Building Safety in Scottsdale, AZ (2026)
8 verified building safety rules for Scottsdale, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Elevator Maintenance
Scottsdale's amended Fire Code requires at least one elevator in any building four or more stories above or below grade to be sized for fire department emergency access to every floor, big enough to carry a standard ambulance stretcher in the open, horizontal position, and marked with the emergency medical 'star of life' symbol.
Scottsdale High-Rise Elevator Stretcher Access Rule
Some RestrictionsScottsdale Code of Ordinances § 36-18.1 (Fire Code § 604.2.1)
604.2, Emergency operation, is amended by adding the following new subsection to read as follows: 604.2.1 Elevator car to accommodate ambulance stretcher. Where elevators are provided in buildings four or more stories above grade plane or four or more stories below grade plane, at least one elevator shall be provided for fire department emergency access to all floors. Elevators designated as em...
Fire Sprinkler Requirements
Scottsdale requires an automatic sprinkler system, installed to NFPA 13, 13-R, or 13-D, throughout every new Group R residential occupancy, regardless of square footage. A short list of accessory structures like small storage sheds and detached carports under specific size caps are exempt.
Scottsdale Residential Fire Sprinkler Rule
Some RestrictionsScottsdale Code of Ordinances § 36-18 (IBC § 903.2, 903.2.8)
903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed throughout all levels of all new Group A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R, S and U occupancies of more than zero (0) square feet. In accordance with section 903, and the fire department interpretation and applications manual, and as set in this section. ... 903.2.8 Group R and IRC. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided ...
Childcare Center Rules
Scottsdale's zoning code ties a day care center's location to its distance from housing: under Table 11.201.A of § 11.201, a day care center with a drop-off or outdoor play area more than 100 feet from a residential district is permitted by right in most commercial and industrial zones, but the same use within 100 feet of a residential district needs a conditional use permit reviewed case by case.
Scottsdale Day Care Center Zoning Buffer Rule
Some RestrictionsScottsdale Code of Ordinances § 11.201, Table 11.201.A
Day care center with drop off or outdoor play area farther than 100 feet from a residential district shown on Table 4.100.A., or the residential portion of a Planned Community P-C, or any portion of a Planned Residential Development PRD with an underlying zoning district comparable to the residential districts shown on Table 4.100.A. [P]... Day care center with drop off or outdoor play area wit...
Green Building Code
Scottsdale adopted the 2021 International Green Construction Code by reference, applying sustainability, water, energy, and materials standards to commercial and multifamily construction. One- and two-family homes and townhouses up to three stories are exempt, and LEED or Green Globes certification satisfies the code automatically.
Scottsdale Green Construction Code
Some RestrictionsScottsdale Code of Ordinances §§ 31-140, 31-141
The International Green Construction Code (IGCC), 2021 Edition, by the International Code Council, Inc., declared a public record by city Resolution No. 12505, is adopted by reference as part of the city Building Code. ... 101.3.1 Applicability. The provisions of this code do not apply to the following: 1.One- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more t...
Building Permits
Scottsdale amends IBC Section 105 to run its own annual-permit and exemption system. City Code § 31-5 lets the building official issue annual permits for repeat minor work, sets a Dec. 31 expiration with Dec. 15 renewal, and lists specific work, like small sheds under 200 square feet, that needs no permit at all.
Scottsdale Building Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsScottsdale Code of Ordinances § 31-5
105.1.1 Annual permit. In lieu of an individual permit for minor work on an already approved electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing installation, the building official may issue an annual permit. The application and permit shall apply to any person, firm or corporation regularly employing one or more qualified tradespersons on the premises owned or operated by the permit applicant. ... 105.1.4...
Electrical Permits
Scottsdale enforces the 2020 edition of the National Electrical Code as part of its Building Code, adopted by reference under Section 31-70. Anyone installing, altering or repairing wiring needs a permit under the same Chapter 31 permit rules that cover the city's other adopted construction codes.
Scottsdale Adopts 2020 National Electrical Code
Some RestrictionsScottsdale Code of Ordinances § 31-70
Sec. 31-70. - Adoption of National Electrical Code. The National Electrical Code (NEC), 2020 Edition, as published by the National Fire Protection Association, declared a public record by city Resolution No. 12506, is adopted by reference as part of the city Building Code.
Plumbing Permits
Scottsdale adopted the 2021 International Plumbing Code, renamed locally the 'Plumbing Code of the City of Scottsdale,' as part of its Building Code under Sections 31-80 and 31-81. Local amendments set minimum sewer depth and water service pipe sizing on top of the adopted code's fixture and permit rules.
Scottsdale Adopts 2021 International Plumbing Code
Some RestrictionsScottsdale Code of Ordinances §§ 31-80, 31-81
Sec. 31-80. - Adoption of International Plumbing Code. The International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2021 Edition, including Appendices B, D and E, as published by the International Code Council, Inc., declared a public record by city Resolution No. 12501, are adopted by reference as part of the city Building Code. ... 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Plumbing Code of the City of S...
Building Inspections
Scottsdale's building official can order any inspection needed to verify code compliance beyond the standard required list, plus special inspections for complex electrical work like lightning protection or buried grounding grids. Temporary occupancy before final inspection requires a cash deposit of at least $2,500.
Scottsdale Building Inspection Requirements
Some RestrictionsScottsdale Code of Ordinances § 31-8 (IBC § 110.3.10-.11)
110.3.10 Other inspections. In addition to the inspections specified in Sections 110.3.1 through 110.3.9, the building official is authorized to make or require other inspections of any construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this code and other laws that are enforced by the department of building safety. A complete list of required inspections can be found on the city ...
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