Arizona Reference
Pima County Septic Rules
Arizona's septic rules are set by the state, but Pima County administers them — and adds requirements of its own. Here's what applies here.
Last verified: July 2026
← Arizona septic rules when you buy or sell a home
Who administers it
Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ), with Development Services on permitting
- Phone
- 520-724-7400
- Address
- 33 N. Stone Ave., Suite 700, Tucson, AZ 85701
- Portal
- permits.pima.gov
Where you file the transfer
Locally — and Pima's structure is unlike anywhere else in the state.
- The Report of Inspection is filed on Pima's portal with a $50 fee
- The Notice of Transfer is emailed by the buyer to the county's Onsite Wastewater team within 15 days — no fee
Permit fees
| Permit | Fee |
|---|---|
| Conventional — tank + leach field | $270 |
| Tank only | $100 |
| Leach field only | $150 (no test holes) / $270 (with test holes) |
| Alternative system — first general permit | $500 |
| Each additional general permit | $100 |
| Final inspection | $130 per visit |
| A312G alternate feature | $75 per item |
| Waiver request | $25 |
What's different here
Pima has the strictest lot-size rule in Arizona.
- One-acre minimum lot size for any new septic system. Pima County Code § 7.21.027 prohibits an onsite disposal system on a residential lot under one acre — smaller lots must connect to a sewer.
- A variance is possible through a hearing officer (§ 7.21.040), but only if a compliant system plus a replacement area fits on the lot
- Mandatory sewer connection where public sewer is available (§ 7.21.110)
- Pima administers septic under its own County Code Title 7
Other Arizona counties
This is informational guidance, not legal advice. County fee schedules change — confirm current requirements at 520-724-7400.