Wildfire Zones: Green Valley vs Tucson
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Green Valley, AZ and Tucson, AZ?
Green Valley and Tucson 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 →Tucson, AZ
Pima County
Eastern and northern Tucson neighborhoods adjacent to Saguaro National Park, Coronado National Forest, and Tucson Mountain Park fall within mapped wildland-urban interface zones. Properties in these zones face stricter building code requirements including Class A fire-resistant roofing, ember-resistant vents, and defensible space maintenance.
View full Tucson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Green Valley | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Code | IWUIC as adopted | - |
| Highest Risk | Catalina Foothills, Tanque Verde | - |
| Roofing | Class A fire-rated required in WUI | Class A required in WUI zones |
| Access Roads | 20 ft minimum width | - |
| Recent Fire | 2020 Bighorn Fire | - |
| Applicable Code | - | IWUIC 2021 Tucson adopted |
| Walls | - | 1-hour rated within 10 feet of PL |
| Vents | - | Ember-resistant required |
| Free Inspection | - | Tucson Fire 520-791-4502 |
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.
Tucson FAQ
Is my Tucson home in a wildfire zone?
Properties adjacent to Saguaro National Park east and west, Tucson Mountain Park, and the Catalina foothills near Mount Lemmon are typically mapped in WUI zones. Call Tucson Fire Prevention for a site-specific check.
What building upgrades are required in Tucson WUI zones?
New builds need Class A fire roof, ember-resistant vents, 1-hour rated walls near property lines, and non-combustible deck surfaces. Retrofits are triggered by substantial remodels exceeding 50 percent of value.
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