planning & Development department must verify that the site’s zoning and flood zone allow a septic system. The applicant obtains a Septic Zoning Clearance form signed by a county planning official confirming the parcel’s zoning designation and noting any flood hazards
. This ensures the proposed septic location complies with local land use regulations (for example, proper lot size, setbacks, and not in a restricted flood zone). The signed clearance must be included with the septic permit application.
Abandonment of Existing System (for Replacements): If replacing an old septic system, the old system must be properly closed even though a separate “abandonment” permit is not required. Pinal County mandates that you pump out the old septic tank, disconnect or collapse the tank (or fill it with material), and cap any sewer lines to it. The county must be notified within 30 days of the closure completion
. (The Aquifer Protection Division provides a “Notice of Abandonment” form for this purpose.) Only after the old system is addressed should the new septic installation proceed under a fresh NOI permit.
Considerations For City of Laveen
What Septic Approval and Inspections do you need for Maricopa County, AZ outside of city limits?
In unincorporated (outside city) areas of Maricopa County, the Environmental Services Department (MCESD) oversees septic system permits and inspections
. Arizona state law (A.A.C. R18-9-A301) requires owners to obtain a written Discharge Authorization for any on-site septic system, which in Maricopa County is issued by MCESD
. This means you must go through the county’s approval process to legally install and operate a septic system.
Considerations For City of Maricopa
What Septic Approval and Inspections do you need for Maricopa County, AZ outside of city limits?
In unincorporated (outside city) areas of Maricopa County, the Environmental Services Department (MCESD) oversees septic system permits and inspections
. Arizona state law (A.A.C. R18-9-A301) requires owners to obtain a written Discharge Authorization for any on-site septic system, which in Maricopa County is issued by MCESD
. This means you must go through the county’s approval process to legally install and operate a septic system.
Considerations For City of Mesa
What Septic Approval and Inspections do you need for Maricopa County, AZ outside of city limits?
In unincorporated (outside city) areas of Maricopa County, the Environmental Services Department (MCESD) oversees septic system permits and inspections
. Arizona state law (A.A.C. R18-9-A301) requires owners to obtain a written Discharge Authorization for any on-site septic system, which in Maricopa County is issued by MCESD
. This means you must go through the county’s approval process to legally install and operate a septic system.
Considerations For City of Paradise Valley
What Septic Approval and Inspections do you need for Maricopa County, AZ outside of city limits?
In unincorporated (outside city) areas of Maricopa County, the Environmental Services Department (MCESD) oversees septic system permits and inspections
. Arizona state law (A.A.C. R18-9-A301) requires owners to obtain a written Discharge Authorization for any on-site septic system, which in Maricopa County is issued by MCESD
. This means you must go through the county’s approval process to legally install and operate a septic system.
Considerations For City of Phoenix
What Septic Approval and Inspections do you need for Maricopa County, AZ outside of city limits?
In unincorporated (outside city) areas of Maricopa County, the Environmental Services Department (MCESD) oversees septic system permits and inspections
. Arizona state law (A.A.C. R18-9-A301) requires owners to obtain a written Discharge Authorization for any on-site septic system, which in Maricopa County is issued by MCESD
. This means you must go through the county’s approval process to legally install and operate a septic system.
Considerations For City of Queen Creek
What Septic Approval and Inspections do you need for Pinal County, AZ outside of city limits?
The governing body for Septic Approvals and Inspections outside of city limits for Pinal County, AZ is “Pinal County's Aquifer Protection Division” which regulates systems through permits, inspections and approvals. https://www.pinal.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=123#:~:text=variety%20of%20functions%20delegated%20by,the%20Arizona%20Department%20of%20Water
Arizona state law (A.A.C. R18-9-A301) requires owners to obtain a written Discharge Authorization for any on-site septic system.
Required Permits and Zoning Clearance include:
On-Site Wastewater Permit: Any new or replacement septic system in unincorporated Pinal County requires a county septic permit. If a property cannot connect to a municipal sewer, the owner must apply for a septic system permit
. This process is initiated by submitting a Notice of Intent to Discharge (NOI) application to Pinal County’s Aquifer Protection Division, which serves as the construction permit for the septic system/
.Zoning & Floodplain Clearance: Before the septic permit can be approved, the Pinal County Planning & Development department must verify that the site’s zoning and flood zone allow a septic system. The applicant obtains a Septic Zoning Clearance form signed by a county planning official confirming the parcel’s zoning designation and noting any flood hazards
. This ensures the proposed septic location complies with local land use regulations (for example, proper lot size, setbacks, and not in a restricted flood zone). The signed clearance must be included with the septic permit application.
Abandonment of Existing System (for Replacements): If replacing an old septic system, the old system must be properly closed even though a separate “abandonment” permit is not required. Pinal County mandates that you pump out the old septic tank, disconnect or collapse the tank (or fill it with material), and cap any sewer lines to it. The county must be notified within 30 days of the closure completion
. (The Aquifer Protection Division provides a “Notice of Abandonment” form for this purpose.) Only after the old system is addressed should the new septic installation proceed under a fresh NOI permit.
