Scottsdale regulates exotic animal keeping under Chapter 4 of the Revised Code and defers to Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) for wildlife permits. Certain exotic species are prohibited statewide under ARS §17-306. Scottsdale additionally restricts keeping wild or dangerous animals within city limits without proper permits.
Under Scottsdale Revised Code Chapter 4 (Animals), keeping exotic or wild animals is subject to strict regulations. Arizona law (ARS §17-306) prohibits possession of certain wildlife species without a special license from AZGFD. Restricted species include primates, large cats, bears, wolves, venomous reptiles, and certain other wild animals. AZGFD issues Wildlife Holding Licenses for educational, scientific, or rehabilitation purposes. Scottsdale code enforcement responds to complaints about exotic animals kept in residential areas. Africanized Honey Bees are a particular concern in the Phoenix metro area, and beekeeping is subject to Arizona Department of Agriculture regulations. Exotic animal cruelty is prosecuted under ARS §13-2910.
Keeping prohibited exotic animals may result in animal seizure, criminal charges under state law, and municipal code enforcement citations. Fines vary based on the species and circumstances.
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale regulates construction noise primarily through general noise provisions and building code administration. Arizona HB 2371 (effective 2025) require...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale restricts overnight parking on certain city streets through posted signage. The city may restrict overnight parking in areas with safety or conges...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale supports EV infrastructure through its green building codes and zoning provisions. New commercial and multi-family developments may be required to...
Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona ARS 36-1637 requires an approved smoke detector in every new residential housing unit and in any sleeping area remodeled under permit. Scottsdale enf...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale regulates propane (LPG) storage under the adopted 2018 International Fire Code and NFPA 58; aggregate residential storage over 500 gallons water c...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale regulates outdoor burning under Revised Code Chapter 36 (Fire Code) and Maricopa County ADEQ air quality rules. Open burning of yard waste and deb...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle exotic pets.
See how Scottsdale's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.