Tree Protection in Tucson, AZ (2026)
2 verified tree protection rules for Tucson, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Protected Tree Species
Before grading any site, Tucson developers must preserve 100% of federal endangered species and "crested" Saguaros, at least 50% of viable Saguaros and Ironwoods, and 30% of other protected native plants under an approved Native Plant Preservation Plan, with no exceptions for convenience.
Tucson Saguaro & Native Plant Preservation
Significant RestrictionsTucson UDC Sec. 7.7.5.A.1.a
a. Minimum Protected Native Plant Preservation Standards The minimum required standards for the preservation of Protected Native Plants in the Plant Inventory Methodology are as follows. (1) Endangered Species and "Crested" Saguaros One hundred percent of Federal Endangered Species and "Crested" Saguaros must be preserved-in-place or salvaged and transplanted on-site. (2) Saguaros and Ironwoods...
Parkway Planting
Planting a tree, shrub or other vegetation in the parkway strip between the curb and sidewalk in Tucson requires a written permit from the city engineer. Sec. 25-52.1 sets species lists, sight-visibility height limits, and a minimum four-foot planting strip.
Tucson Street Tree Planting Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsTucson City Code § 25-52.1
Sec. 25-52.1(2). Permits required. No person shall plant any tree, shrub, or other vegetation in the pedestrian area of the right-of-way without first obtaining a written permit from the city... No tree, shrub, or other vegetation taller than thirty (30) inches in height at maturity shall be planted within the designated sight visibility triangle zone in the pedestrian area of the right-of-way ...
Looking for Pima County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tucson city rules.
Tree Protection in Pima County →