Protected Tree Species: Oro Valley vs Tucson
How do protected tree species rules compare between Oro Valley, AZ and Tucson, AZ?
Oro Valley, AZ
Pima County
No data available yet for Oro Valley.
Tucson, AZ
Pima County
Tucson's Native Plant Preservation Ordinance requires inventory, salvage, and replacement of Sonoran Desert protected native plants — including saguaros, ironwood, mesquite, palo verde, and ocotillo — before any clearing or grading on most parcels.
View full Tucson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Oro Valley | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Code basis | - | UDC Section 7.7 |
| State law | - | ARS Title 3 (Native Plants) |
| Top-protected | - | Saguaro, ironwood, ocotillo |
| Lead | - | Planning and Development Services |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Oro Valley FAQ
No FAQs available.
Tucson FAQ
Can I remove a saguaro from my own yard?
Not without permits. Saguaros are protected statewide; removal or relocation requires Arizona Department of Agriculture permits and city-level review under the UDC.
What if a saguaro is threatening my house?
Contact Planning and Development Services. Hazardous specimens can sometimes be relocated or removed under emergency provisions with proper permits and tagging.
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