Scottsdale requires erosion and sediment control measures on all construction and grading projects under the DSPM and Revised Code Chapter 37. Projects disturbing 1+ acres must obtain AZPDES coverage. The ESLO overlay imposes additional erosion prevention requirements in desert hillside and wash areas.
Scottsdale's erosion control requirements are established in the Design Standards and Policies Manual (DSPM) and enforced through the building permit and grading permit process. All construction projects must implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prevent erosion and sedimentation. Common BMPs include silt fences, straw wattles, stabilized construction entrances, dust control, and revegetation of disturbed areas. Projects disturbing 1 acre or more require AZPDES Construction General Permit coverage and a SWPPP. In ESLO areas, disturbed areas must be revegetated with native plant materials. Cut and fill slopes must be stabilized promptly. Scottsdale inspectors monitor active construction sites for erosion control compliance. Dust control is particularly important in the desert environment and is also regulated under Maricopa County ADEQ Rule 310 for PM-10 nonattainment.
Failure to implement erosion controls may result in stop-work orders, fines, and AZPDES permit enforcement by ADEQ. Dust control violations are enforced by Maricopa County ADEQ.
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
Scottsdale addresses animal hoarding through Scottsdale Revised Code Chapter 4 keeping limits and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control field investigations;...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale regulates the keeping of domestic animals including chickens and livestock under Chapter 4, Article II of the Revised Code. Chickens and other fow...
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...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle erosion control.
See how Scottsdale's erosion control rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.