North Scottsdale NAOS Design for Desert Uplands Views

Looking at a Scottsdale desert uplands home and wondering how to capture those McDowell views without running into NAOS rules? You are not alone. Buyers and owners in the uplands juggle stunning scenery, strict protections, and real design constraints. In this guide, you will learn how NAOS and the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Overlay work, what to verify before you build or remodel, and practical ways to frame views while staying compliant. Let’s dive in.

NAOS and ESL, in plain terms

Environmentally Sensitive Lands Overlay (ESL) is Scottsdale’s framework that protects sensitive desert and mountain areas through limits on disturbance and special design standards. It drives how much land must remain natural and what you can build. You can review the city’s overview of ESL and NAOS requirements on the official site for the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Overlay.

Natural Area Open Space (NAOS) is a deed-restricted easement on a lot or within a subdivision that preserves native desert, boulders, washes, and wildlife corridors. Within dedicated NAOS, grading, clearing, and excavation are prohibited except where the ordinance specifically allows it. NAOS remains privately owned, but the easement controls how it is used under the ESL.

NAOS dedication amounts vary by landform and slope. As a general guide, Lower Desert lots often require about 20 to 30 percent, Upper Desert can range higher, and hillside categories require more. The exact percentage is site specific. Always confirm your property’s ESL designation and slope category in the ESL resources.

What this means for your lot

Most uplands lots include a defined construction envelope. Your house, pool, major grading, and most improvements must stay within that envelope, with NAOS protected outside it. During construction, NAOS areas must be identified and fenced off. You can find construction envelope and protection standards in Scottsdale’s zoning section on Design Standards §6.1070.

Early checks before you design or buy

• Confirm whether the lot is inside the ESL and which NAOS category applies. Ask for the plat, recorded NAOS easement, and any matrix that shows the exact areas and restrictions. Start with the city’s ESL information.
• Locate the recorded construction envelope and any approved variances or wash modifications in the file. Standards are outlined in §6.1070 Design Standards.
• Review protected native plants on site and whether a native plant permit or salvage plan exists. Scottsdale’s Native Plant Ordinance governs removal or relocation.
• If a natural wash crosses the lot, determine if a wash modification was approved or will be required. The process is administered under the ESL program.
• Check HOA covenants and any overlays or character area plans that add design expectations by visiting the city’s page on Zoning and Overlays.

View-first siting that respects NAOS

Position your main living areas and outdoor spaces within the construction envelope facing the strongest views. In many Scottsdale uplands neighborhoods, mountain views trend to the north and northeast toward the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which also helps with comfort because north-facing glass reduces direct summer heat gain.

Cluster building mass, driveways, and utilities to minimize disturbance. Where terrain is sensitive or steep, consider minimal-footprint foundations, piers, or carefully placed cantilevers that reduce grading. These approaches align with the city’s intent to minimize reshaping of natural drainage and landforms described in §6.1070.

Windows and shade that work here

To balance views and comfort, prioritize north-facing glazing for mountain panoramas and daylight with lower heat gain. Limit or heavily shade east and west glass, since those orientations overheat in summer. For deeper comfort, use overhangs or adjustable shading. The U.S. Department of Energy explains these passive solar basics in its guide to passive solar homes.

Frame views with borrowed desert

You can “borrow” the NAOS landscape without touching it. Keep foreground native plants intact, then use low-profile terraces and native rockscape to blend the immediate yard into the protected desert. Where fences are needed, choose low or transparent options and be mindful that anything near natural watercourses must meet city standards administered under the ESL framework.

Drives, utilities, and pools

• Keep driveways and service areas inside the envelope and route them away from washes and major native specimens. If utilities or drainage work occur outside the envelope, the city requires revegetation as described in §6.1070.
• Pools, patios, and major structures must be within the construction envelope and outside NAOS unless specifically allowed by code and permit. Verify on the approved site plan before you commit to a design.

Landscaping, water, and wildfire

Choose indigenous and desert-appropriate species that match Scottsdale’s desert character and support habitat. The city publishes an Indigenous Plant List that can guide revegetation and NAOS enhancement.

Planning a turf removal or irrigation upgrade? Scottsdale Water offers residential rebates for smart controllers, turf conversion, and more, often with pre-approval requirements. Explore current programs on the city’s page for water conservation rebates.

NAOS maintenance is limited. Routine trimming, grading, or plant removal is restricted, and maintenance usually focuses on debris removal and invasive species control. HOAs often help manage these areas, but the ordinance rules apply regardless. For a practical overview of owner and HOA responsibilities, see this community guide to Natural Area Open Space.

Wildfire awareness matters in the uplands. Scottsdale Fire encourages defensible space near structures and removal of invasive plants that add fuel. Any work within NAOS may require review under ESL, so coordinate early with city and fire officials. Learn more in the city’s wildfire prevention guidance.

Buyer and seller tips

• Sellers: disclose NAOS easements and provide plats, site plans showing the construction envelope, and any approvals for wash modifications or variances. This prevents surprises in escrow.
• Buyers: before you offer, request the NAOS easement documents, the recorded construction envelope, any native plant permits or salvage plans, and any HOA rules that add to city requirements. Also ask about opportunities that may qualify for water conservation rebates.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Removing protected plants to open a view without a permit is not allowed. Work involving protected saguaros or trees must follow the Native Plant Ordinance.
• Grading or walling a natural wash without approvals can violate ESL standards. Confirm whether a wash modification is necessary through the ESL process.
• Designing outside the construction envelope can trigger redesigns and delays. Verify the envelope and setbacks upfront.
• Starting a turf-conversion project before rebate pre-approval may forfeit incentives. Review rebate requirements before you begin.

Next steps

Designing for views in Scottsdale’s desert uplands is a balance of architecture, comfort, and stewardship. With the right plan, you can frame mountain vistas, protect NAOS, and create a low-maintenance landscape that fits the ESL. If you want a property or design strategy that checks all these boxes, connect with Stephanie Pisoni for local guidance tailored to your goals.

FAQs

What is NAOS in Scottsdale and how does it limit my yard use?

• NAOS is a deed-restricted easement that preserves native desert, which means no grading, clearing, or new structures within it unless specifically allowed by the city under the ESL program.

How much NAOS will my Scottsdale uplands lot require?

• Requirements depend on landform and slope, with Lower Desert commonly around 20 to 30 percent and steeper areas higher, so verify your exact percentage in the city’s ESL materials and on the recorded plat.

Can I build a pool or patio inside NAOS on my lot?

• Generally no, pools and major hardscape must be inside the construction envelope and outside NAOS, with standards and protective measures detailed in §6.1070 Design Standards.

Can I remove a saguaro that blocks my view in Scottsdale?

• Not without complying with the Native Plant Ordinance, which requires permits and salvage procedures for protected plants such as saguaros.

What should I verify before buying a lot in the ESL area?

• Confirm the ESL designation, recorded NAOS easement and construction envelope, any wash modifications or variances, protected plants and permits on file, and HOA rules or overlays, using the city’s ESL resources as a starting point.

Are there Scottsdale rebates for converting turf to desert landscape?

• Yes, Scottsdale Water offers turf removal and smart irrigation rebates, often with pre-approval steps, outlined on the city’s page for water conservation rebates.

How does wildfire planning interact with NAOS near my home?

• Scottsdale Fire encourages defensible space and removal of invasive species, but work in NAOS may require ESL review, so coordinate your plan with the city and consult the wildfire prevention guidance.