Tree Ordinances: Marana vs Tucson
How do tree ordinances rules compare between Marana, AZ and Tucson, AZ?
Marana has fewer restrictions than Tucson.
Marana, AZ
Pima County
Marana regulates native plant and tree protection through Land Development Code Chapter 17-11 (Environmental Resource Preservation, Native Plant Protection, and Landscape Requirements). Arizona state law under ARS Title 3, Chapter 7 provides additional protections for all protected native plants including saguaros, ironwoods, and palo verdes.
View full Marana rules →Tucson, AZ
Pima County
Pima County protects native plants through Ch. 18.72 and Ch. 18.67 (riparian habitat), plus ARS 3-904. Buffer zones protect desert washes and the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan guides land use.
View full Tucson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Marana | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Code Chapter | Chapter 17-11 | - |
| SRI Required | Section 17-11-3 | - |
| Plant List | Section 17-11-6 | - |
| State Law | ARS Title 3, Chapter 7 | - |
| Landscape Standards | Section 17-11-7 | - |
| Key Codes | - | Ch. 18.72, Ch. 18.67, ARS 3-904 |
| Riparian Protection | - | Buffer zones on washes/corridors |
| Conservation Plan | - | Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan |
| Biological Review | - | Required in sensitive habitat |
| Protected Washes | - | Native trees in riparian areas |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Marana FAQ
Does Marana have a tree ordinance?
Yes. Chapter 17-11 of the Land Development Code covers environmental resource preservation, native plant protection, and landscape requirements. It applies to all development activity and protects species listed on the Marana Protected Native Plant List in Section 17-11-6.
Which trees are protected in Marana?
Protected species include saguaro cactus, ironwood, palo verde, mesquite, barrel cactus, and ocotillo, among others listed in Section 17-11-6. Crested saguaros and federally endangered species receive the highest protection level.
Tucson FAQ
Does Pima County protect trees along desert washes?
Yes. Chapter 18.67 protects native vegetation within designated watercourses and riparian habitat areas, including buffer zones. Development near washes requires enhanced plant preservation measures.
What is the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan?
The SDCP is Pima County's long-range habitat conservation framework that guides land-use decisions to protect native species and habitats. It classifies land into conservation categories with different levels of protection for native vegetation.
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