Tree Removal Permits: Marana vs Sahuarita
How do tree removal permits rules compare between Marana, AZ and Sahuarita, AZ?
Marana and Sahuarita have similar restriction levels.
Marana, AZ
Pima County
Removing protected native plants including saguaro cacti, ironwood, and palo verde trees requires a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture under ARS 3-904. Marana Land Development Code requires native plant salvage plans for new development.
View full Marana 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 | Marana | Sahuarita |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | ARS 3-904 (Arizona Native Plant Law) | ARS 3-906, ARS 3-932 |
| Protected Trees | Ironwood, palo verde, mesquite, saguaro | - |
| Permit Authority | Arizona Department of Agriculture | - |
| Development | Salvage plan required | - |
| Non-Native Trees | No state permit needed | - |
| 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.
Marana FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Marana?
Protected native trees (ironwood, palo verde, mesquite) and cacti (saguaro, barrel) require a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Non-native ornamental trees do not require a state permit.
What is a native plant salvage plan?
A plan required for new development that identifies all protected native plants on the site and specifies which will be preserved, transplanted, or removed with appropriate permits.
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.
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