Heritage & Protected Trees: Goodyear vs Surprise
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Goodyear, AZ and Surprise, AZ?
Goodyear and Surprise have similar restriction levels.
Goodyear, AZ
Maricopa County
Goodyear does not have a formal heritage tree or landmark tree ordinance for private property. The city's Urban Forestry Department manages and protects trees on public land under Chapter 27. Arizona's Native Plant Law (ARS §3-904) protects native plants including saguaro cacti on undeveloped land. HOAs may designate significant trees in common areas as protected under CC&Rs.
View full Goodyear rules →Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
Maricopa County does not have a heritage tree ordinance for unincorporated areas. Arizona's Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901+) protects certain native species including saguaro and ironwood trees regardless of heritage status. No county-specific heritage or landmark tree designation program exists. Individual trees are protected based on species under state law, not age or size.
View full Surprise rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Goodyear | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage Tree Ordinance | None for private property | - |
| Native Plant Law | ARS §3-904 protects native species | - |
| Saguaro Cacti | Protected, permit required to remove | - |
| Public Trees | Protected under Chapter 27 | - |
| Contact | (623) 932-3200 Urban Forestry | - |
| Heritage Program | - | No county heritage tree program |
| State Protection | - | ARS 3-901+ native plant law |
| Protected Species | - | Saguaro, ironwood, palo verde |
| Designation | - | By species, not age or size |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Goodyear FAQ
Does Goodyear have a heritage tree ordinance?
No. Goodyear does not designate heritage or landmark trees on private property. Public trees are protected under Chapter 27. Arizona's Native Plant Law protects native species like saguaros on undeveloped land.
Can I remove a saguaro cactus from my property in Goodyear?
On developed residential lots, you generally can with HOA approval if applicable. On undeveloped land, saguaros are protected under ARS §3-904 and require an Arizona Department of Agriculture permit. Salvage and relocation are often required.
Are any trees protected on private property in Goodyear?
The city does not protect trees on developed private property. However, your HOA may restrict removal of trees in front yards or specified in landscape plans. Native plants on undeveloped land are protected under state law.
Surprise FAQ
Does Maricopa County have a heritage or landmark tree program?
No. Maricopa County does not have a heritage tree ordinance for unincorporated areas. However, Arizona's Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901+) protects certain native species including saguaros, ironwood, palo verde, and mesquite from destruction without permits.
Can I remove a large saguaro cactus from my property in unincorporated Maricopa County?
Saguaros are protected under Arizona's Native Plant Law. You need a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture to remove, destroy, or transplant a saguaro. Illegal removal can result in significant fines. Contact AZDA for permit requirements before any removal.
Who do I contact about protected native plants on my property in Maricopa County?
Contact the Arizona Department of Agriculture for permits related to protected native plants. For questions about how native plant protections interact with building or grading permits, contact Maricopa County Planning and Development at (602) 506-3301.
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