Tree Removal Permits: Green Valley vs Tucson
How do tree removal permits rules compare between Green Valley, AZ and Tucson, AZ?
Green Valley and Tucson 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 →Tucson, AZ
Pima County
Tucson has strong native plant protection through the Arizona Native Plant Law (ARS 3-904) and the city's Native Plant Preservation Ordinance. Removal of protected native trees and plants on development sites requires a permit from PDSD. The city also regulates tree removal on public property and within the Environmental Resource Zone. Saguaro cacti, ironwood, palo verde, and mesquite trees receive significant protection.
View full Tucson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Green Valley | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| County Code | Chapter 18.72 (Native Plant Preservation) | - |
| State Law | ARS 3-904 (Class 4 felony) | - |
| Protected Species | Saguaro, ironwood, palo verde, mesquite | Saguaro, ironwood, palo verde, mesquite |
| Permit Authority | AZ Dept of Agriculture (ADA) | - |
| Development | Native Plant Preservation Plan required | - |
| Governing Law | - | ARS 3-904 + City Native Plant Ordinance |
| Permit Required | - | Yes — for protected native species |
| Salvage | - | Transplantation required when feasible |
| Fine | - | Up to $500 per plant + replacement |
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.
Tucson FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Tucson?
It depends on the species. Protected native trees (saguaro, ironwood, palo verde, mesquite, and others) require a permit for removal. Non-native ornamental trees on private property generally do not require a permit. Trees on public property require city authorization.
What native plants are protected in Tucson?
Arizona's Native Plant Law and Tucson's ordinance protect saguaro cacti, ironwood, palo verde, mesquite, and many other desert species. A complete list is available from PDSD. Protected plants must be salvaged rather than destroyed when development occurs.
Compare other topics
See how Green Valley and Tucson 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