Valley-Wide Plumbing Codes and Permits
Rules that change from city to city across the Valley, compared side by side. Each row names the city's own code section and links to it.
Permits and Inspections
Permits and Inspections in every city- City ComparisonVerified Sep 2026Phoenix Street Pavement Cut Policy (TRT/DOC/00164) and City Code 31-49.1Pavement Cut and Street Restoration Rules by Valley CityThe contractor who cuts the street restores it, and the restoration is bigger than the trench. Phoenix requires a slurry seal at least 25 feet past every cut, and a mill and overlay across the lanes if the street is under 24 months old. Mesa, Glendale, Chandler and Surprise refuse most cuts for two years after paving.
- City ComparisonVerified Sep 2026Phoenix Building Construction Code, Administrative Provisions Sec. 105.1 item 2Right-of-Way Permits for Plumbing Work by Valley CityEvery Valley city we checked requires one. A plumbing permit covers work on the lot; digging in a street, alley or sidewalk for a sewer or water line takes a separate right-of-way or encroachment permit from the city engineer. Phoenix says so in Building Code 105.1, Mesa in City Code 9-1-2, Scottsdale in 47-50.
- City ComparisonVerified Oct 2026City of Phoenix Water Services, Accessing and Excavating in a Public Utility EasementUtility Easements: What You Can Build, Fence or Plant, by CityThe recorded easement and local rules decide. Chandler and Glendale plats specifically allow wood, wire or removable-section fencing, Surprise bars accessory structures, and Avondale pools and Glendale ADUs have specific written-consent requirements. Digging in one takes a city permit in Phoenix, Gilbert and Mesa.
- City ComparisonVerified Oct 2026Phoenix City Code Chapter 28, Article IV (Connections to Public Sewers and Charges)Water and Sewer Tap Permits and City Fees, by Valley CityPublished charges cover different services. Phoenix lists $95 for a city-built sewer tap, Tempe $1,800 for a six-inch street tap with pavement, and Chandler $1,819 for a 3/4-inch service line and meter box. Mesa lists a separate $9,528 combined capacity fee for a new 3/4-inch meter. Obtain an itemized utility quote; these are not total project prices.
Gas Lines
Gas Lines in every city- City ComparisonVerified Oct 2026Tolleson City Code 12-1-20(A)(7)(g), IFGC 404.12 (as amended)Gas Line Burial Depth Rules in Each Valley CityMetal gas pipe goes at least 12 inches below grade everywhere compared here. Plastic goes 18 inches in Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Buckeye, Surprise, Tolleson and the county. Phoenix allows 8 inches for a single outdoor appliance line; Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Surprise, Tolleson and the county deleted that exception (Tolleson 12-1-20).
- City ComparisonVerified Sep 2026Tempe City Code 8-105 (105.1, 105.2 Fuel gas)Gas Line Permits in Each Valley CityYes, in all 13 jurisdictions compared here. Adding, extending, replacing or repairing gas piping takes a permit and inspection; only portable appliances and minor part swaps are exempt (Tempe 8-105). Phoenix and Scottsdale issue outdoor-appliance lines without plan review, while Chandler, Mesa and Buckeye want a piping diagram with every appliance's BTU load.
- City ComparisonVerified Sep 2026Mesa City Code 4-7-2, IFGC 406.4.1 and 406.4.3 (as amended)Gas Line Pressure Test Rules in Each Valley CityIt depends on the city. Phoenix, Chandler and Buckeye test new gas piping at 1.5 times working pressure, never under 3 psig. Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek require at least 10 psi, and 60 psi for welded pipe or gas above 14 inches water column (Mesa 4-7-2, Gilbert 10-35-2, Queen Creek 7.2.6).
- City ComparisonVerified Sep 2026Phoenix Building Construction Code 110.3.10.1 (2024 IBC Chapter 1 as amended)Getting Gas Turned On After Inspection in Each Valley CityNot until the gas work passes final inspection. Phoenix, Mesa and Maricopa County bar connecting fuel until the building official authorizes it, then clear the gas utility to turn on. In Phoenix a meter locked for a leak on the customer's side needs a permit and city clearance; a non-payment lockoff goes straight to Southwest Gas (TRT 00930).
Sewer Lines
Sewer Lines in every city- City ComparisonVerified Oct 20262024 International Plumbing Code Section 708 (Cleanouts); Phoenix amendments to 2024 IPC 1003.3.5.3 and 2024 UPC 1014.2.3 and 1014.3.5; Mesa City Code 8-4-8(E) and (F); Litchfield Park City Code 7-2-2(A)(1)Commercial Sewer Cleanout Requirements by Valley CityValley cities on the 2024 IPC require cleanouts every 100 feet on building sewers under 8 inches, at the building drain and sewer junction, and at turns over 45 degrees. Sewers 8 inches and larger need manholes instead. Phoenix adds a two-way cleanout on the outlet of grease interceptors.
- City ComparisonVerified Sep 2026ADEQ Type 4.01 General Aquifer Protection Permit (A.A.C. R18-9-E301)Private Sewer Lift Station and Ejector Rules by Valley CityA private lift station on a sewer with manholes or over 3,000 gallons a day needs ADEQ's Type 4.01 permit, two pumps and level alarms. Cities add their own layer: Phoenix allows private stations under 1 million gallons a day, Gilbert wants yearly O&M records, and Scottsdale, Peoria and Glendale expect city involvement from the start.
- City ComparisonVerified Sep 2026Tempe City Code 27-175 (amended by Ord. O2026.03)Who Owns the Sewer Line From the Building to the Main, by CityThe owner, almost everywhere, and a commercial owner usually all the way to the main. Tempe makes every owner responsible even for the pipe under the street. Phoenix, Chandler, Surprise and Avondale fix the street section only for single-family and duplex homes, while Mesa, Gilbert and Glendale handle the street section for any property.
Water Supply and Pipes
Water Supply and Pipes in every cityDrains, Traps and Vents
Drains, Traps and Vents in every cityCommercial Plumbing
Commercial Plumbing in every city- City ComparisonVerified Sep 2026Glendale City Code 33-238(d); Phoenix City Code 28-15; Mesa City Code 8-4-22(D); Scottsdale City Code 49-95(d)Grease Interceptor Records and Inspections by Valley CityEvery Valley city compared here wants grease interceptor cleaning and repair records kept at the business for three years and shown on request. Chandler lists what each record must show, including a county-licensed hauler. Phoenix inspects unannounced, and the Fountain Hills Sanitary District inspects at least once a year.
- City ComparisonVerified Sep 2026Maricopa County Plan Review Construction Guide, Grease Interceptors/Grease TrapsGrease Trap and Interceptor Rules by Valley CityEach Valley city sets its own grease rules, because Maricopa County leaves sizing to cities. Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale and Tempe allow an indoor grease trap only with four or fewer fixtures and no dishwasher. Required pumping runs from every 30 days (Phoenix traps) to every 180 days (Glendale), and enzymes never replace pumping.
- City ComparisonVerified Oct 2026Mesa City Code 8-4-16 and 8-4-18; Gilbert Town Code 66-232 to 66-234; Scottsdale City Code 49-93 and 49-165; Avondale City Code 24-104; Tolleson City Code 11-3-1Industrial Wastewater Pretreatment Permits by Valley CitySignificant industrial users need a city wastewater discharge permit before they discharge, and smaller users can be pulled in when their discharge could harm the sewer. Apply early: Scottsdale wants the application 180 days ahead and Gilbert 90. Phoenix wants pretreatment plans approved before building plan submittal.
- City ComparisonVerified Sep 2026ADEQ Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control; A.A.C. R18-4-215Which Businesses Need a Backflow Assembly in Each Valley CityPhoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale and Glendale name restaurants on their lists and require an RP assembly or air gap. Surprise and Goodyear require one on commercial or all connections. Tempe, Gilbert and Chandler judge the hazard. Every required assembly gets a yearly certified test (Phoenix 37-144, Mesa 8-1-8, Scottsdale 49-62, A.A.C. R18-4-215).
Also in the library: Uniform Plumbing Code · Arizona · Maricopa County (unincorporated) · Phoenix · Scottsdale · Paradise Valley · Mesa · Chandler · Gilbert · Tempe · Glendale · Surprise · Avondale · Tolleson · Litchfield Park
Need It Done To Valley-Wide Code?
Call a licensed plumber who pulls the permit and passes inspection the first time.