What are the grease trap requirements in Phoenix, AZ?

Food service establishments in Phoenix must install and maintain grease traps or interceptors per local FOG ordinances. The city follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).

What size grease trap do I need for my restaurant in Phoenix?

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. Gravity grease interceptors minimum 750 gallons for food service establishments; sizing per Phoenix City Code and Arizona Plumbing Code based on fixture count and flow rate; point-of-use interceptors minimum 20 GPM. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
Phoenix, AZ

Q: Do I need a grease trap permit in Phoenix?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Phoenix. Fee: Industrial pretreatment/FOG permit required; registration fees typically $50-$150 annually.

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Phoenix, Arizona. Serving 8,992 food service establishments.

Every 90 days minimum

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

UPC (Arizona adopts UPC statewide)

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency Every 90 days minimum; more frequently if grease accumulation exceeds 25% of capacity

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee Industrial pretreatment/FOG permit required; registration fees typically $50-$150 annually

Max Fine $2,500 per violation per day under Phoenix City Code; administrative penalties may also apply

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	Gravity grease interceptors minimum 750 gallons for food service establishments; sizing per Phoenix City Code and Arizona Plumbing Code based on fixture count and flow rate; point-of-use interceptors minimum 20 GPM
Pumping Frequency	Every 90 days minimum; more frequently if grease accumulation exceeds 25% of capacity
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	Industrial pretreatment/FOG permit required; registration fees typically $50-$150 annually
Maximum Fine	$2,500 per violation per day under Phoenix City Code; administrative penalties may also apply
Inspections	City of Phoenix Environmental Services Division inspects FSEs; frequency varies, typically annually for permitted facilities
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	UPC (Arizona adopts UPC statewide)
Ordinance Ref.	Phoenix City Code Chapter 28 (Sewers and Sewage Disposal); FOG Best Management Practices Manual (2019); Arizona Administrative Code R18-9
Authority	City of Phoenix Water Services Department, Environmental Services Division

Additional Notes

Phoenix published a comprehensive FOG BMP Manual in 2019 for food service establishments. The city requires all FSEs to install and maintain approved grease interceptors. Arizona uses UPC as its base plumbing code. Phoenix emphasizes BMPs including dry cleanup, proper oil disposal, and employee training. The desert climate means water conservation is also a factor in trap sizing.

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.