Desert Preservation and Fire Protection Guide
Several neighborhoods throughout Phoenix are characterized by their proximity to the natural desert. In fact, many of these neighborhoods were specifically designed to integrate with the environment by preserving wash corridors or installing native landscaping in common areas and along the street. Most of the time, the connection between these neighborhoods and the natural desert is very positive; residents take pride in and responsibility for the undisturbed environs that surround their development.
However, during drought conditions where high winds and dry vegetation provide a fuel and catalyst for wildfires, neighborhoods rightfully become concerned over potential property damage and even their own safety; particularly when the natural desert actually abuts or traverses through the neighborhood.
The Desert Preservation and Fire Protection Guide (PDF) provides guidance that achieves the dual role of ensuring natural open space preservation and appropriate wild fire protection. This guide was created to assist residents and homeowners associations (HOA) who maintain natural open space areas within a subdivision. Natural open space serves to protect and preserve significant open space areas for public enjoyment and provide connections among them.
