Arizona Model Ordinances and Standards 

Model Ordinances for Floodplain Management  

Each community that participates in the NFIP must adopt a Floodplain Management Ordinance. FEMA Region IX and ADWR staff have developed model floodplain management ordinances that communities can use to meet federal and state minimum requirements. They include: 

Non-Colorado River Community (Full Model) 

Non-Colorado River Community (District Dependent)  

Colorado River Community (Full Model)  

Colorado River Community (District Dependent)  

STATE STANDARDS 

The Department’s State Standards Work Group was formed in 1990 to establish guidelines to assist communities with floodplain management. These guidelines were developed by incorporating input and expertise from local, state, federal and private entities. They include: 

SS1 - Technical Support Data Notebook  

Instructions for Organizing and Submitting Technical Support Data Notebooks (TSDN) for Flood Studies to Local Governments and FEMA. 

SS2-96 - Floodplain and Floodway Delineation in Riverine Environment  

Provides methodologies for estimating 100-year peak discharges, delineating 100-year floodplain limits, and determining administrative floodway boundaries for riverine floodplains in Arizona. 

SS3-94 - Super-critical Flow (Floodway Modeling)  

Provides guidelines to be used when modeling floodways for supercritical or near-critical flow conditions in Arizona. 

SS4-95 Identification of Development within Sheet Flow Areas  

Details minimum floodplain management standards for identification of and development within sheet flooding areas in Arizona. 

SS5-96 - Watercourse System Sediment Balance  

Provides guidelines for identification of and development within erosion hazard areas, watercourses with a net sediment deficit, and watercourses with a net sediment surplus. Provides individual guidelines for: lateral migration setback allowances, channel degradation estimations, and river stability impacts associated with sand and gravel operations. 

SS6-05 - Development of Individual Residential Lots within Floodplains  

Provides a site plan checklist, typical plan and cross-section requirements for individual residential lots. 

SS7-98 - Watercourse Bank Stabilization  

Provides minimum design standards for several watercourse bank stabilization techniques. 

SS8-99 - Stormwater Detention/Retention  

Provides minimum guidelines for sizing detention and/or retention facilities. 

SS9-02 - Floodplain Hydraulic Modeling  

Provides guidelines on mathematical modeling for hydraulic processes in watercourses. 

SS10-07 Hydro-logic Modeling Guidelines  

Provides guidance on the unique modeling conditions encountered in Arizona. This download includes Appendices and Technical Supplements.