Phoenix has a Tree and Shade Master Plan and enforces tree preservation requirements through its zoning ordinance and development standards. Protected native trees, including Palo Verde, Ironwood, and Mesquite species, are regulated under the city's Native Plant Ordinance (Chapter 6, Section 6-8). Developers must preserve or relocate protected native trees on development sites.
The City of Phoenix protects native desert trees through its Native Plant Ordinance, codified in Chapter 6 of the City Code. Regulated native trees include species such as Palo Verde, Ironwood, Saguaro, and Mesquite that meet minimum size thresholds. Before clearing land for development, property owners must obtain a native plant inventory and destruction permit. The city's Tree and Shade Master Plan, adopted in 2010, sets goals for increasing tree canopy coverage to 25% citywide. The zoning ordinance also requires landscaping plans for new development that include tree planting. Single-family residential properties may remove trees on their own lot without a permit in most cases unless the trees are protected native species. The city's Parks and Recreation Department manages the urban forestry program and provides guidance on tree preservation.
Destroying protected native plants without a permit can result in fines of up to $2,500 per plant for a first offense. Repeat offenses may result in higher fines and criminal misdemeanor charges. Developers who fail to obtain native plant permits face project delays and additional mitigation requirements.
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix follows the 2018 Phoenix Building Construction Code Chapter 9 (IBC/IRC) and Ordinance G-5898 (effective April 18, 2014). Smoke alarms are required in...
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...
See how Phoenix's tree ordinances rules stack up against other locations.
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