Shade and Tree Plan

The Shade & Tree Plan for the Built Environment was adopted by the Development Review Board (DRB) on May 7, 2026. The Plan provides practical guidance for maintaining existing shade, increasing shade where it is needed, and supporting collaboration on shade infrastructure across the community.

The Plan treats shade as an important infrastructure component of Scottsdale’s desert community and provides guidance for integrating trees, water harvesting, and shade structures into private development sites, public infrastructure, streetscapes, civic spaces, and other outdoor environments – supporting cooler, more comfortable, and more heat-resilient places for residents, businesses, and visitors.

In conjunction with the Zoning Ordinance, Design Standards and Policies Manual (DSPM), adopted design guidelines, and ongoing implementation efforts, the Plan informs project planning and design review.