Tree Removal Permits: Green Valley vs Marana
How do tree removal permits rules compare between Green Valley, AZ and Marana, AZ?
Green Valley and Marana have similar restriction levels.
Green Valley, AZ
Pima County
Pima County Code Ch. 18.72 requires permits for native plant removal during development. ARS 3-904 makes destroying saguaro, ironwood, or palo verde without an ADA permit a Class 4 felony.
View full Green Valley rules →Marana, AZ
Pima County
Removing protected native plants including saguaro cacti, ironwood, and palo verde trees requires a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture under ARS 3-904. Marana Land Development Code requires native plant salvage plans for new development.
View full Marana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Green Valley | Marana |
|---|---|---|
| County Code | Chapter 18.72 (Native Plant Preservation) | - |
| State Law | ARS 3-904 (Class 4 felony) | ARS 3-904 (Arizona Native Plant Law) |
| Protected Species | Saguaro, ironwood, palo verde, mesquite | - |
| Permit Authority | AZ Dept of Agriculture (ADA) | Arizona Department of Agriculture |
| Development | Native Plant Preservation Plan required | Salvage plan required |
| Protected Trees | - | Ironwood, palo verde, mesquite, saguaro |
| Non-Native Trees | - | No state permit needed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Green Valley FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a saguaro cactus from my property?
Yes. Under ARS 3-904, you must obtain notification tags from the Arizona Department of Agriculture before removing, transplanting, or destroying any saguaro cactus, even on your own private property. Unauthorized destruction is a Class 4 felony.
What happens if I cut down a saguaro cactus?
Destroying a saguaro without an ADA permit is a Class 4 felony under ARS 3-904, punishable by up to 3.75 years in prison. The county may also impose stop-work orders and require mitigation plantings.
Marana FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Marana?
Protected native trees (ironwood, palo verde, mesquite) and cacti (saguaro, barrel) require a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Non-native ornamental trees do not require a state permit.
What is a native plant salvage plan?
A plan required for new development that identifies all protected native plants on the site and specifies which will be preserved, transplanted, or removed with appropriate permits.
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