Native Plants: Green Valley vs Sahuarita
How do native plants rules compare between Green Valley, AZ and Sahuarita, AZ?
Green Valley has fewer restrictions than Sahuarita.
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 →Sahuarita, AZ
Pima County
Arizona Revised Statutes Section 3-904 protects native plants including saguaro cacti, making it illegal to destroy, mutilate, or remove protected species without a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Sahuarita enforces native plant protection through its development review process.
View full Sahuarita rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Green Valley | Sahuarita |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Native Plant Protection |
| Saguaro Removal | Notify AZ Dept of Agriculture 20-60 days prior | - |
| Landscape Standard | Sonoran xeriscape for new development | - |
| Saguaro Protection | - | Permit required for any removal |
| Permit Source | - | Arizona Department of Agriculture |
| Penalty | - | Felony for theft, fines up to $100,000+ |
| Development | - | Salvage plans required for new construction |
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.
Sahuarita FAQ
Can I remove a saguaro from my property?
Only with a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Saguaros are highly protected under ARS 3-904, and unauthorized removal or destruction can result in felony charges and fines exceeding $100,000.
What other plants are protected?
The Arizona native plant protection list includes barrel cactus, ocotillo, ironwood, palo verde, and many other Sonoran Desert species. Contact the Arizona Department of Agriculture for the complete protected plant list.
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