Usually yes. Scottsdale requires an interceptor at any existing facility without one when there are additions, alterations or remodeling, and Tempe, Chandler and Mesa each require restaurants to have a trap or interceptor. A former retail space typically has no grease line, so plan on adding one.
What each city says
- Scottsdale. IPC Section 1003.1 as amended requires an interceptor at new facilities, and at an existing facility without one when there are additions, alterations or remodeling. If a facility already has an interceptor and the remodel increases the volume, the interceptor must be re-sized for the new volume.
- Tempe. All food service establishments must install either an indoor grease trap or an outdoor grease interceptor. A trap works with four or fewer grease-line fixtures and no commercial dishwasher. Otherwise it is an interceptor of 500 to 2,500 gallons.
- Chandler. Food service establishments must install a FOG treatment device. Your plumber gives Development Services a fixture count and plumbing plan with the permit application, and the fixture count drives the device size.
- Mesa. Code 8-4-22 allows a trap only with four or fewer food prep fixtures. Any facility installing a dishwasher must have an interceptor.
Phoenix runs a FOG program with its own maintenance rules; see does my Phoenix restaurant have to comply with the FOG program. Whether the city will accept a trap or demand an interceptor is decided at plan review, so ask before you sign.
Why it changes the lease math
An outdoor interceptor means cutting the slab, trenching to the sewer, and finding room for a tank of 500 gallons or more. In a strip center that space may be a shared parking lot. That is a landlord conversation, not just a plumber one. Read can restaurants in a strip center share a grease interceptor and commercial tenant improvement plumbing before you commit.
A short pre-lease checklist
- 1Ask the landlord for as-built plumbing drawings and whether an interceptor already exists.
- 2Count the fixtures that will drain to grease: three-compartment sink, pre-rinse sink, mop sink, floor drains, dishwasher.
- 3Ask the city's plan reviewer whether a trap or interceptor will be accepted.
- 4Get the excavation, tank and permit scope priced before signing. HQ gives free estimates with the price set up front.
Sizing details are in what size grease interceptor a restaurant needs, and a dishwasher pushes you to an interceptor in most cities: can a commercial dishwasher drain into a grease trap.
For the permit side, see whether you need a permit to replace or add a grease interceptor. If a tank is already in place, what happens when a baffle or outlet tee breaks and lid and traffic rating rules cover common problems.