Native Plants: Green Valley vs Marana
How do native plants rules compare between Green Valley, AZ and Marana, AZ?
Green Valley has fewer restrictions than Marana.
Green Valley, AZ
Pima County
Pima County Zoning Code Chapter 18.72 (Native Plant Preservation) requires protection and salvage of certain native plants during development. Saguaro cacti, ironwood, palo verde, and mesquite are specifically protected. Arizona Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901 et seq.) requires permits to destroy or relocate protected plants.
View full Green Valley rules →Marana, AZ
Pima County
Arizona Native Plant Law (ARS 3-904) protects saguaro cacti and other native plants. Removing, destroying, or transplanting protected native plants without a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture is a criminal offense. Marana enforces native plant preservation through its Land Development Code.
View full Marana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Green Valley | Marana |
|---|---|---|
| County Code | Chapter 18.72 Native Plant Preservation | - |
| Protected Plants | Saguaro, ironwood, palo verde, barrel cactus | - |
| State Law | ARS 3-901 through 3-934 | ARS 3-904 (Arizona Native Plant Law) |
| Saguaro Removal | Notify AZ Dept of Agriculture 20-60 days prior | - |
| Landscape Standard | Sonoran xeriscape for new development | - |
| Protected Species | - | Saguaro, barrel cactus, ironwood, palo verde |
| Permit Required | - | AZ Dept. of Agriculture for removal/transplant |
| Saguaro Destruction | - | Class 4 felony |
| Development | - | Salvage plans required (Land Dev. Code) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Green Valley FAQ
Can I remove a saguaro from my property?
Yes, but you must notify the Arizona Department of Agriculture 20-60 days before removal (ARS 3-906). Destroying a saguaro on someone else's land without permission is a Class 4 felony.
What does Pima County require for native plants during development?
Chapter 18.72 requires developers to survey, tag, and either preserve or transplant protected native plants. This applies to all new development in unincorporated areas.
Marana FAQ
Can I remove a saguaro cactus from my Marana property?
You must obtain a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture before removing or transplanting a saguaro. Illegal destruction is a Class 4 felony with fines up to $100,000.
What native plants are protected in Marana?
Saguaro, barrel cactus, ironwood, palo verde, mesquite, and many other species are protected under ARS 3-904. A full list is maintained by the Arizona Department of Agriculture.
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