Applying for a Permit
ANY DEVELOPMENT that is proposed within a floodplain requires a Floodplain Use Permit before construction can begin. The Flood Control District reviews plans and proposals for development to ensure that the project meets the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Pinal County Floodplain Ordinance. In addition to this, the Floodplain Use Permit process helps to ensure that a development project will not have an adverse impact to the floodplain or to adjacent properties.
For Commercial & Industrial projects as well as Subdivisions, the Floodplain Use Permitting process is included as a step within the Community Development Department’s Site Plan Review or Subdivision Review & Platting process.
For single lot residential development such as new homes or accessory buildings, a Floodplain Use Permit must be applied for separately from a Building Permit. Due to the requirements that may be imposed on your proposed structure (such as elevating the building to one foot above the base flood elevation), it is highly recommended that you wait to apply for a Floodplain Use Permit until after you have applied for a Building Permit.
If your project is located within a County Dependent Community, then a Floodplain Use Permit from Pinal County will be required before the City or Town will approve your development plans or permit. Pinal County has 7 County Dependent Communities who rely on Pinal County to perform their Floodplain Management. These communities include Coolidge, Eloy, Kearny, Mammoth, Maricopa, Superior, and Winkleman.
An applicant may receive a clarification from the Pinal County Flood Control District of its interpretation or application of a statute, ordinance, regulation, executive order, delegation agreement or authorized substantive policy statement as provided in A.R.S. § 48-3649.
To apply for a Floodplain Use Permit, please download and complete the following application:
For projects that do not require a Floodplain Use Permit, a Floodplain Clearance may be given instead. For more information regarding Floodplain Clearances, please refer to the informational sheet:
Floodplain Clearance Information