Wildfire Zones: Phoenix vs Scottsdale
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Phoenix, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ?
Phoenix has fewer restrictions than Scottsdale.
Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Phoenix adopts the International Fire Code (2024 edition with local amendments) under Chapter 15. While the urban core has low wildfire risk, northern mountain preserve areas have elevated risk. The Arizona DFFM evaluates communities at risk, and Phoenix requires defensible space and fire-resistant construction in hazard areas.
View full Phoenix rules →Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
Scottsdale has significant wildfire risk areas, particularly in the McDowell Mountain area, Scottsdale Mountain, and desert hillside areas in the northern part of the city. The city has adopted the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code elements through its fire code amendments to address development in these areas.
View full Scottsdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Phoenix | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Code | 2024 IFC with Phoenix amendments | IFC 2021 with WUI elements (Chapter 36) |
| Code Chapter | Phoenix City Code Chapter 15 | - |
| High-Risk Areas | Northern mountain preserve areas | McDowell Mountains, Scottsdale Mountain, northern desert hillside |
| Defensible Space | 0-5 ft, 5-30 ft, 30-100 ft zones | - |
| Assessment | AZ WRAP wildfire risk portal | - |
| Roofing | - | Class A fire-resistant roofing required in WUI areas |
| Vents | - | Ember-resistant vents required in WUI construction |
| State Partner | - | AZ Dept. of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) |
| ESLO Balance | - | Fire safety must be balanced with native plant protection |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Phoenix FAQ
Is Phoenix at risk for wildfires?
The urban core has low wildfire risk, but properties near the northern mountain preserves (such as areas near the Phoenix Mountains, South Mountain, and North Mountain) have elevated risk. The Arizona Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal can identify your property's risk level.
What fire prevention measures are required?
Phoenix follows the 2024 International Fire Code. Properties in fire-prone areas should maintain defensible space in three zones: Immediate (0-5 ft), Intermediate (5-30 ft), and Extended (30-100 ft). Fire-resistant construction materials including Class A roofing are recommended.
Scottsdale FAQ
Is my Scottsdale property in a wildfire risk zone?
Properties near the McDowell Mountains, Scottsdale Mountain, and northern desert hillside areas are in the wildland-urban interface with elevated wildfire risk. Contact the Scottsdale Fire Department for specific risk assessment.
What fire-resistant building materials are required?
In WUI areas, Class A roofing, fire-resistant exterior wall coverings, and ember-resistant vents are required for new construction.
How does wildfire prevention interact with ESLO native plant requirements?
Property owners must manage vegetation for fire safety while respecting ESLO native plant protections. The Fire Department and Planning work together to find compatible solutions.
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