Tree Removal Permits: Green Valley vs Sahuarita
How do tree removal permits rules compare between Green Valley, AZ and Sahuarita, AZ?
Green Valley and Sahuarita 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 →Sahuarita, AZ
Pima County
Tree and native plant removal in Sahuarita is governed by both the Town zoning code landscaping standards in Chapter 18.73 and the Arizona Native Plant Law under ARS Title 3, Chapter 7, creating a dual regulatory framework that applies to both development projects and individual property owners. Removal of protected native plants including saguaro cacti, ironwood trees, palo verde, and mesquite requires advance notification to the Arizona Department of Agriculture 20 to 60 days before destruction, and relocation or salvage of specimens requires purchasing specific permits and tags from the Department. The Town planning department reviews all development plans for compliance with the native plant preservation requirements and may condition building permits on preparation and approval of a comprehensive native plant preservation plan identifying all protected species on the site.
View full Sahuarita rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Green Valley | Sahuarita |
|---|---|---|
| County Code | Chapter 18.72 (Native Plant Preservation) | - |
| State Law | ARS 3-904 (Class 4 felony) | ARS 3-906, ARS 3-932 |
| Protected Species | Saguaro, ironwood, palo verde, mesquite | - |
| Permit Authority | AZ Dept of Agriculture (ADA) | - |
| Development | Native Plant Preservation Plan required | - |
| Notification Period | - | 20-60 days before destruction |
| Salvage Permit Fee | - | $7 plus $8 per saguaro tag |
| Town Code | - | Ch. 18.73 landscaping standards |
| Felony Threshold | - | $1,500+ plant value (Class 4) |
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.
Sahuarita FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree from my own property in Sahuarita?
Landowners may remove plants from their own property but must notify the Arizona Department of Agriculture 20 to 60 days before destroying any protected native plants. If you are relocating rather than destroying the plant, you need a salvage permit with individual tags. The Town may also require a native plant preservation plan as part of any development or building permit project.
What happens if a contractor removes a saguaro without notification?
Failure to provide required notification is a Class 3 misdemeanor under ARS 3-932. If the removal involves knowing misuse of permits or tags, it escalates to a Class 1 misdemeanor and then a Class 6 felony on subsequent conviction. Theft of plants valued over $1,500 is a Class 4 felony with potential prison time.
Compare other topics
See how Green Valley and Sahuarita compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool