Tree Ordinances: Oro Valley vs Tucson
How do tree ordinances rules compare between Oro Valley, AZ and Tucson, AZ?
Oro Valley and Tucson have similar restriction levels.
Oro Valley, AZ
Pima County
Town Code Chapter 24 is the comprehensive native plant ordinance covering inventories, tagging, salvage, mitigation, and penalties for unauthorized destruction.
View full Oro Valley 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 | Oro Valley | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Code | Town Code Chapter 24 -- Native Plant Preservation | - |
| Scope | All land disturbance and vegetation clearing | - |
| Requirements | Inventory, tagging, salvage plan, mitigation | - |
| Enforcement | Civil penalties and stop-work orders | - |
| Related Codes | Title 22 Zoning, Hillside Overlay, Environmental Resource | - |
| 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.
Oro Valley FAQ
Who enforces this in Oro Valley?
Oro Valley Code Compliance at (520) 229-4700.
Who enforces this in Oro Valley?
Oro Valley Code Compliance at (520) 229-4700 handles most complaints.
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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