​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Stormwater Post-Construction Program

Program Overview

This will allow the City to maintain compliance with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality's (ADEQ's) Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) program.  This post-construction program is not a substitute for any current application, permitting, inspection, or approval process.

This program applies to all new public and private development and redevelopment projects completed on or after June 30, 2022. The following criteria will be used to determine inclusion in this program:

• Project is one acre or greater in size
  
• Construction application was submitted on or after June 30, 2022
• Project contains permanent post-construction controls (detention basin, dry well, green infrastructure, etc.)

Inspections

Applicable projects will undergo a site inspection within one year of construction completion.  Additional inspections may be required in the future to confirm feature functionality.

Maintenance

Maintenance requirements under the current City of Phoenix Stormwater Policies and Standards Manual and applicable Phoenix City Code in Chapter 32 remain in effect.  

As of March 1, 2024, developers or property owners (or designee) are required to complete a site-specific maintenance plan for post-construction stormwater controls and include in the Grading & Drainage or Paving Plan Submittal. The plan shall include the site conditions, maintenance frequency and practices, and inspection criteria for each stormwater post-construction control. The City developed a manual template to streamline development and approval of this plan, TRT 000132, Operations and Maintenance Plan Template. Find the current version linked below in the resources.

Program Updates 

As of March 1, 2024, all development and redevelopment projects are required to complete and submit a site-specific maintenance plan with their Grading & Drainage and/or Paving Plan Submittal if they meet the following specifications:

• Project results in one acre or greater of disturbance
  
• Project has at least one post-construction control
  

Please refer to the City developed standardized template for use, TRT 00132, Operations and Maintenance Plan Template, linked below in the resources.  A Word version of this document is available by contacting staff at postconstruction.storm@phoenix.gov​.

Operations and Maintenance

All stormwater features owned and operated by private entities, including homeowner's associations, shall be properly maintained to promote performance consistent with the original design intent. (City of Phoenix Storm Water Policies and Standards Section 3.9.5) It is especially important during monsoon season. Taking proactive steps to help stormwater get to its intended location without causing excessive erosion, flooding or other damage can save on costly repairs and help preserve water quality. Below are some helpful hints but are not intended to be an exhaustive list to help maintain these extremely important features.

Dry Wells: Check that stormwater dissipates after a storm event. Standing water should not be present after 36 hours. This prevents damage to structures and helps prevent mosquito breeding.

Culverts, Catch Basins, and Drainage Grates: Water needs to flow through these devices during a storm event. Ensure all structures are free from trash or other debris.

Retention Basins: Look for signs of erosion on the slopes of the basin. Verify that the retention basins have not filled with silt or other materials that prevent them from retaining water. 

Drainage Channels: Remove debris, silt, and/or plant material that will prevent the devices of conveying water.  ​

Resources

• Link to HOA Postcard
• Stormwater Post-Construction Program Fact Sheet
• Stormwater Post-Construction Program Inventory Form
• Operations and Maintenance Plan Template
• Green Stormwater Infrastructure Webpage