Wildfire Zones: Green Valley vs Oro Valley
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Green Valley, AZ and Oro Valley, AZ?
Green Valley and Oro Valley have similar restriction levels.
Green Valley, AZ
Pima County
Pima County designates extensive WUI zones in the Catalina Foothills, Tanque Verde, and areas bordering Saguaro NP. IWUIC requires fire-resistant materials and defensible space.
View full Green Valley rules →Oro Valley, AZ
Pima County
Oro Valley has significant Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) exposure along the Santa Catalina Mountains, Pusch Ridge Wilderness, and Catalina State Park. The Golder Ranch Fire District maps WUI zones and enforces fire-adapted building and landscaping requirements. Properties in WUI zones face enhanced building standards, defensible space requirements, and may experience periodic evacuations during wildfire events. The 2020 Bighorn Fire demonstrated the real wildfire threat to Oro Valley communities.
View full Oro Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Green Valley | Oro Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Code | IWUIC as adopted | - |
| Highest Risk | Catalina Foothills, Tanque Verde | - |
| Roofing | Class A fire-rated required in WUI | - |
| Access Roads | 20 ft minimum width | - |
| Recent Fire | 2020 Bighorn Fire | - |
| WUI Zones | - | Catalina foothills, Pusch Ridge area |
| 2020 Bighorn Fire | - | 119,000+ acres, OV evacuations |
| Building Standards | - | Class A roof, ember-resistant vents |
| Fire District | - | Golder Ranch FD |
| Federal Land | - | Coronado National Forest adjacent |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Green Valley FAQ
Is my property in a Pima County WUI zone?
Properties near the Catalina Foothills, Tanque Verde Valley, and areas bordering Saguaro National Park or Coronado National Forest are likely in WUI zones. Contact Pima County Development Services or your fire district for a specific determination.
What building requirements apply in WUI zones?
Class A fire-rated roofing, fire-resistant exterior materials, ember-resistant vents, minimum 30-foot defensible space, and 20-foot-wide access roads. Additional requirements may apply based on your fire district.
Oro Valley FAQ
Is my Oro Valley property in a wildfire zone?
Properties along the northern and eastern boundaries near the Catalina Mountains, Pusch Ridge Wilderness, and Catalina State Park are in WUI zones. Contact the Golder Ranch Fire District for specific property assessments and WUI mapping.
What building requirements apply in Oro Valley wildfire zones?
WUI zone properties must meet enhanced standards including Class A fire-rated roofing, ember-resistant vents, non-combustible siding, and defensible space landscaping. These apply to new construction and major renovations.
How real is the wildfire risk in Oro Valley?
The 2020 Bighorn Fire burned over 119,000 acres in the Catalina Mountains and caused evacuations in Oro Valley communities. Wildfire risk is significant and ongoing, especially during dry spring and summer months.
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