Phoenix does not have a mandatory defensible space or brush clearance ordinance. The city's low-desert urban environment presents minimal wildfire risk. The Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 39) requires properties to be free of dead vegetation and fire hazards. The Phoenix Fire Department conducts fire prevention activities but does not mandate specific brush clearance distances.
Phoenix Fire Code (based on the International Fire Code as adopted) requires property owners to maintain defensible space by clearing dry brush, dead vegetation, and combustible debris from within 30 feet of structures, which is critical during the hot, dry months preceding monsoon season from April through June. The Phoenix Fire Department conducts inspections and can issue violation notices for properties with excessive dry vegetation that creates a fire hazard, particularly in the hillside and desert-edge neighborhoods of north Phoenix, Ahwatukee, and South Mountain. Tumbleweeds, dried landscaping debris, and accumulated palm fronds are common fire hazards in the Sonoran Desert climate and must be removed promptly. Violations may result in abatement at the owner's expense if not corrected within the compliance period. Contact Phoenix Fire Prevention at (602) 262-6011 for brush clearance questions or to report hazardous conditions.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Phoenix code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. PCC Section 23 requires property maint...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting hours, and blower noise are governed by HOA CC&Rs. PCC Secti...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Lighting timing, brightness, and animation are governed by subdivision CC&Rs and HO...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs. Trade permits filed through Planning...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix has no specific ordinance regulating residential smokers or pellet grills. ADEQ Rule R18-2-219 prohibits visible emissions exceeding 20 percent opaci...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix Fire Code under PCC Chapter 39 adopts the 2018 IFC with amendments. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits LP-gas tanks over 1 lb on combustible balconies of ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle brush clearance.
See how Phoenix's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.