Arizona Reference

Cochise County Septic Rules

Arizona's septic rules are set by the state, but Cochise County administers them — and adds requirements of its own. Here's what applies here.

Last verified: July 2026

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Who administers it

Cochise County Environmental Health Services Division

Phone (septic scheduling)
520-432-9441
Address
1415 Melody Lane, Bldg. G, Bisbee, AZ 85603

Transfer filings and payments go to a different office:

  • Cochise County Health & Social Services
  • 126 W. 5th St., Benson, AZ 85602
  • 520-586-8200

Where you file the transfer

Locally, with the county — checks payable to "Cochise County," submitted to the Benson office (routing effective 10/15/2024). Note that this is a different address from the main environmental health office in Bisbee.

Permit fees

Call the county. Cochise's fee ordinance is a scanned document with no published text version. 520-432-9441.

What's different here

Cochise has the most demanding soil evaluation in the state.

A certified evaluator must excavate at least three test pits — two in the primary disposal area, one in the reserve field — to a depth of 12 feet. That's well beyond the state baseline.

Qualified evaluators are limited to: an Arizona registered Professional Engineer, a registered geologist, a registered sanitarian, or someone holding an ADEQ-recognized course certificate.

Other Arizona counties

This is informational guidance, not legal advice. County fee schedules change — confirm current requirements at 520-432-9441.