What are the grease trap requirements in Tucson, AZ?

Food service establishments in Tucson 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 Tucson?

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. Grease interceptors sized per the International Plumbing Code (as amended by Pima County/City of Tucson). Minimum 750 gallons for exterior gravity interceptors serving full-service restaurants. Hydromechanical grease interceptors sized by GPM per connected fixture drainage load. Sizing per IPC Chapter 10 with local amendments.. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
Tucson, AZ

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

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Tucson. Fee: Wastewater discharge permit required; fees vary by establishment class. Contact Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department for current fee schedule..

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Tucson, Arizona. Serving 1,862 food service establishments.

Minimum every 90 days (quarter

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

IPC (City of Tucson adopts amended IPC; 2018 IPC Amendments document governs local requirements)

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). Pumping required more frequently if the 25% rule is triggered.

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee Wastewater discharge permit required; fees vary by establishment class. Contact Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department for current fee schedule.

Max Fine Up to $10,000 per day per violation under Pima County Code. Additional penalties for willful or repeated violations. Costs of remediation may be assessed to the violator.

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	Grease interceptors sized per the International Plumbing Code (as amended by Pima County/City of Tucson). Minimum 750 gallons for exterior gravity interceptors serving full-service restaurants. Hydromechanical grease interceptors sized by GPM per connected fixture drainage load. Sizing per IPC Chapter 10 with local amendments.
Pumping Frequency	Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). Pumping required more frequently if the 25% rule is triggered.
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	Wastewater discharge permit required; fees vary by establishment class. Contact Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department for current fee schedule.
Maximum Fine	Up to $10,000 per day per violation under Pima County Code. Additional penalties for willful or repeated violations. Costs of remediation may be assessed to the violator.
Inspections	Pima County conducts routine inspections on a risk-based schedule. Typically annual for compliant facilities; quarterly or more frequent for repeat violators or high-risk FSEs.
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	IPC (City of Tucson adopts amended IPC; 2018 IPC Amendments document governs local requirements)
Ordinance Ref.	City of Tucson amendments to the International Plumbing Code (2018 IPC Amendments); Pima County Code Title 13 (Public Services), Chapter 13.24 (Sewer Use Ordinance); Tucson Code Chapter 27 (Sewers)
Authority	Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department; City of Tucson Water Department, Environmental Services Division

Additional Notes

Tucson's FOG regulations are primarily enforced at the county level through Pima County's Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department. The City of Tucson adopts the IPC with local amendments that address grease interceptor requirements. All FSEs discharging to the public sewer must have an approved grease interceptor. Grease haulers must be registered with the county. Manifests and cleaning records must be maintained and available for inspection. Arizona's arid climate and water reuse priorities make pretreatment compliance especially enforced.

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

Contact Information

Phone (520) 724-6500

Pima County Wastewater Reclamation: (520) 724-6500

Official Sources

Amendment to the International Plumbing Code

Size Your Grease Trap for Tucson

Our free calculator uses IPC (City of Tucson adopts amended IPC; 2018 IPC Amendments document governs local requirements) code requirements to recommend the right size.

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