Can I re-route a wash on my property?

Although generally not feasible in most situations, you can reroute a wash within your property provided that historic drainage patterns are maintained and the plan is engineered. That is to say that the wash must enter and exit the property in the same location and in the same manner such that there would be no negative effects to drainage on adjacent properties.

Rerouting a wash properly is a difficult endeavor that requires the services of a Registered Professional Engineer and permitting through the Pinal County Flood Control District. If not done properly, a rerouted wash could create a hazard and liability for you and your neighbors. In addition to this, you could be found in violation of several local, state, and federal laws and potentially face significant fines. Having an engineer analyze the wash protects you from liability and ensures that the proposed re-route will have no adverse impacts to adjacent property owners.

Show All Answers

1. What is the Pinal County Flood Control District?
2. What is the purpose of the Pinal County Flood Control District?
3. How is the Pinal County Flood Control District Funded?
4. What does the Pinal County Flood Control District regulate?
5. What is a local floodplain and how does it differ from FEMA floodplains?
6. The wash on my property is eroding or experiencing sediment deposition, what should I do?
7. I experienced property/structure damage from a flood, what assistance can the Pinal County Flood Control District provide me?
8. Who is responsible for maintenance of drainage facilities on or near my property?
9. There’s water in my retention basin, who comes out to help?
10. If I want to install a block wall or fence, are there any places I should avoid?
11. What is considered a wash?
12. Can I re-route a wash on my property?
13. What is required for building in a floodplain?
14. How far from a wash do I need to build my house? Why?
15. Is my property buildable?
16. I am looking at purchasing some property in Pinal County and need to know if it’s a good investment. Should I buy this property?
17. Can I install a culvert on a wash crossing my property? How big does the culvert need to be?
18. My neighbor filled in a wash, what can I do?
19. How much does flood insurance cost?
20. How much does an elevation certificate cost?
21. There is water ponding after recent rains and now we have mosquitos. Can you help us?
22. What is the best way to find out what flood zone a property is in?
23. I want to put in a shade structure for my animals. Does that require a flood plain use permit?
24. How much extra time is involved in permitting when a floodplain use permit is required?
25. The culverts under the roadway are blocked with debris. Who do I call to get them cleaned out?
26. The growth of vegetation in the wash is causing flows to be diverted. Does the Flood Control District clear out the vegetation?
27. I’ve lived here for 30 years and never seen it flood, how can I be in a floodplain?