Tree removal permit rules in Scottsdale, AZ — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Scottsdale's Native Plant Ordinance (Chapter 46, Article V) protects indigenous desert plants citywide. Removal or relocation of protected native plants requires a Native Plant program submission. Violations carry fines up to $10,000. The ordinance covers saguaro cacti, palo verde trees, mesquite, ironwood, and dozens of other protected species.
Scottsdale adopted its first Native Plant Ordinance in 1981, recognizing that native vegetation enhances the city's character, supports tourism, stabilizes soil, provides wildlife habitat, and increases property values. The current ordinance (Chapter 46, Article V) applies citywide. Any development, grading, or land clearing that affects protected plants requires a Native Plant Program submitted to Planning and Development Services. Protected plants include saguaro, barrel cactus, cholla, prickly pear, palo verde, mesquite, ironwood, and many others on the city's Indigenous Plant List. Plants must be preserved in place whenever possible. If relocation is necessary, it must be done per approved salvage plans. Unauthorized removal or destruction of protected native plants carries fines up to $10,000 per violation. The ordinance applies to both commercial development and residential property improvements. Emergency removal (hazardous trees threatening structures) should be documented and reported to the city.
Unauthorized removal of protected native plants carries fines up to $10,000 per plant. Required replacement or restoration may also be ordered.
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 tree removal & heritage trees.
See how Scottsdale's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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