Official sources checked August 30, 2026

Cochise County, Arizona septic permits and requirements

Arizona county-delegation framework

ADEQ states that it has statewide authority for onsite wastewater treatment facilities and has delegated permitting authority to each of Arizona’s 15 counties. ADEQ rules continue to apply statewide, while delegated counties may impose separate or stricter local standards. Applicants should submit through the county where the property is located unless a specific system remains under direct ADEQ jurisdiction.

Property transfer has a statewide inspection and notice process

Arizona requires an onsite-system inspection in connection with a property transfer and requires the buyer to submit the applicable Notice of Transfer within 15 calendar days after transfer. ADEQ identifies county-specific filing paths for delegated counties, so owners should use the current transfer instructions for the property location.

Soil and site evaluation comes before the sewage-disposal permit

Cochise County states that the first step is to have the property evaluated to determine septic-system size and location. The soil and site evaluation must be completed before the applicant applies for the county sewage-disposal permit.

The county specifies at least three deep test pits

Cochise County requires a state-certified evaluator to excavate at least three test pits: two in the proposed primary disposal area and one in the reserve disposal-field area. The county states that the pits are excavated to a depth of 12 feet so the evaluator can determine soil absorption capacity and identify limiting conditions.

Qualified evaluators are specifically defined

Cochise County identifies qualified site and soil evaluators as Arizona registered professional engineers, registered professional geologists, registered sanitarians, or individuals holding training certification from a course recognized by ADEQ.

Alternative systems follow the limiting conditions found onsite

When conditions such as inadequate soil, high groundwater, or impermeable layers prevent a conventional design, Cochise County directs the evaluator to recommend an alternative design. Depending on the system selected, the alternative-system application may be reviewed by the county Health Department or ADEQ.

County septic inspections remain required even under reduced building-inspection paths

Cochise County states that its rural Owner-Builder Amendment can reduce or eliminate certain Building Safety inspections, but septic, well, zoning, floodplain, and other non-building approvals and inspections still apply. Septic inspections are therefore not waived by the owner-builder building option.

Added dwelling units can trigger septic expansion or a new permitted system

Cochise County warns that most existing systems are designed only for the primary residence. Adding an accessory dwelling unit will likely require expansion of the existing septic system or installation of a new permitted system, and the county directs owners to contact Environmental Health early in planning.

Official sources

• Arizona Department of Environmental Quality — Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facilities
• ADEQ — Delegation Agreements
• ADEQ — Notice of Transfer and Inspection
• Cochise County — Septic Systems
• Cochise County — Accessory Dwelling Units
• Cochise County — Residential Projects

SepticScope summarizes public-agency information for planning purposes. The permitting agency's current instructions control if they differ from this guide.