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 does not maintain a formal heritage tree registry separate from its Native Plant Ordinance. However, the Native Plant Ordinance provides strong protection for native trees and large cacti that are effectively heritage specimens. Large saguaro cacti (which can be over 200 years old and grow to 40+ feet), specimen ironwood trees, mature palo verdes, and mesquite trees all receive protection. During development review, Planning staff identify and prioritize preservation of exceptional specimens. The ESLO overlay provides additional protection for significant native plants in desert areas. In practice, mature saguaros and specimen native trees receive the strongest preservation emphasis during development review. Non-native ornamental trees (citrus, palm, olive, etc.) are not protected under the ordinance. Property owners seeking to preserve exceptional native trees beyond what the code requires can explore conservation easements.
Removal of protected native trees, especially large specimens, without approval carries fines up to $10,000 per plant and required replacement at the highest ratio.
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 heritage & protected trees.
See how Scottsdale's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.