Tree Removal Permits: Green Valley vs Oro Valley
How do tree removal permits 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 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 →Oro Valley, AZ
Pima County
Town Code Chapter 24 requires permits to remove protected native plants. Development sites need a Native Plant Inventory. ARS 3-904 also applies statewide.
View full Oro Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Green Valley | Oro Valley |
|---|---|---|
| County Code | Chapter 18.72 (Native Plant Preservation) | - |
| State Law | ARS 3-904 (Class 4 felony) | ARS 3-904 -- AZDA notification required |
| Protected Species | Saguaro, ironwood, palo verde, mesquite | - |
| Permit Authority | AZ Dept of Agriculture (ADA) | - |
| Development | Native Plant Preservation Plan required | - |
| Permit Required | - | Yes, for protected native plant removal |
| Inventory | - | Native Plant Inventory required for development |
| Salvage | - | On-site relocation or Town salvage program |
| Code Section | - | Town Code Chapter 24 |
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.
Oro Valley FAQ
Who enforces this in Oro Valley?
Oro Valley Code Compliance at (520) 229-4700.
Who enforces this in Oro Valley?
Oro Valley Code Compliance at (520) 229-4700 handles most complaints.
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