Scottsdale requires defensible space around structures to mitigate wildfire risk, particularly in the McDowell Mountain area and ESLO desert hillside zones. The Scottsdale Fire Department enforces fire prevention measures under the International Fire Code as adopted with local amendments (Revised Code Chapter 36).
Scottsdale has adopted the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) with local amendments under Revised Code Chapter 36. Properties in wildfire-prone areas, particularly near the McDowell Mountains and in desert hillside zones, must maintain defensible space. Vegetation management includes maintaining clearance around structures, removing dead vegetation, and managing native desert plants to reduce fuel loads while preserving the desert landscape. The Scottsdale Fire Department Community Risk Reduction Division conducts inspections and education programs. The extreme desert climate creates fire danger particularly during the pre-monsoon season (May-July) when temperatures exceed 100°F and humidity drops below 10%. Scottsdale participates in Maricopa County burn ban declarations during high fire danger periods.
Properties with excessive fire fuel loads may receive fire department correction notices and citations. Failure to maintain defensible space may affect insurance coverage and create liability exposure.
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
Scottsdale allows backyard composting with no permit. City offers residential brush & bulk program for yard waste. No curbside organics. ADEQ permit required...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle brush clearance.
See how Scottsdale's brush clearance 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.