Tempe Plumbing Codes and Permits
Every Tempe plumbing rule we cover, sorted by topic. Each page says what the rule means and links to the official Tempe source.
- Adopted plumbing and gas codes
- 2024 IPC and 2024 IFGC with Tempe amendments (City Code Ch. 8, Art. VI and VII; last amended by Ord. O2026.24, 2026-06-04). Tempe does not use the UPC.
- Where the code is hosted
- Municode, Tempe City Code (Chapter 8 building, Chapter 27 sewers, Chapter 33 water)
- Permit portal
- Accela Citizen Access
- Permit Center
- 31 E. 5th St., 480-350-4311
Backflow Prevention
Backflow Prevention in every city- City ProgramVerified Sep 2026Tempe Backflow Prevention Program; City Code 33-107(e)Stolen or moved backflow assembly in Tempe: replacement and permitIf a Tempe backflow assembly is stolen, report the theft to Tempe Police, then replace it promptly with the same type of assembly. Replacing or relocating one needs a plumbing permit, and after any repair, overhaul or move the city inspects it and a certified tester retests it under City Code 33-107(e).
- City CodeVerified Sep 2026Tempe City Code 33-103 and 33-104Tempe City Code 33-103 and 33-104: backflow assemblies on plans and how to install themIn Tempe, a required backflow assembly must be shown on the construction plans for new buildings, additions with new services and changes of use, and the city must approve it before the building permit is issued. Section 33-104 then sets where it goes, how big it is, and that a reduced pressure assembly stays above ground.
- City CodeVerified Sep 2026Tempe City Code 33-105Tempe City Code 33-105: which commercial properties need a backflow assembly?Tempe City Code 33-105 lists the premises that must have a backflow assembly on each water service connection: shopping centers, food processing, hospitals, car washes, laundries, tall buildings, booster pumps and about 35 more. Most get a reduced pressure assembly; a few low-hazard cases get a double check. Restaurants are not named in the table.
- City CodeVerified Sep 2026Tempe City Code 33-107Tempe City Code 33-107: backflow assemblies must be tested every yearTempe City Code 33-107 makes the water user responsible for testing every required backflow assembly at installation and at least once a year, at the user's expense, using a Tempe-approved certified tester. The city mails a notice first, and a missed test can end in a water shutoff under 33-109.
- Local AmendmentVerified Sep 2026Tempe City Code 8-600, IPC 608.7.2 (as amended)Tempe IPC 608.7.2: which facilities need a secondary backflow assembly?Tempe's amended IPC 608.7.2 requires a reduced pressure backflow assembly at each point of service delivery for hospitals, surgical clinics, medical buildings, laboratories, morgues, veterinary hospitals, grooming shops, industrial occupancies, plants that handle food or chemicals, auxiliary water systems and construction water services. Interconnected services need at least a double check each.
- City CodeVerified Oct 2026Tempe City Code 33-108 to 33-111 (Cross-Connection Control: inspections, discontinuance, retrofit, enforcement)When can Tempe shut off a business's water over backflow? City Code 33-109Tempe City Code 33-109 lets the department discontinue water to a premises when a required backflow assembly is not installed, tested and maintained, has been removed or bypassed, or a cross-connection exists. Service is not restored until the defect is corrected. Section 33-110 adds retrofit orders and 33-111 makes violations misdemeanors, each day a new violation.
Sewer Lines
Sewer Lines in every city- City CodeVerified Oct 2026Tempe City Code 27-171, When required (with 27-154 and 27-172)Does a Tempe business have to connect to the city sewer? City Code 27-171Yes, where the property can be served by the city sewer. Tempe City Code 27-171 makes owners and anyone leasing or using it connect privies, cesspools and open or unconnected drains at their own expense. A later-installed sewer gives one year, and septic tank systems must be filled in. Sewer rental is charged on unconnected property.
- City CodeVerified Oct 2026Tempe City Code 27-197, Reimbursement for remediation (with 27-32(c))How fast must a Tempe business clean up a sewer overflow? City Code 27-197Under Tempe City Code 27-197, a private sewer overflow, industrial waste release or chemical release that reaches or could reach the public right-of-way, or threatens public health, can draw a written order. The owner or the party using the property then has one hour to start remediation. Otherwise the city does it and bills time and materials plus 5 percent.
- City CodeVerified Sep 2026Tempe City Code 27-175Tempe City Code 27-175: who owns and repairs the sewer line, even under the street?Under Tempe City Code 27-175, the property owner owns and repairs the whole sewer line from the building to the city main, including the part in the city right of way, up to and including the tap and saddle on the main. The section, as amended in January 2026, has no exception for pipe under the street.
- Permit FeeVerified Sep 2026Tempe City Code 27-173 and 27-174; Appendix A fee scheduleTempe sewer tap fees: what City Code 27-173 and 27-174 charge for a new connectionTempe charges $1,100 for a six-inch sewer tap in an alley and $1,800 in a local or collector street, both including pavement replacement, and $110 for the machine tap alone. Anyone making their own tap gives 24 hours' notice, pays a $15 inspection fee, and needs a city inspector on site.
Water Supply and Pipes
Water Supply and Pipes in every city- Permit FeeVerified Sep 2026Tempe City Code Appendix A, 33-56, 33-93 and 27-213Tempe water tap and development fees by meter size for commercial serviceTempe charges a water development fee that rises with meter size, from $1,648 for a 5/8 inch meter to $469,680 for a 10 inch turbine meter. The sewer development fee is $0 for every meter size in the schedule read today. Tap and meter fees are separate, and meters of 3 inches and up are cost-based with a deposit.
- City CodeVerified Oct 2026Tempe City Code 33-38 (with 33-17, 33-39, 33-40, 33-44 and 33-45)Who maintains the water line and meter at a Tempe business? City Code 33-38In Tempe the water consumer maintains the water lines and connections within the property, while the City repairs meters at its own expense unless the consumer willfully injured them. City crews may enter to inspect meters and privately owned service lines, and refusing entry can lead to shutoff after 24 hours' notice. Meter box lids must sit at grade.
Water Conservation
Water Conservation in every cityCommercial Plumbing
Commercial Plumbing in every city- PermitVerified Oct 2026Tempe City Code 8-111 (Tempe Administrative Code, Certificate of occupancy); Appendix A, Table 2-ACan a Tempe business open with a temporary certificate of occupancy? City Code 8-111Sometimes. Tempe City Code 8-111.3 lets the building official issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before all permitted work is finished, if that portion will be occupied safely. Each is limited to 30 days, a permit gets at most three, and Table 2-A lists $1,006 for the first 30 days or each extension.
- Local AmendmentVerified Oct 2026Tempe City Code 8-600, IPC 403.2, 410.2 and 410.4 as amendedDoes a small Tempe business need separate men's and women's restrooms? IPC 403.2Not always. Tempe's IPC 403.2 says separate toilet facilities for each sex are not required in a structure or tenant space with a total occupant load of 30 or fewer, employees and customers combined. Single-user rooms and all-gender rooms with privacy also avoid the split. Section 410.2 drops drinking fountains at the same 30.
- PermitVerified Oct 2026Tempe City Code 27-32, 27-34, 27-37, 27-41 and 27-45 (wastewater discharge permits)Does a Tempe business need a wastewater discharge permit? City Code 27-32Tempe City Code 27-32 lets Public Works issue wastewater discharge permits to nondomestic users and require a notice of intent. A significant industrial user needs a Class I permit first, and others may be required to hold Class II, III or IV permits. A permit lasts up to five years and goes void if a transfer lacks 60 days' notice.
- PermitVerified Oct 2026Tempe City Code 8-105 (Tempe Administrative Code, Permits), with 8-110 and 33-141Does a Tempe tenant improvement need a plumbing permit? City Code 8-105Yes, in most cases. Tempe City Code 8-105.1 requires a permit before anyone alters, repairs or replaces a plumbing system or changes a space's use. The exemptions cover stopping leaks and clearing stoppages without replacing parts, and like-for-like water heater and softener swaps only in homes. Applications go through Tempe's online permit portal.
- City CodeVerified Sep 2026Tempe City Code 27-22, 27-15(c); IPC 416.3 and 1003 as amendedTempe City Code 27-22: grease traps, interceptors and the garbage disposal banTempe City Code 27-22 lets Public Works require every non-residential sewer user to install, clean and maintain grease traps and interceptors at its own expense, under city rules. A food service kitchen needs a trap or an interceptor, a commercial dishwasher means an interceptor, and commercial garbage disposals are barred.
- City ProgramVerified Sep 2026Tempe Public Works FOG Program; FOG Rules and Procedures (2017); City Code 27-22Tempe FOG inspections: pumping schedule, records and what inspectors checkTempe inspects restaurant grease devices on a routine schedule. Inspectors check that a permitted hauler is pumping the device every 30 or 90 days by size, that pump-out records are on site, that the device is intact, that the right fixtures drain to it and that no disposal is connected.
- City CodeVerified Oct 2026Tempe City Code 27-10, Prohibited discharges (with definitions in 27-4)What can a Tempe business not put down the sewer? City Code 27-10Tempe City Code 27-10 bars a long list from the city sewer, including fats, oils, grease, wipes and rags in amounts that obstruct flow, wastewater hotter than 150 degrees Fahrenheit or outside pH 5.0 to 10.5, petroleum oil, and condensate unless Public Works authorizes it. A nondomestic source also needs a Public Works permit.
Also in the library: Uniform Plumbing Code · Arizona · Valley-Wide · Maricopa County (unincorporated) · Phoenix · Scottsdale · Paradise Valley · Mesa · Chandler · Gilbert · Glendale · Surprise · Avondale · Tolleson · Litchfield Park
Need It Done To Tempe Code?
Call a licensed plumber who pulls the permit and passes inspection the first time.