Native Plants: Green Valley vs Tucson
How do native plants rules compare between Green Valley, AZ and Tucson, AZ?
Green Valley has fewer restrictions than Tucson.
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 →Tucson, AZ
Pima County
Arizona Native Plant Law and Tucson UDC protect saguaros, ironwoods, ocotillos, barrel cacti, and other native species. Removal or destruction during development requires ADA tagging and a Native Plant Preservation Plan. Mature saguaros must generally be transplanted rather than destroyed.
View full Tucson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Green Valley | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| County Code | Chapter 18.72 Native Plant Preservation | - |
| Protected Plants | Saguaro, ironwood, palo verde, barrel cactus | - |
| State Law | ARS 3-901 through 3-934 | Arizona Native Plant Law |
| Saguaro Removal | Notify AZ Dept of Agriculture 20-60 days prior | - |
| Landscape Standard | Sonoran xeriscape for new development | - |
| City Requirement | - | NPPO plan for development |
| Saguaro Protection | - | Transplant preferred over destruction |
| Enforcement | - | AZ Department of Agriculture |
| Nursery Tags | - | Required for sale |
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.
Tucson FAQ
Can I move a saguaro on my Tucson property?
Transplanting requires an ADA permit. Small saguaros under 4 feet usually qualify for homeowner moves, but larger or mature saguaros need licensed movers and state notification to ensure survival.
Are Sonoran Desert plants protected?
Many are, including saguaro, ironwood, ocotillo, barrel cactus, organ pipe cactus, and night-blooming cereus. Removal or sale requires ADA tagging and nurseries cannot sell untagged native stock.
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