Landscaping Rules in Maricopa County, AZ (2026)

4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Maricopa County, Arizona.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Maricopa County requires protection of state-listed native plants under Arizona's Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901+). Protected species including saguaro, ironwood, palo verde, and mesquite cannot be removed without a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Non-protected tree removal on private property in unincorporated areas does not require a county permit but may be subject to HOA restrictions.

Landscaping: Tree Removal

Some Restrictions

ARS §3-904

3-904. Destruction of protected plants by private landowners; notice; exception A. This chapter does not prevent the destruction of protected native plants or clearing of land or cleaning or removing protected native plants by the owner of the land or the owner's agent if: 1. The land is in private ownership. 2. The protected native plants are not transported from the land or offered for sale. ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Weed Ordinances

In unincorporated Maricopa County, uncultivated vegetation over six inches deep, dried grass, weeds, tumbleweeds, dead brush, is a code violation under the Abatement Ordinance, enforced by the Department of Planning and Development.

Maricopa County Weed Abatement Rules

Some Restrictions

Maricopa County Ordinance P-11, § 302

Weeds shall include any uncultivated vegetation of a combustible nature with an associated fire hazard which cannot be reasonably contained on the property where it exists and shall include, but not be limited to: dried grass higher than six (6) inches; or other dried vegetation higher than six (6) inches; tumbleweeds, branches or clippings; or dead trees, bushes or shrubs.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Native Plants

Maricopa County encourages use of native and desert-adapted plants in unincorporated areas. Arizona law (ARS 3-901+) protects certain native plants including saguaro, barrel cactus, ironwood, and palo verde. Removal of protected native plants requires a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture. The county zoning ordinance may require salvage of protected plants during development.

Landscaping: Native Plants

Some Restrictions

ARS §3-904

3-904. Destruction of protected plants by private landowners; notice; exception A. This chapter does not prevent the destruction of protected native plants or clearing of land or cleaning or removing protected native plants by the owner of the land or the owner's agent if: 1. The land is in private ownership. 2. The protected native plants are not transported from the land or offered for sale. ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Composting

Unincorporated Maricopa County doesn't require a permit for a backyard compost bin, but the Environmental Health Code does require one the moment composting rises to an 'establishment' for reclaiming refuse. Chapter II, Section 4, Regulation 3 bars operating such a facility without Department approval and prior state plan review.

Maricopa County Composting Facility Permit

Some Restrictions

Maricopa County Environmental Health Code, Ch. II, Sec. 1, Reg. 1(c) & Sec. 4, Reg. 3

c. "Composting" means the biochemical degradation of organic materials to a stable, sanitary, nuisance-free, humus-like material. ... REGULATION 3. Reclamation a. No person shall operate an establishment for the purpose of composting, processing or reclaiming refuse without a valid permit therefor. b. Plans, specifications, and other information pertinent to the project shall be submitted to th...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗