Yavapai County, AZ Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)

Section 608 of the Planning and Zoning Ordinance defines an Important Bird Area as land identified, monitored and protected by the Audubon Society as vital to the continued existence of a large variety of bird species. 4, and item (2) names locations that conflict with or have potential significant negative impacts on Special Status Species and their habitats, other special wildlife designations such as Critical Habitat and Important Bird Areas, and identified wildlife corridors. Before filing an application, Section 608(D)(1)(c)(2)(a) requires a preliminary habitat and wildlife study covering the project area and land within five miles of the project boundary that specifically addresses Important Bird Areas and wildlife corridors, done in consultation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and any state or federal wildlife agency with jurisdiction.

Any issues those agencies raise must be resolved in a Wildlife Protection Plan required under Section 608(D)(2)(c), which must inventory Special Status Species, identify Critical Habitat and Important Bird Areas on the site, and detail timing restrictions to protect active nesting periods and migration movements. The protection runs through the permitting process for solar development rather than as a standalone wildlife code, but it is binding on any Solar Facility Use Permit application the county considers.