Pop. 241,361 · Maricopa County
Scottsdale regulates propane (LPG) storage under the adopted 2018 International Fire Code and NFPA 58; aggregate residential storage over 500 gallons water capacity requires a Scottsdale Fire Department permit and plan review.
Arizona ARS 36-1637 requires an approved smoke detector in every new residential housing unit and in any sleeping area remodeled under permit. Scottsdale enforces the 2021 International Fire Code (Ordinance 4562, SRC Chapter 36) for placement and maintenance. Tenants must keep alarms operable; landlords must repair on written notice. Vacation rentals under Ordinance 4566 must also display the alarm location near each main door.
Fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and similar appliances require compliance with the Construction Code and appropriate permits. Maricopa County prohibits wood-burning fire pits on no-burn days. Gas-fueled fire features are common in Scottsdale's luxury outdoor living spaces.
Scottsdale addresses animal hoarding through Scottsdale Revised Code Chapter 4 keeping limits and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control field investigations; criminal cruelty is prosecuted under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-2910 as a class 1 misdemeanor or class 6 felony.
Arizona has no statewide breed ban preemption. Some cities have breed-specific legislation. Phoenix has no breed restrictions. Check Scottsdale local ordinance.
Scottsdale requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. License and rabies vaccination required per ARS §11-1001 et seq.
Scottsdale does not have a specific beekeeping ordinance. Beekeeping is addressed through general animal nuisance provisions in SRC Chapter 4, Sec. 4-17. The Arizona Department of Agriculture regulates beekeeping statewide. Africanized honey bees are a significant concern in the Scottsdale area.
Scottsdale regulates exotic animal keeping under Chapter 4 of the Revised Code and defers to Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) for wildlife permits. Certain exotic species are prohibited statewide under ARS §17-306. Scottsdale additionally restricts keeping wild or dangerous animals within city limits without proper permits.
Scottsdale regulates the keeping of domestic animals including chickens and livestock under Chapter 4, Article II of the Revised Code. Chickens and other fowl are permitted in certain zoning districts with restrictions on number, housing, sanitation, and noise. Roosters and other male fowl that create noise disturbances may be prohibited under the nuisance animal provisions.
Scottsdale discourages feeding wildlife due to the risks posed by coyotes, javelina, and other desert wildlife common in the Sonoran Desert environment. While no specific citywide ordinance bans all wildlife feeding, Scottsdale code addresses nuisance conditions created by attracting wildlife, and AZGFD regulations prohibit feeding certain species.
Maricopa County follows Arizona ARS §11-1008 and County Animal Care rules: every cat older than three months must carry a current rabies vaccination. No countywide leash law applies, but owners remain liable for nuisance, wildlife harm, and property damage caused by free-roaming cats.
Maricopa County has no mandatory spay or neuter ordinance and Arizona has no statewide requirement. Sterilization is voluntary, but the county and partner clinics offer subsidized surgeries, discounted altered-dog license fees, and free vouchers through the Spay Neuter Hotline of Arizona.
Maricopa County Animal Care and Control microchips every dog and cat before adoption from its East and West Valley shelters. The county has no mandate for owned pets, but a chip is strongly recommended and is the fastest way to reclaim a lost pet from MCACC.
Maricopa County zoning limits households in unincorporated areas to a small number of dogs and cats absent a kennel permit. Inside incorporated cities like Phoenix, Mesa, or Scottsdale, each city's own pet-limit ordinance applies instead of the county rule.
Maricopa County and Arizona Game and Fish follow a coexistence model for urban coyotes. Residents are urged to haze coyotes, secure food sources, and protect small pets. Feeding coyotes or other wildlife violates state nuisance and wildlife rules backed by AZGFD enforcement.
Arizona HB-2702 (2017) preempted local ordinances banning retail pet-store sales of dogs and cats. Maricopa County and its cities cannot enforce a sourcing ban, but stores must follow Arizona's Pet Lemon Law (ARS §44-1799) and humane-care standards enforced by MCACC.
Arizona does not license pet groomers and Maricopa County does not require a special groomer permit. Operators must register a business, collect transaction privilege tax, comply with county or city zoning, and follow general humane-care standards under ARS §13-2910.
Maricopa County zoning ordinance Title 11 treats veterinary hospitals and clinics as commercial uses. Most are permitted in C-1 and C-2 districts in unincorporated areas; clinics with overnight boarding or outdoor runs need additional review and may require a special use permit.
Native migratory birds are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Arizona ARS §17-235. Killing, trapping, or possessing protected birds, eggs, or feathers without a permit is illegal. Maricopa County supports compliance through MCACC and AZGFD wildlife reporting.
Scottsdale allows backyard composting with no permit. City offers residential brush & bulk program for yard waste. No curbside organics. ADEQ permit required for commercial composting ≥10 cu yd.
Scottsdale may protect native desert trees (palo verde, ironwood, saguaro). Street trees are city property. Proper pruning preserves shade in extreme heat.
Scottsdale's property maintenance code requires property owners to maintain their lots free of excessive weeds, dead vegetation, and unsightly growth. The code enforcement division actively enforces vegetation maintenance standards to preserve neighborhood aesthetics and reduce fire hazards.
Scottsdale enforces water conservation measures including irrigation restrictions and water waste prohibitions. The city is within the Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA) under Arizona's Groundwater Management Act. Water waste, including runoff from irrigation onto streets and sidewalks, is prohibited.
Arizona actively encourages rainwater harvesting. Scottsdale permits and promotes rainwater collection for landscape irrigation. The state offers a tax credit for residential rainwater harvesting systems. No permit is typically required for basic residential rain barrel systems.
Scottsdale permits artificial turf in residential and commercial landscaping. In the context of Scottsdale's desert water conservation goals, artificial turf is an accepted alternative to natural grass. HOAs may have specific standards for artificial turf quality and appearance.
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 requires residential properties to maintain grass and vegetation at a neat, orderly appearance under general property maintenance standards. While no specific maximum grass height is codified, overgrown lawns that create a blighted or unsightly condition will trigger code enforcement action.
Scottsdale's Native Plant Ordinance (Chapter 46, Article V) is one of the most comprehensive in Arizona, protecting dozens of indigenous desert plant species. The Zoning Ordinance Article X (Landscaping Requirements) mandates native and drought-tolerant plantings in new development. Violations of native plant protections carry fines up to $10,000.
Scottsdale enforces strict pool safety per ARS §36-1681 and the federal VGB Act. Anti-entrapment drains, barriers, alarms, and depth markers required.
Scottsdale enforces ARS 36-1681 pool barrier requirements. 5-foot barrier minimum with self-closing gates. Active inspections for permits and real estate. Many resort-style pools subject to commercial code.
Scottsdale requires building permits for pools, spas, and hot tubs. Arizona has strict pool barrier requirements under ARS §36-1681. Inspections required.
Hot tubs and spas in Scottsdale are subject to Arizona's pool safety requirements (ARS §36-1681) if they are not self-contained with a locking cover. Electrical installation requires a building permit. Setbacks and barrier requirements apply based on the tub's configuration.
Above-ground pools in Scottsdale that can hold water over 18 inches deep are subject to Arizona's pool safety requirements (ARS §36-1681). A 5-foot barrier is required, and access ladders must be removable or lockable when the pool is not in use. Building permits may be required depending on the pool's size and installation.
Scottsdale does not impose any annual night cap on short-term or vacation rentals. Arizona SB 1350 (2016) and HB 2672 (2019) preempt cities and counties from prohibiting STRs or restricting them based on classification, use, or occupancy duration, so Ordinance 4566 (SRC 18-175) regulates safety, registration, and nuisance behavior rather than capping rental nights.
Scottsdale Ordinance 4566 (Article IX, Chapter 18 - SRC 18-175) requires every short-term/vacation rental property to obtain an annual city license at $250 per property, plus an Arizona Department of Revenue TPT license and Maricopa County Assessor registration under ARS 33-1902. Owners must designate a 24-hour emergency contact and notify adjacent neighbors within 30 days of licensing.
Scottsdale limits STR overnight occupancy to a maximum of 6 adults or 2 adults per bedroom, whichever is less, plus their minor children. This strict occupancy limit was adopted under Ordinance 4566 to address party house concerns in residential neighborhoods.
Scottsdale STRs must comply with general noise ordinance. Under SB 1168, cities can fine and suspend properties with repeated verified noise violations.
Scottsdale requires an annual STR license ($250/property) under Ordinance 4566. Operators must provide background check attestations, $500,000 liability insurance, 24/7 emergency contact within 1-hour response time, and neighbor notification. Arizona ARS 9-500.39 preempts cities from banning STRs.
Scottsdale STR operators must pay a $250 annual licensing fee, collect and remit Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) to the state, county, and city, and may be subject to additional Maricopa County bed tax. The combined tax rate on STR revenue in Scottsdale is approximately 12-13%.
Scottsdale's STR ordinance (Ordinance 4566) requires operators to address parking impacts. Guests must use the property's driveway and garage — street parking spillover into neighborhoods is a common enforcement concern. The STR must provide adequate on-site parking for the occupancy level.
Scottsdale requires all licensed STR properties to maintain liability insurance coverage of at least $500,000. This coverage may be obtained through a direct policy or through an online lodging marketplace (such as Airbnb's Host Protection Insurance).
Arizona House Bill 2672 (2022) restored limited short-term rental authority to counties and cities. Maricopa County may require operator registration, emergency contact, and liability insurance, but cannot mandate the host be physically present during a guest stay.
Arizona ARS section 11-269.17 prohibits Maricopa County from limiting short-term rentals to a host's primary residence. The county may register operators and enforce nuisance and zoning rules but cannot ban whole-home or non-owner-occupied vacation rentals.
Scottsdale does not impose a dedicated ADU impact fee. Ariz. Rev. Stat. Sec. 9-461.18 limits the fees Scottsdale may charge on accessory dwelling units, preventing fees that would effectively prohibit ADU construction. Standard building permit and plan-review fees through Planning & Development Services apply, calculated on construction valuation. Water and sewer development fees may apply only when new utility connections are installed.
Scottsdale permits accessory dwelling units by-right under Arizona Revised Statutes Sec. 9-461.18, enacted by HB 2720 in 2024 and effective January 1, 2025 for cities over 75,000 population. Scottsdale (population approximately 241,000) qualifies. The City of Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance was amended to comply. Single-family lots may have one detached and one attached ADU; lots over one acre may add a third detached ADU. Permits are issued through Planning & Development Services.
Scottsdale may not require owner-occupancy as a condition of building or operating an accessory dwelling unit. Ariz. Rev. Stat. Sec. 9-461.18 (HB 2720) preempts owner-occupancy mandates for cities over 75,000 population. Scottsdale's ADU code amendments adopted in 2024 removed any prior owner-occupancy condition. Investor-owned ADUs are permitted on single-family lots, although ESLO and HOA constraints remain.
Scottsdale ADUs may be rented for long-term and short-term stays. Ariz. Rev. Stat. Sec. 9-461.18 prohibits Scottsdale from banning short-term rental of ADUs as a category. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require a Scottsdale STR license under Scottsdale Revised Code Chapter 16, with mandatory neighbor notification, an emergency contact reachable within 60 minutes, and Transaction Privilege Tax registration. License fee is capped at $250 per state law.
Scottsdale adopted Ordinance 4687 (September 2025) establishing ADU regulations under HB 2928. Up to 2 ADUs per lot (3 on 1+ acre with restricted-affordable unit). Owner must reside on-site for STR use. Separately metered utilities required. 500 sq ft cap on second/third ADUs. Six-adult occupancy cap across all dwellings.
Scottsdale regulates tiny homes primarily through its Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance adopted in November 2024 pursuant to Arizona HB 2570 (ARS §9-462.01). ADUs between 200 and 750 square feet are permitted on single-family lots. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent dwellings in residential zones.
Storage sheds in Scottsdale are regulated as accessory structures under the Zoning Ordinance. Sheds 200 square feet or less require only a site plan (no full building permit). Sheds over 200 square feet require a building permit. All sheds must comply with setback and height requirements for the zoning district.
The City of Scottsdale regulates carports as accessory structures under the Zoning Ordinance. Carports must comply with setback requirements based on the underlying zoning district. In most single-family residential zones (R1-R5), accessory structures require a minimum 2-foot setback from side and rear property lines, with an additional foot of setback for every foot of height above 10 feet.
Scottsdale allows garage conversions to ADUs under Ordinance 4687, provided the structure meets habitation standards including egress, ventilation, and utility connections. A building permit is required. Guest houses constructed after January 1, 2025 require a private deed restriction distinguishing them from ADUs.
Scottsdale regulates amplified music especially in Old Town entertainment district. Venue permits required. Residential areas subject to quiet hour restrictions. Resort events may receive special noise permits.
Scottsdale prohibits keeping animals that create frequent or habitual noise disturbing the neighborhood under SRC Chapter 4 (Animals) and Sec. 4-17. Persistent barking complaints are enforced through Scottsdale Police and Maricopa County Animal Care and Control.
Scottsdale enforces some of Arizona's strictest noise regulations under Chapter 19, Article II (Special Noise Violations). Noise above 68 dB(A) or 70 dB(C) between 10 PM and 9 AM creates a rebuttable presumption of violation. Habitual offenders face Class 1 misdemeanor charges with fines up to $20,000.
Scottsdale Airport (SDL) is a busy general aviation airport generating significant aircraft noise in surrounding residential areas. The city has implemented noise mitigation programs and voluntary curfew guidelines. Aircraft noise is federally regulated under FAA jurisdiction, limiting local enforcement authority.
Scottsdale regulates construction noise primarily through general noise provisions and building code administration. Arizona HB 2371 (effective 2025) requires cities to allow construction beginning at 5 AM on weekdays from May 1 through October 15 to accommodate the extreme summer heat.
Scottsdale regulates leaf blower noise under its general noise ordinance (Chapter 19) and landscaping equipment provisions. Leaf blowers and other power equipment should be operated during reasonable hours and not create unreasonable noise disturbances in residential neighborhoods.
Scottsdale regulates industrial and commercial noise through Zoning Ordinance Section 5.2808 and the Special Noise Violations Ordinance (Chapter 19, Article II). Businesses serving alcohol or providing live entertainment must maintain sound levels below 68 dBA at 100 feet. The Airpark and Downtown areas have specific noise standards.
Block walls and masonry fences typically require building permits in Scottsdale. Wood fences under 6 feet may be exempt. Pool barriers must meet ARS §36-1681.
Scottsdale's Zoning Ordinance regulates fences on property lines. Fences up to 6 feet are generally permitted on side and rear property lines. The height is measured from the inside of the enclosure. Disputes over shared fences are addressed under Arizona common law and ARS §3-1424 for agricultural partition fences.
Scottsdale regulates fence materials through its Zoning Ordinance and design guidelines. Block and masonry walls are the predominant fencing material in the Scottsdale area due to privacy, heat, and security concerns. Chain link, barbed wire, and razor wire are restricted or prohibited in most residential and commercial areas.
Pool barriers in Scottsdale must comply with Arizona's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (ARS §36-1681), which requires a minimum 5-foot barrier around all residential pools. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching from the pool side. Scottsdale enforces these requirements through the building permit process and code enforcement.
Scottsdale's Zoning Ordinance establishes fence height limits based on yard location. Front yards allow a maximum of 3 feet (with exceptions up to 6 feet). Side and rear yards allow up to 8 feet. Height is measured from the inside of the enclosure.
Scottsdale requires building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall). In the ESLO overlay, retaining walls are subject to additional design standards to protect the natural desert environment. All retaining walls must be designed to handle the specific soil and drainage conditions of the Sonoran Desert.
Scottsdale's code enforcement and HOA CC&Rs heavily restrict RV parking in residential areas. RVs and boats are generally required to be stored behind opaque fencing or in enclosed structures. Most Scottsdale HOAs prohibit visible RV storage entirely.
Scottsdale regulates street parking under Revised Code Chapter 17, Article V (Stopping, Standing and Parking). Time-limited parking zones are posted and enforced. No parking is permitted in areas signed or marked for restriction by the city.
Scottsdale restricts overnight parking on certain city streets through posted signage. The city may restrict overnight parking in areas with safety or congestion concerns. Vehicles left on streets for extended periods may be cited as abandoned vehicles under state law.
Scottsdale restricts the parking of large commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods through its zoning ordinance. Heavy trucks, tractor-trailers, and other commercial vehicles above certain weight or size thresholds may not be parked or stored on residential properties or streets.
Scottsdale enforces abandoned vehicle regulations under Arizona state law (ARS §28-871). Vehicles left on public streets for 72 or more consecutive hours, or vehicles that are inoperable, unregistered, or significantly deteriorated on private property may be classified as abandoned and subject to removal.
Scottsdale regulates driveway construction, width, materials, and use through the Zoning Ordinance and Design Standards and Policies Manual. Driveways must meet specific engineering standards for width, grade, and drainage. Vehicles may not block sidewalks or extend into the public right-of-way.
Scottsdale supports EV infrastructure through its green building codes and zoning provisions. New commercial and multi-family developments may be required to provide EV-ready parking spaces. The city has installed public charging stations at city facilities and encourages private EV infrastructure.
Arizona Revised Statutes section 28-873 lets Maricopa County paint curbs to mark parking restrictions but does not lock in color meanings. The county Department of Transportation uses red for no parking, yellow for loading, white for passenger pickup, and blue for accessible spaces.
Maricopa County Department of Transportation establishes loading zones along unincorporated county roads using ARS section 28-873 authority. Yellow-curb commercial loading is limited to thirty minutes for trucks, three minutes for passenger pickup, and requires that the driver remain near the vehicle.
Home occupations in Scottsdale are permitted only in single-family zoning districts as an ancillary use to the dwelling. The business must be secondary to the residential use, invisible from the exterior, employ only residents, and use no garage or accessory building space. A Scottsdale business license is required.
Arizona's cottage food law (ARS §36-1706) allows home-based food production and sale of specified non-potentially hazardous foods without a food establishment license. Scottsdale does not impose additional restrictions beyond state law. Annual gross sales are capped at $75,000.
Scottsdale's home occupation regulations strictly prohibit customer traffic, deliveries, and any external indication of business at a residential property. Home occupations must be invisible from the exterior of the dwelling and cannot generate traffic beyond normal residential levels.
Home daycare operations in Scottsdale are regulated by Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) licensing requirements. Group home daycare (5-10 children) requires a state license. Family child care homes (1-4 children) are regulated but not required to be licensed in Arizona. Local zoning may apply.
Scottsdale completely prohibits any exterior signage or display for home occupations. No sign, advertisement, or external indication of a business may be visible from outside the dwelling. This is one of the strictest home business signage policies in the Phoenix metro area.
Unincorporated Maricopa County allows two tiers of home-based business under the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance: low-intensity 'residential home occupations' permitted by-right as an accessory use in rural and residential districts (Sections 501.2.10 and 601.2.8), and 'cottage industries' that require a Special Use Permit from the Board of Supervisors (Chapter 13).
Scottsdale enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.
Scottsdale parks have designated hours of operation, typically from sunrise to sunset or 10:30 PM depending on the facility. The Scottsdale Revised Code Chapter 22 (Special Events) and parks rules establish curfew hours for city parks and preserve areas.
Scottsdale cannot enforce a plastic bag ban or fee. A.R.S. § 9-500.38 declares regulation of auxiliary containers a matter of statewide concern, preempting all Arizona cities and towns. Scottsdale's Solid Waste Division promotes voluntary plastic-film recycling at retailer drop-offs.
ARS section 9-500.38 preempts Maricopa County from banning expanded polystyrene foam cups, plates, or clamshells. Restaurants and grocers may freely use EPS foam containers, and the county limits restrictions to its own facilities through procurement policy.
Maricopa County imposes no straws-on-request rule, and ARS section 9-500.38 preempts any county ordinance restricting plastic straws. Restaurants may freely distribute single-use plastic straws at counters, drive-throughs, and self-service stations across the county.
Scottsdale treats pellet, wood, and charcoal smokers as open-flame cooking devices under International Fire Code Sec. 308.1.4 as adopted in the Scottsdale Revised Code. Smokers are prohibited on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at multi-family buildings. One- and two-family homes are exempt. Sprinklered buildings have an exception. Maricopa County Rule 314 may affect outdoor burning on no-burn days.
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Scottsdale require building, plumbing, gas, and electrical permits through Planning & Development Services when they include gas line connections, electrical service, plumbing, or significant structural elements. Gas work must comply with the adopted International Fuel Gas Code and must be performed by a licensed Arizona contractor or by an owner-applicant doing their own work under Scottsdale's owner-builder rules.
Scottsdale has adopted the International Fire Code through the Scottsdale Revised Code, enforced by Scottsdale Fire Department. IFC Sec. 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal burners and LP-gas grills with cylinders over 1-pound water capacity from being operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction on multi-family buildings (Group R-2). One- and two-family dwellings are exempt. Sprinklered buildings have an exception.
Scottsdale does not impose a dedicated ordinance on residential holiday lighting timing or brightness at single-family homes. The Scottsdale Sign Ordinance, dark-sky and outdoor-lighting provisions in the Revised Code, and general nuisance and code-enforcement provisions apply. Permanent exterior wiring requires an electrical permit. Many Scottsdale subdivisions are HOA-governed with CCR display windows.
Scottsdale does not impose specific restrictions on residential inflatable holiday displays at single-family homes. Displays must remain on private property and not encroach into sidewalks or public rights-of-way. Many Scottsdale subdivisions are subject to HOA CCRs that restrict inflatables and other large yard decorations. Commercial inflatable advertising is separately regulated under the Scottsdale Sign Ordinance.
Scottsdale does not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statues, or yard decorations on private property at single-family homes through municipal ordinance. Ornaments must stay within the property line and not encroach into sidewalks or public rights-of-way. The Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance and ESLO overlay constrain large or permanent structures. Arizona Revised Statutes Sec. 33-1808 protects flag displays from HOA bans. Most Scottsdale subdivisions are HOA-governed.
Scottsdale provides weekly residential trash and recycling collection. Collection day depends on your address zone. Containers must be placed curbside by 5:00 AM and retrieved by end of collection day.
Scottsdale provides curbside recycling collection for single-family residences. The city's single-stream recycling program accepts paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass bottles, and plastic containers (#1-5, #7). Scottsdale does not have a mandatory multifamily recycling ordinance but encourages voluntary participation.
Scottsdale Solid Waste Services requires trash and recycling containers to be placed curbside on collection day with lids closed and handles facing the street. Containers must be at least 3 feet from obstacles and stored out of sight between collections.
Scottsdale provides scheduled bulk trash pickup for large items that do not fit in standard containers. Residents can also use the city's customer convenience stations for disposal of large items, green waste, and other bulky materials.
Arizona has no statewide mandatory organics or food-waste recycling law. Maricopa County does not require residential organics separation. Phoenix and Mesa offer voluntary green-organics curbside subscription programs, but compliance is optional countywide.
Scottsdale requires door-to-door solicitors to obtain a permit and carry identification. Solicitors must comply with posted 'No Soliciting' signs. It is a violation to distribute printed materials to residents who have announced they do not wish to receive them.
Scottsdale residents can post 'No Soliciting' or 'Do Not Disturb' signs that solicitors must legally respect. Arizona does not have a statewide do-not-knock registry, but local enforcement of posted signage is supported by Scottsdale ordinances.
Scottsdale permits residential garage and yard sales without a specific permit but limits the frequency and duration to prevent commercial activity in residential zones. Garage sales should be occasional in nature and not constitute a regular business operation.
Scottsdale does not impose strict time restrictions specific to garage sales, but sales should be conducted during reasonable daytime hours and comply with the city's noise ordinance. Evening sales with lighting and late-night activity may trigger noise and nuisance complaints.
Scottsdale does not require a specific permit for residential garage sales. However, sales must be occasional in nature and conducted on private residential property. Frequent sales may be reclassified as a home occupation requiring proper business licensing.
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 regulates grading and drainage through the Design Standards and Policies Manual (DSPM) Chapter 4 and Revised Code Chapter 37. Development must maintain pre-development drainage patterns. The ESLO overlay imposes additional grading restrictions to protect the desert environment.
Scottsdale regulates floodplain development under Revised Code Chapter 37 (Stormwater and Floodplain Management) and participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FEMA-designated flood zones along desert washes and the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt require special building standards and flood insurance.
Scottsdale regulates stormwater under Revised Code Chapter 37 and its AZPDES MS4 permit. Development projects must manage stormwater runoff quality and quantity to protect downstream properties and waterways. Construction sites over 1 acre require a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
Scottsdale is a landlocked desert city in central Arizona with no coastline or coastal development regulations. The nearest ocean coast is approximately 350 miles to the west (Gulf of California) or southwest (Pacific Ocean). This category does not apply to Scottsdale.
Maricopa County Air Quality Department Rule 322 caps heavy-duty diesel vehicle idling at five minutes within any sixty-minute period. The rule applies countywide on private and public property and includes specific exemptions for federal idle reductions, sleeper cabs, and emergency operations.
Arizona has no statewide energy code, and Maricopa County has not adopted a cool-roof ordinance for unincorporated areas. The county follows the 2018 International Residential Code with limited energy provisions, leaving roof-reflectance choices to the property owner.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has not adopted a climate emergency declaration or countywide Climate Action Plan. Climate work happens through the Heat Relief Network, MCAQD ozone planning, and city-level CAPs in Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa rather than a county mandate.
Scottsdale protects native trees of exceptional size, age, or significance through its Native Plant Ordinance (Chapter 46, Article V). While the city does not have a separate 'heritage tree' designation, protected native plants — particularly large saguaros, ironwoods, and palo verdes — receive strong protection and fines up to $10,000 for unauthorized removal.
Scottsdale requires a Native Plant Program submission and approval before removing any protected native plants, including trees. Protected species include saguaro, palo verde, mesquite, ironwood, and dozens of others. Removal without approval carries fines up to $10,000 per plant.
Scottsdale's Native Plant Ordinance (Chapter 46, Article V) requires replacement or relocation of protected native plants that cannot be preserved in place during development. Replacement must be with plants from the Indigenous Plant List. The Zoning Ordinance Article X sets landscaping requirements including tree planting standards for new development.
The Arizona Native Plant Protection Act (ARS Title 3 Chapter 7 Article 1) protects saguaro cactus, ironwood, paloverde, and other native species statewide. Maricopa County zoning Hillside and Desert overlays add development-specific protections.
Maricopa County Code Title VII regulates planting in road rights-of-way. Cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale set their own parkway and median tree standards. Approved species lists, clear-vision triangles, and irrigation rules apply to all street-tree plantings.
Scottsdale requires that garage sale activities not create property maintenance issues such as leaving items outdoors after the sale, blocking sidewalks, or creating unsightly conditions. Sales must be cleaned up promptly and the property returned to its normal residential appearance.
Scottsdale is located in the Sonoran Desert with an average low temperature of 43°F in January. Snowfall is extremely rare (measurable snow occurs roughly once every 5-10 years). There are no snow removal or ice clearing ordinances. Sidewalk maintenance focuses on clearance from vegetation and debris rather than weather-related hazards.
Scottsdale enforces property maintenance standards through its code enforcement division. Properties must be maintained free of blight, including peeling paint, broken windows, accumulation of trash, overgrown vegetation, and general disrepair. The city takes an active enforcement approach to preserve property values and neighborhood character.
Scottsdale requires vacant lots to be maintained free of weeds, debris, trash, and fire hazards. The code enforcement division actively monitors vacant properties and responds to complaints. In ESLO areas, vacant lot maintenance must balance cleanup requirements with native plant protection.
Scottsdale regulates the placement and storage of trash bins through its solid waste ordinance (Chapter 24) and property maintenance standards. Bins must be stored out of public view except on collection days. Placement on the street for collection follows specific guidelines.
Arizona law (ARS §33-1329) prohibits cities from enacting rent control ordinances. Scottsdale cannot limit rent increases, cap rental rates, or impose rent stabilization measures. Landlords may raise rents without limit upon proper notice as required by the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
Arizona does not require 'just cause' for eviction at the end of a lease term or for month-to-month tenancies with proper notice. Landlords may decline to renew leases for any non-discriminatory reason. During a lease term, eviction requires cause as specified in the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
Arizona law requires all residential rental property owners to register with the Maricopa County Assessor's Office. Failure to register carries a civil penalty of $1,000 plus $100 per month until compliance. This is a statewide requirement enforced at the county level.
Maricopa County does not require landlords to pay tenant relocation assistance. Arizona Title 33 governs landlord-tenant relations statewide and does not mandate relocation payments for ordinary lease terminations or no-cause notices.
Arizona Revised Statutes Section 33-1321 caps residential security deposits at one and one-half months rent and governs return procedures statewide. Maricopa County applies state law without additional local rules or registration requirements.
Arizona allows no-fault terminations of month-to-month tenancies with 30 days written notice under ARS Section 33-1375. Maricopa County does not impose just-cause restrictions, additional notice periods, or mandatory grounds for non-renewal.
Arizona has no statewide source-of-income protection, and Maricopa County has not enacted local protection. Landlords may legally refuse Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, SSI, child support, or other lawful non-wage income as a tenant-screening criterion.
The Maricopa County Housing Authority (MCHA), part of Human Services Department, administers Housing Choice Vouchers in unincorporated areas and contract cities. Landlord participation is voluntary because Arizona prohibits forced acceptance under ARS 41-1491.14.
Scottsdale regulates all temporary signs content-neutrally by zoning district and duration. Non-permanent signs on minor collector or local roads may not exceed 3 feet in height or 6 square feet in area, and cannot be displayed for more than 48 consecutive hours. Signs are prohibited in the public right-of-way of major streets.
Scottsdale generally permits seasonal holiday decorations on residential properties. Decorations must not create safety hazards, block sidewalks, or violate the outdoor lighting ordinance. Extended display of seasonal decorations well past the holiday may trigger property maintenance complaints.
Arizona law (HB 2500) restricts municipalities from enforcing local temporary sign laws against political signs during election season. Political signs in residential areas may be up to 16 square feet; in other areas up to 32 square feet. All temporary signs, including political signs, are prohibited in the public right-of-way.
Arizona Revised Statutes Section 28-7732 and ADOT outdoor-advertising rules govern digital billboards along controlled-access highways. Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance Chapter 13 regulates off-premise signs in unincorporated areas with size, brightness, and spacing limits.
Arizona law (ARS §33-1816) protects homeowners' right to install solar panels and prohibits HOAs from banning solar energy devices. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic standards but cannot effectively prohibit or unreasonably restrict solar installations.
Scottsdale requires a building permit for solar panel installations but has streamlined the process to encourage solar adoption. Residential rooftop installations follow a simplified review process. The city supports solar as part of its sustainability and green building initiatives.
Arizona Revised Statutes Section 9-1303 requires cities and counties to use expedited solar permitting through the SolarAPP+ platform or equivalent. Maricopa County and member cities issue most residential rooftop solar permits same-day or within five business days.
Arizona does not authorize a statewide community solar program. The Arizona Corporation Commission rejected community solar dockets in 2015 and 2022. Maricopa County residents in APS or SRP territory rely on utility-owned solar communities or rooftop net metering instead.
Recreational drone use in Scottsdale is governed by FAA rules under the Exception for Recreational Flyers (Section 349 of the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act). Pilots must pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). Operations near Scottsdale Airport (SDL) require FAA authorization.
Commercial drone operations in Scottsdale are primarily regulated by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 107. Scottsdale requires permits for drone use on city property and near special events. Operations near Scottsdale Airport (SDL) require FAA authorization through LAANC or a Part 107 waiver.
Drone flights near Phoenix Sky Harbor and Mesa Gateway airports require FAA Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) approval. Maricopa County defers to federal airspace rules under 14 CFR Part 107 with no separate county permit.
FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions automatically apply to drones over State Farm Stadium, Footprint Center, Chase Field, and other large venues during major events. Maricopa County follows federal stadium TFR rules under 14 CFR Section 91.145 and Notice 1 9 8 7 1.
Scottsdale's Zoning Ordinance establishes maximum lot coverage ratios that vary by zoning district. In the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Overlay (ESLO), lot coverage is further restricted to preserve the desert environment. Typical residential districts allow 35-45% lot coverage, while ESLO areas may limit development to as little as 15-35% of the lot.
Scottsdale's Zoning Ordinance establishes setback requirements that vary by zoning district. Typical single-family residential districts require 25-foot front setbacks, 5-10 foot side setbacks, and 20-25 foot rear setbacks. The ESLO overlay and Foothills Overlay may impose additional setback requirements for environmental protection.
Scottsdale enforces building height limits that vary by zoning district, with additional restrictions in the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Overlay (ESLO) and Foothills Overlay. Standard single-family residential districts allow a maximum height of 30 feet or 2 stories. ESLO hillside areas have more restrictive height limits tied to natural terrain.
Arizona's Smart and Safe Arizona Act (Proposition 207, 2020) permits adults 21+ to cultivate up to 6 marijuana plants per person (maximum 12 per household with 2+ adults) for personal use. Plants must be grown in an enclosed, locked space not visible to the public. Scottsdale does not impose additional restrictions beyond state law.
Scottsdale requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for all marijuana dispensaries, cultivation facilities, and processing facilities. Dispensaries must comply with state-mandated buffer zones from schools, churches, and residential areas. The city regulates dispensary location, operations, security, and signage through its Revised Code and zoning ordinance.
Arizona Proposition 207 created a state social equity ownership program with twenty-six licenses statewide for applicants from communities harmed by marijuana enforcement. Several Maricopa County recipients now operate, while county zoning still controls dispensary siting in unincorporated areas.
Arizona Revised Statutes section 36-2806 bars marijuana dispensaries within 1320 feet of an existing public or private school. The state buffer applies in unincorporated Maricopa County, and Title XIII county zoning may add larger setbacks from residential zones and parks.
Proposition 207 lets Arizona adults twenty-one and older grow up to six marijuana plants in a private residence, capped at twelve per household. Maricopa County recognizes this state right but requires plants out of public view and away from minors.
Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance Title XIII permits marijuana establishments only in C-2 and C-3 commercial zones with a Conditional Use Permit. Cultivation and infusion are limited to the IND-1 and IND-2 industrial zones, subject to setbacks, screening, and air-quality requirements.
Scottsdale regulates mobile food vending through its business licensing and zoning requirements. Food trucks may operate in designated commercial and mixed-use areas and at approved special events. Vending on public right-of-way requires city approval.
Food trucks in Scottsdale must obtain a city business license, a Maricopa County food establishment permit, and a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license. Annual renewal is required. Compliance with health, safety, fire, and waste disposal regulations is mandatory.
Scottsdale has one of the most comprehensive outdoor lighting ordinances in the Phoenix metro area (Zoning Ordinance Sections 7.600-7.604). All exterior lighting must be designed to minimize glare, light trespass, and light pollution. Lights must be fully shielded/cutoff, with a maximum height of 16 feet. The Development Review Board reviews all lighting plans.
Scottsdale prohibits light trespass — the spillover of artificial light onto neighboring properties — under its outdoor lighting ordinance (Sections 7.600-7.604). All exterior lighting must be designed and aimed to prevent glare and light intrusion beyond property boundaries.
Arizona Revised Statutes section 13-3108 preempts almost every Maricopa County firearm rule, voiding any county ordinance on registration, magazine limits, sales, or transport beyond state law. Only narrow discharge and county-property authority survive across unincorporated land.
Arizona has been a permitless or constitutional carry state since 2010 under ARS section 13-3102. Adults twenty-one and older may carry concealed in unincorporated Maricopa County without a permit, and the Maricopa County Sheriff still issues optional CCWs for reciprocity.
Arizona has long permitted open carry of handguns and long guns without a permit. Adults eighteen and older may openly carry across Maricopa County, subject only to ARS section 13-3102 posted-area limits and federal restrictions near schools.
Arizona allows adults to keep loaded firearms in a vehicle without a permit. ARS section 13-3102 lets a Maricopa County driver carry a loaded handgun openly or concealed in the passenger compartment, including the glove box or center console, with limited posted-area exceptions.
Vape and tobacco retailers across Maricopa County must hold an Arizona Department of Health Services tobacco retailer license created by SB-1009, plus an Arizona Department of Revenue luxury-tax license. Maricopa County Environmental Services adds a health permit when food or e-liquid is mixed onsite.
Federal Tobacco 21 (Public Law 116-94) and Arizona Senate Bill 1009 (ARS section 36-798.03) bar Maricopa County retailers from selling cigarettes, cigars, vapes, or any tobacco product to anyone under twenty-one. Photo ID is mandatory for buyers appearing under twenty-seven.
Arizona has no statewide ban on flavored tobacco or menthol products, and Maricopa County imposes none. Retailers may legally sell menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars, and flavored e-liquids subject to FDA Premarket Tobacco Application authorization.
Arizona voters passed Proposition 206 in 2016 setting a statewide minimum wage indexed annually to inflation. The 2024 rate is $14.35 per hour. State law preempts Maricopa County and its cities from setting a higher local wage.
Proposition 206 also requires Arizona employers to provide earned paid sick time. Workers accrue 1 hour per 30 hours worked, capped at 40 hours per year (24 hours for employers under 15). State law preempts Maricopa County local rules.
Arizona's ARS 23-204 prevents cities from enacting predictive scheduling, fair workweek, or shift change pay ordinances on private employers.
Arizona Senate Bill 1070 (2010), partly upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in Arizona v. United States (2012), prohibits Maricopa County and its cities from adopting sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
The Legal Arizona Workers Act (2007) requires every employer in Arizona, including Maricopa County businesses of any size, to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm new-hire employment authorization. Knowing or intentional violations risk business license suspension or revocation.
Arizona Revised Statutes Section 3-111 protects established farm and ranch operations from nuisance lawsuits arising from changed conditions, including suburban encroachment in Maricopa County. Operations existing before nearby development are presumed reasonable and lawful.
Arizona limits local zoning power over agricultural land, protecting commercial farming activities from overly restrictive land-use regulation.
Arizona has no dedicated bed-bug disclosure law. Maricopa County tenants rely on the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act §33-1324 habitability provisions, and MCESD accepts environmental health complaints when infestations create unsanitary conditions in rental housing.
Maricopa County Environmental Services Department inspects every food facility countywide under MCEHC Chapters 1 and 3, scoring critical and non-critical violations. Arizona uses a numerical scoring and online disclosure model rather than a posted A-B-C letter grade card.
Maricopa County Vector Control investigates rodent complaints under ARS §36-602 and county nuisance rules. Property owners must eliminate harborage and active infestations. Arizona allows EPA-registered rodenticides, traps, and bait stations for consumer use.
Arizona ARS §36-2814 classifies home-generated sharps as biohazardous medical waste prohibited from regular trash. Maricopa County operates the SHARP collection program, providing free drop-off sites, pharmacy take-back, and mail-back kits for residents countywide.
Under ARS §36-136 and Maricopa County Environmental Health Code Chapter 8, every food handler in the county must obtain a Maricopa County Food Handler Card within 30 days of hire. Cards remain valid for three years and must be carried during shifts.
Maricopa County zoning ordinance regulates adult-oriented businesses through location buffers and special-use permits in unincorporated areas. Cities like Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale set their own licensing layers under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 11-811 county zoning authority.
The Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy licenses individual therapists statewide under ARS Title 32 Chapter 42. Maricopa County requires a transaction privilege tax license but does not separately license massage establishments in unincorporated areas beyond zoning.
Arizona requires tobacco retailers to register with the Department of Health Services and the Department of Revenue under ARS Title 36 Chapter 6 Article 14. Maricopa County does not add a separate retail-tobacco license in unincorporated areas.
Arizona Revised Statutes Section 44-1641 requires secondhand dealers to maintain transaction records and report purchased property to law enforcement. Maricopa County Sheriff uses the LeadsOnline reporting database; cities add their own dealer permits within their limits.
Arizona Revised Statutes Section 44-1621 et seq. governs pawnbrokers statewide with strict recordkeeping and law-enforcement reporting requirements. Maricopa County Sheriff oversees unincorporated dealers; cities add local licensing on top of state rules.
Tow operators in Maricopa County need an Arizona Department of Transportation motor-carrier permit and inclusion on the Maricopa County Sheriff rotation list to perform police-ordered tows on unincorporated highways under ARS Title 28 Chapter 11.
Arizona has no dedicated public-urination statute. Maricopa County Sheriff cites under ARS 13-2905 loitering or ARS 13-1402 indecent exposure depending on circumstances. Cities such as Phoenix, Mesa, and Tempe add specific municipal codes carrying $500 fines.
Arizona's loitering and disorderly conduct statutes (ARS 13-2905 and 13-2904) cover aggressive solicitation involving threat, physical contact, or traffic obstruction. Maricopa County Sheriff enforces in unincorporated areas; passive panhandling is constitutionally protected speech.
Maricopa County Code Title XIII Chapter 1 (Noise Ordinance) lets the Sheriff cite hosts of loud parties exceeding decibel limits or quiet-hours rules. Repeat second-response calls within 12 months allow cost-recovery billing for the host or property owner.
The Smoke-Free Arizona Act (ARS 36-601.01) bans smoking inside enclosed public places and within 20 feet of doors, windows, and ventilation intakes statewide. Maricopa County does not add broader outdoor-smoking restrictions except in county parks and beach areas.
Arizona has no statute regulating Automated License Plate Readers. Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Phoenix Police, and Scottsdale PD operate Flock Safety and Vigilant ALPR networks. Data retention varies from 30 days to one year by agency policy, with no statewide oversight.
Arizona is a one-party consent state under ARS §13-3005. You may record any conversation you are a party to without the other party's knowledge. Recording conversations between others without any party's consent is a Class 5 felony. Video recording in public is generally unrestricted.
In unincorporated Maricopa County, all fencing over 1 foot in height requires some level of permit or review from Planning and Development. Standard residential fences are generally limited to 6 feet in side/rear yards. Front setback fences are typically limited to 3 feet.
Security cameras on private property are legal in Maricopa County. Arizona is a one-party consent state for audio recording (ARS §13-3005). Video surveillance of your own property and visible public areas is unrestricted. Cameras must not be used for voyeurism under ARS §13-1424.
Maricopa County Code Title XIII regulates noise on county property, while construction-equipment limits are set city-by-city. Phoenix allows construction 5am-7pm weekdays, Scottsdale 6am-7pm, Mesa 6am-10pm. Sunday work is restricted in most cities.
Phoenix Sky Harbor and Mesa Gateway operate FAA Part 150 noise compatibility programs that restrict aircraft engine runups by time and location. Maricopa County has no separate airport-noise authority. Complaints route through airport noise offices and FAA.
Maricopa County Historic Preservation Office oversees county-owned historic properties, while Arizona State Parks Board administers the Arizona Register of Historic Places. Local landmark designations come from cities like Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission and Scottsdale HPC.
Arizona has no Mills Act program. Instead, ARS Section 42-12101 creates a Historic Property Tax classification that reduces full-cash value by 50 percent for qualifying owner-maintained historic homes in Maricopa County and statewide for 15 years renewable.
Arizona Department of Agriculture lists Ailanthus altissima (tree-of-heaven) as a regulated noxious weed but not prohibited. Maricopa County has no specific tree-of-heaven removal mandate. Removal is recommended due to invasive spread and spotted lanternfly host risk.
Maricopa County regulates certain plants under the Arizona Native Plant Law (ARS §3-904) and noxious weed regulations. Palo Verde, saguaro, and other protected native plants cannot be removed without permits. Several weed species are regulated by the Arizona Department of Agriculture.
Maricopa County does not have a bamboo restriction ordinance. Arizona's arid climate naturally limits bamboo growth, making it a less common landscaping concern. Some bamboo species can survive with irrigation, but they are not widely planted in the Phoenix metro area.
Maricopa County allows front yard gardens in unincorporated areas. Arizona does not have a statewide law specifically protecting front yard food gardens, but the county's zoning ordinance does not prohibit them. Water-wise gardening is encouraged given the desert climate.
All fencing over 1 foot in height requires review in unincorporated Maricopa County. Simple fences need a zoning clearance (A-fence). Pool barriers, fences over 8 feet, hillside fences, and retaining wall-fences need full building and zoning clearances (B-fence).
In unincorporated Maricopa County, accessory structures under 200 square feet with no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems are exempt from building permits. Larger sheds require a building permit. All sheds must comply with zoning setbacks and lot coverage limits.
In unincorporated Maricopa County, decks not more than 30 inches above grade are generally exempt from building permits. Elevated decks, covered patios (ramadas), and attached patio structures require permits. Setback and lot coverage requirements apply to all outdoor structures.
Most renovation work in unincorporated Maricopa County requires building permits. Structural changes, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and roofing work all need permits. Cosmetic work like painting and flooring does not require permits. Apply through the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department.
Maricopa County Code Compliance Division handles zoning and building violations in unincorporated areas. Complaints can be filed online through the county's Report a Code Violation form, by phone, or in person at Planning and Development. Complainant identity remains confidential.
Common violations in unincorporated Maricopa County include structures built without permits, zoning violations (illegal businesses in residential areas), junk and debris accumulation, inoperable vehicles, illegal signs, and non-compliant fencing. Unpermitted structures are a frequent issue in rural unincorporated areas.
Maricopa County Code Compliance investigates complaints in the order received, with safety hazards prioritized. Initial contact with the suspected violator generally occurs within 30 days. The county prefers voluntary compliance but can pursue legal enforcement through the County Attorney.