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.
Removing protected native plants in Scottsdale requires submission and approval of a Native Plant Program through Planning and Development Services. The program must detail: existing location of each protected plant; proposed treatment (preservation, relocation, or removal); salvage plans for any plants to be relocated; and replacement plans for any plants that cannot be preserved. The city's Indigenous Plant List identifies all protected species. The approval process considers whether the plant can be preserved in place, relocated on site, relocated off site, or if removal is truly unavoidable. Protected plants include saguaro (all sizes), barrel cactus, palo verde, mesquite, ironwood, ocotillo, Joshua trees, and many other Sonoran Desert species. In ESLO areas, the review process is more rigorous and preservation is strongly emphasized. Emergency removal of hazardous plants threatening immediate safety should be documented and reported to the city promptly.
Removal of protected native plants without an approved Native Plant Program carries fines up to $10,000 per plant and required restoration or replacement.
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 permits.
See how Scottsdale's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
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