Scottsdale Plumbing Codes and Permits
Every Scottsdale plumbing rule we cover, sorted by topic. Each page says what the rule means and links to the official Scottsdale source.
Permits and Inspections
Permits and Inspections in every city- PermitVerified Oct 2026Scottsdale Revised Code Sec. 47-50 (PWR) and Sec. 47-51 (PIR)Does Scottsdale require a permit to dig in the right-of-way for plumbing?Yes. Scottsdale requires a Permit to Work in the Right-of-Way (PWR) for borings, potholing, curb cuts, barricades and any work that builds, installs or repairs improvements in the street. Regular utility maintenance can use an annual PWR. The city may require a cash deposit or letter of credit on busier streets.
- Adopted CodesVerified Oct 2026Scottsdale Revised Code Sec. 31-80 to 31-88 (IPC) and Sec. 31-100 to 31-103 (IFGC)Which plumbing code does Scottsdale use?Scottsdale adopts the 2021 IPC with Appendices B, D and E, and the 2021 IFGC with city amendments. Its current code-set page lists January 1, 2023, while the IFGC ordinance note says January 1, 2022. Scottsdale uses the IPC rather than the UPC; check its amendments for the proposed work.
Backflow Prevention
Backflow Prevention in every city- City CodeVerified Oct 2026Scottsdale Revised Code Sec. 49-66Can Scottsdale shut off your water for a backflow violation?Yes. Scottsdale can disconnect a customer supply line for a missing, bypassed, removed or badly tested backflow assembly, or an unprotected cross-connection. It first mails a 30 day notice, then a certified-mail notice giving 10 more days. It can shut off without notice if your system is contaminating the public supply.
- PermitVerified Oct 2026Scottsdale Revised Code Sec. 49-63(a) and Sec. 49-68Do you need a permit to install a backflow preventer in Scottsdale?Yes. Scottsdale requires a permit for each backflow assembly, including a replacement, and the installation must be finished within 45 days. The assembly goes in an accessible spot as close as possible to the service connection. New projects must show it on plans and pass a certified test before a temporary certificate of occupancy.
- City CodeVerified Oct 2026Scottsdale Revised Code Sec. 49-65(b) to (e)How often must a Scottsdale backflow assembly be tested, and by whom?Scottsdale requires every backflow assembly to be tested at least once a year by a certified individual the city recognizes. The city mails a notice when a test is due. A failed assembly must be repaired or replaced within 45 days of that notice, and the owner must send the test record to the city within 7 days.
- City CodeVerified Oct 2026Scottsdale Revised Code Sec. 49-62(c) and (d)What happens if you miss a Scottsdale backflow deadline?After written notice, a Scottsdale owner has 90 days to install a required backflow device or 30 days to take another required action. If the deadline passes, the city may install the device and bill you, or shut off water. Non-compliance also triggers the code's 150 percent water-rate adjustment for at least one billing cycle.
- City CodeVerified Oct 2026Scottsdale Revised Code Sec. 49-64 and Sec. 49-62(a)(24)When does a Scottsdale fire sprinkler system need a double check assembly?A double check valve assembly is required on a Scottsdale fire sprinkler system during new commercial construction, when a Class 1 or 2 system is modified and needs new hydraulic calculations, when an old single check shows defects or lacks inspection records, or when the system is a hazard. Violations carry fines up to $1,000 a day.
- City CodeVerified Oct 2026Scottsdale Revised Code Sec. 49-59, 49-60 and 49-61Which backflow assembly types does Scottsdale recognize, and how does it rate hazards?Scottsdale recognizes four backflow protection types: air gap, reduced pressure (RP), double check (DC) and pressure vacuum breaker (PVB). Every device must be lead free, carry USC Foundation, ASSE or other approved listing, and have a local parts and service center. The city picks the type from four hazard factors: health, plumbing, nonhealth and system.
- City CodeVerified Oct 2026Scottsdale Revised Code Sec. 49-62(a)Which Scottsdale businesses and buildings need a backflow assembly?Scottsdale presumes a hazard, and requires an assembly at each service connection, for 54 listed uses. Restaurants, car washes, beauty shops, medical buildings, plumbing over 34 feet above the service connection and buildings with sewage ejectors, house pumps or storage tanks need a reduced pressure (RP) assembly. Fire lines and irrigation have their own rules.
Sewer Lines
Sewer Lines in every city- City CodeVerified Oct 2026Scottsdale Revised Code Sec. 49-118How do private sewers connect to the public sewer in Scottsdale?Scottsdale requires private sewers on non-subdivided commercial and industrial properties and allows them in multifamily developments. A private sewer stays out of public easements and streets except to connect, and it stays private until it enters the public manhole or sewer. Buildings on separate lots may share a private line only through an association that pays the sewer bill.
- City CodeVerified Oct 2026Scottsdale Revised Code Sec. 49-115 and Sec. 49-122What permit does Scottsdale require to dig a street to connect to the sewer?Any excavation in a Scottsdale street, alley or right-of-way to connect to the city sewer must follow Article III of Chapter 47, which means a right-of-way permit, and the street must be restored to its original condition. Tapping into or extending a public sewer also needs an encroachment permit before any work starts.
- City CodeVerified Oct 2026Scottsdale Revised Code Sec. 49-127Who owns and repairs the sewer lateral in Scottsdale?In Scottsdale the building sewer and lateral are private up to and including the tap on the public sewer. Commercial, industrial and non-residential owners pay for all cleaning and repair to the main. For homes, the city may repair a failed pipe in the right-of-way, but not damage from roots, sags or waste.
Commercial Plumbing
Commercial Plumbing in every city- City ProgramVerified Oct 2026Scottsdale Water Quality Pretreatment program; Scottsdale Revised Code Sec. 31-85 (IPC 1005, 1006) and Sec. 49-95How does Scottsdale inspect restaurant grease traps?Scottsdale Water Quality inspects each restaurant. Code requires a complete cleaning by a licensed contractor every 30 days for interceptors rated 100 gpm/200 pounds or less, and every 90 days for larger units, or sooner at 25 percent full. Keep written logs on site for three years. Enzymes cannot replace pumping.
- City ProgramVerified Oct 2026Scottsdale Water Quality Pretreatment page; Scottsdale Revised Code Sec. 49-95 and Sec. 31-85 (IPC 1005.5)How often must a Scottsdale car wash or repair shop pump its interceptor?The city's Pretreatment page says Scottsdale car washes, repair shops and fleet facilities must pump and clean their interceptor at least once a year, more often if discharge requires. Code Section 31-85 sets 90 days for sand and grease interceptors over 100 gpm/200 pounds. Keep pump-out records on site for three years.
- PermitVerified Oct 2026Scottsdale Grease Interceptor Guidelines, Minimum Submittal RequirementsWhat does Scottsdale require to submit a grease interceptor for permit?Scottsdale wants a kitchen equipment list, a drawing that shows every drain, floor sink and vent, and interceptor size calculations on the city worksheet. Gravity interceptors also need site and civil drawings with setbacks and easements. A licensed plumbing contractor must do the work, and no interceptor may be installed at risk.
- City CodeVerified Oct 2026Scottsdale Grease Interceptor Guidelines (2021 IPC Sec. 202, 1003.3.5.1 and 1003.3.7 as amended by Scottsdale)What size grease interceptor does Scottsdale require?Scottsdale requires at least 500 gallons for a gravity grease interceptor. Its sizing formula uses DFU × 3 gpm × 12 or 17 minutes, while its gravity-interceptor definition specifies at least 30 minutes retention. Have plan review resolve that difference for the design. Small traps require four or fewer food-prep fixtures and no dishwasher.
- Local AmendmentVerified Oct 2026Scottsdale Revised Code Sec. 31-85 (IPC 1003.0 to 1003.3.1)When does Scottsdale require a grease interceptor?Scottsdale requires an interceptor at new facilities handling grease-laden or other harmful waste, at an existing facility that has none when it adds, alters or remodels, and at any facility that causes a sewer blockage or grease build-up. Each interceptor serves one user only, and the code names the kitchen fixtures that must drain to it.
Also in the library: Uniform Plumbing Code · Arizona · Valley-Wide · Phoenix · Mesa · Chandler · Gilbert · Tempe · Glendale · Surprise
Need It Done To Scottsdale Code?
Call a licensed plumber who pulls the permit and passes inspection the first time.