Dependent Community Permitting Process

About the Program

Category: Planning (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

Arizona Revised Statutes require all counties to organize a flood control district. One of the duties is to carry out regulatory functions and govern its area of jurisdiction, which is the entire county. The Flood Control District of Maricopa County (FCDMC) is responsible for the regulatory and floodplain management portion of these duties for the unincorporated county and 14 cities/towns. Providing a uniform approach to 15 unique entities is necessary so that citizens, developers, lenders, and insurance agents receive consistent information and ease of processing floodplain use permit applications. This is also important for Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) audits of the communities and county. Each of the jurisdictions varies in their requirements for floodplain management from FCDMC making the efforts more challenging. A freestanding application process, clear definition of steps on the Flood Control District web page, electronic submittal, and one set of development guidelines allows for consistent development in floodplains regardless of jurisdictional boundary. Standard templates and outlining steps for permit assistance can also be applied to other customer services such as providing documentation for flood insurance, field visits, investigations for flooding during and after events, and other technical reviews.