Design Standards & Policies Manual
For over a decade, the city of Scottsdale's on-site and off-site development provisions have been contained within one body of work titled the Design Standards and Policies Manual (DSPM). The provisions contained within the DSPM are a direct reflection of the development and infrastructure related policies and governances established by City Council. As these policies are updated by Council, so too is the related DSPM content. Through the provisions of the City's Land Division code, City Code Chapter 48, the Development Review Board (DRB) is identified as the adoptive authority over the DSPM.
This manual consists of twelve chapters which are as follows: site planning, land divisions, grading and drainage, transportation, water, wastewater, streetscapes, parks and trails, public works, native plants, fire, and disability access.
2018 DSPM
The DSPM was crafted in its current format in 2007, and updated in 2008 and 2009. On Jan. 18, 2018 the Design Review Board approved the 2018 updates to the DSPM. The 2018 updates became effective Feb. 20, 2018 with the final 2018 DSPM available through the link below.
2023 DSPM Technical Bulletin
In response to National Flood Insurance Program mandate, the city of Scottsdale staff has modified it's Standard Operating Procedure for Substantial Improvements determination and implication, along with one associated worksheet, contained within DSPM Section #4-1.103.
Policy Memorandums
DSPM 4-1.504 C SPLIT FLOW CONDITIONS
Sets design rules for northern Scottsdale (north of the Granite Reef Aqueduct), where alluvial channels split unpredictably. Lowest floor elevations must assume 100% of flow could go either direction, and infrastructure design must apply at least a 30% safety factor to the estimated split, increased for extenuating factors. Also covers finished floor elevations by SFHA zone and use of best available data where FEMA hasn't mapped the flood hazard.
DSPM 4-1.600 B EXTENT OF DRAINAGE EASEMENT DEDICATION
Requires drainage easements covering the full base flood inundation limits plus storage facilities and maintenance access. Significant violations found during permitting withhold permits until fixed. De minimis violations allow plan approval with a required note added to the plan and CDS system, preserving the city's enforcement rights and keeping the owner responsible for the fix.
DSPM 4-1.203 B WAIVER OF FIRST FLUSH
Exempts Arterial and Collector streets from first flush requirements because the city's Street Sweeping program already meets the waiver conditions. Otherwise, no waiver applies to the storage volume for the first half inch of runoff, though owners can propose a smaller basin or alternative controls with Coordinator approval. Includes the Table 4-3 sweeping schedule from the 2022 Stormwater Management Plan.
Become an External DSPM Update Stakeholder
City of Scottsdale citizen and stakeholder feedback is valued throughout the DSPM update process.
Last Updated: Aug 4, 2026