Mesa backflow assemblies on building plans, and new inspections when you add equipment: City Code 8-1-6 and 8-1-7

Plans (8-1-6). Every assembly the chapter requires must be "shown and specified" on the required building or engineering plans. The Department must approve the intended installation "prior to the issuance of any Building or Engineering Permit." The plans must show the manufacturer, model identifier and size of each assembly. They must also show that a certified tester recognized by the Department must test it.

Inspections (8-1-7). The Department may inspect for cross-connections and hazards, and customer premises "shall be subject to site inspection." The section sets three clocks:

• 60 days to correct. After the Department issues notice of inspection results, the customer must correct deficiencies within 60 calendar days. Depending on the hazard, water service "may be suspended" until the requirements are met.
• 30 days to re-inspect. Adding or removing "an appliance or other connection which may present a plumbing, health, or non-health hazard" requires a new inspection within 30 calendar days of the change.
• 60 days to install. If the new inspection finds an assembly is required, the customer has 60 calendar days from the notice of results to install it.

• Backflow prevention assembly. A device that keeps used or contaminated water from flowing backward into the public water system.
• Certified tester recognized by the Department. A tester on Mesa's list. See annual testing.
• Cross-connection. A link between the drinking water and any other source.

Anyone drawing or building a project that needs an assembly under 8-1-8, and any tenant or owner adding equipment on an existing service. The 8-1-7 clock is about equipment you add or remove, so it reaches a new ice machine or boiler in an old suite, not just new construction.

A new dental office. The designer lists an RPZ with its model and size on the plumbing sheet and notes that the assembly will be tested by a recognized tester. The city approves it before the building permit issues.

A coffee shop adds a boiler. The owner adds a small steam boiler. Within 30 days the city inspects. The inspector finds a hazard that requires an assembly, and the notice starts a 60-day install clock.

The edge case. Nothing is added, but the city inspects a building and lists deficiencies. The owner has 60 days to correct them, and water service can be suspended based on the degree of hazard.

1. 1Pick the assembly type from the 8-1-8 list and put it on the plans. See which uses need an assembly.
2. 2Show manufacturer, model, size and the tester note on the plan sheet.
3. 3Have the plan approved by the Backflow Prevention program before the building permit: 480-644-6462 or backflow@mesaaz.gov.
4. 4If you add or remove equipment later, tell the city and expect an inspection within 30 days.
5. 5Track the 60-day clock from the date on the notice of results, and keep the annual test on the calendar.

• "The permit desk handles backflow." The Department, not the building reviewer, must approve the installation.
• "A tenant improvement is exempt." The 8-1-7 clock covers added or removed equipment on any premises.
• "The 60 days starts at the inspection." Both 60-day clocks run from the notice of results.
• "Scottsdale's separate assembly permit applies here." Mesa's sections do not create one. The city's backflow page says a permit is pulled through Development Services for commercial or industrial assemblies.