Last Updated 07/20/2026
The County of Pima has enacted a Stormwater Ordinance in order to establish minimum stormwater management requirements and controls to protect and safeguard the general health, safety, and welfare of the public residing in watersheds within this jurisdiction. The County of Pima is the permitting authority for all land disturbing activities and requires the land owner to maintain all on-site stormwater control facilities and all open space areas (e.g. parks or “green” areas) required by the approved stormwater control plan. The County of Pima will only provide construction permits to projects that establish a plan to manage stormwater runoff occurring during the construction process. The County of Pima, under the NPDES program, also has the authority to inspect properties for noncompliance and can issue a notice of violation (NOV) for any deficiency or infraction onsite. Property owners are responsible for the maintenance of any stormwater facilities or practices located on the property. The County of Pima has the authority to inspect stormwater facilities and practices in order to ascertain that they are properly maintained and functioning.
PIMA COUNTY STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (SWMP)
PART VI. INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES
B. Inspections and Monitoring
Inspections are performed for both county and non-county industrial facilities. Stormwater inspections for non-county industrial facilities are designed to evaluate consistency with the ADEQ’s (Arizona Department of Environmental Quality) 2010 MSGP (Multi-Sector General Permit) and compliance with Pima County ordinances. Annual inspections are scheduled for at least 20% of the industrial facilities. The facilities with the greatest potential for a discharge, namely scrap metal recyclers and auto recycling businesses, were inspected first. For consistency with the 2010 MSGP, inspectors review the SWPPP for completeness and accuracy, verify monitoring is performed and documented within the SWPPP and then inspect the facility. The facility inspection evaluates the level of implementation and maintenance of both structural and non-structural control measures, as well as the presence and indications of discharges. For compliance with Pima County ordinances, inspectors determine if stormwater pollutants are exposed to the environment and whether erosion is minimized. The results of the inspection are sent to the facility contact with a notice of the status of compliance and a list of activities that need to be taken to return to compliance, if the facility is out of compliance.
After each inspection, PDEQ sends the owner or operator an electronic version of the Site Inspection Report indicating whether they are consistent with the 2010 MSGP or are incompliance with Pima County ordinances. If there are inconsistent or out of compliance, the owner or operator are given a specified time frame to correct the inconsistency or non-compliance. Correction actions for updates to a SWPPP may be demonstrated by sending information electronically. Correction actions for control measures are inspected when the owner or operator notify PDEQ the actions are complete. If the follow-up inspection shows the industrial activity remains inconsistent with the 2010 MSGP, PDEQ refers the facility to ADEQ. Pima County will write a Notice of Violation (NOV) for unresolved industrial activities violating Pima County code.
The outcome of each inspection is logged in the non-county industrial facility inventory. The date and the inspection outcome with respect to ADEQ consistency and Pima County ordinance are logged as either in compliance (IC) or out of compliance (OC). Facilities that are out of compliance are tracked until they are brought into compliance or are referred to the agency issuing the permit, namely ADEQ. The goal is to bring facilities into compliance within a one year period from the initial inspection identifying a non-compliance issue exists.
Results of each year’s inspections are reviewed to determine how well the facilities are maintaining compliance with state and local stormwater regulations. Where patterns are identified, alternate actions are developed. Alternate actions include education of specific businesses or regional organizations representing the businesses on more effective BMPs and updates in regulations.
Industrial facilities that have not filed for the AZPDES Multi-sector General Permit are reported to the Southern Regional office of ADEQ when discovered. PDEQ becomes aware of facilities being non-filers through observation of facility activities and through complaints submitted by the public
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often does Pima County inspect industrial facilities for stormwater compliance?
The county schedules annual inspections covering at least 20% of industrial facilities each year, working through both county-owned and privately owned sites. Facilities with the highest discharge risk, specifically scrap metal recyclers and auto recycling businesses, are prioritized first in that inspection cycle.
What does a Pima County industrial stormwater inspection actually check?
Inspectors review your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for completeness and accuracy, confirm that required monitoring has been performed and documented, and then inspect the facility itself. That facility inspection evaluates how well structural and non-structural control measures are implemented and maintained, and checks for any signs of an actual discharge.
Do I need to comply with both state and county stormwater rules if I run an industrial facility in Pima County?
Yes, and inspectors check both. The county evaluates consistency with ADEQ’s Multi-Sector General Permit at the state level, and separately checks compliance with Pima County’s own ordinances, including whether stormwater pollutants are exposed to the environment and whether erosion is being adequately controlled.
What happens if my facility fails a Pima County stormwater inspection?
You’ll receive an electronic Site Inspection Report noting the specific inconsistencies or violations, along with a defined timeframe to correct them. Some corrections, like SWPPP updates, can be demonstrated electronically. Physical control measure fixes require a follow-up inspection once you notify the county the work is complete.
What happens if my facility still isn't compliant after a follow-up inspection?
If a follow-up inspection shows your facility remains inconsistent with the state Multi-Sector General Permit, Pima County refers the matter to ADEQ directly. Separately, if the violation involves county code rather than state permit terms, Pima County will issue its own notice of violation for unresolved issues.
How long does Pima County give facilities to come back into compliance?
The county’s general target is bringing a facility back into compliance within one year of the initial inspection that identified the issue. Facilities are tracked continuously against that timeline until they’re brought current or referred to ADEQ.
What happens if my industrial facility never filed for an AZPDES Multi-Sector General Permit?
Pima County reports non-filing facilities directly to ADEQ’s Southern Regional office once discovered. The county typically becomes aware of these situations either through direct observation of facility activity or through complaints submitted by the public, so operating without ever having filed carries real exposure even absent a routine inspection.
How can AQUALIS help my industrial facility stay compliant in Pima County?
AQUALIS helps Pima County property owners prepare and maintain a compliant Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, implement the structural and non-structural control measures inspectors evaluate, and respond quickly to a Site Inspection Report before a correction window turns into a referral to ADEQ or a formal notice of violation.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Regulations change frequently — AQUALIS makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this content, and any reliance on it is at your own risk. Consult a qualified professional or your local regulatory authority to confirm requirements applicable to your specific property.
