Maricopa County regulates certain plants under the Arizona Native Plant Law (ARS §3-904) and noxious weed regulations. Palo Verde, saguaro, and other protected native plants cannot be removed without permits. Several weed species are regulated by the Arizona Department of Agriculture.
Arizona regulates plants in two directions: protecting native species and controlling invasive ones. Under the Arizona Native Plant Law (ARS §3-901 through §3-916), it is illegal to destroy, mutilate, or remove protected native plants (including saguaro cactus, palo verde, ironwood, and mesquite) from any land without a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Property owners must obtain salvage permits before removing protected plants during construction. On the invasive side, the Arizona Department of Agriculture maintains a list of regulated and restricted noxious weeds including: Russian knapweed, yellow starthistle, camelthorn, giant salvinia, and water hyacinth. Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) is a major invasive concern in the Sonoran Desert, including Maricopa County, as it promotes wildfires in desert ecosystems. The county and Arizona Department of Forestry conduct buffelgrass removal programs.
Removing protected native plants without a permit: Class 1 misdemeanor, fines up to $100,000 for saguaros. Failing to control noxious weeds after notice: penalties under ARS §3-201.
Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert is near Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and Williams Gateway training areas. Aircraft noise is federally regulated and exempt from local noise ordinance...
Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert supports EV adoption through development standards. Residential EV charger installation requires electrical permits. New developments may include EV-...
Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert restricts large commercial vehicles in residential areas. All vehicles must be on improved surfaces, and commercial vehicles should not create a comm...
Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert regulates fence heights through the Land Development Code. Residential fences are generally limited to 6 feet in side and rear yards, with lower limi...
Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert's Land Development Code specifies acceptable fence materials. Block walls, wrought iron, and vinyl are standard. Barbed wire is prohibited in residen...
Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert Town Code Ch. 10 limits residential dogs/cats and treats hoarding under AZ §13-2910 animal cruelty. MCACC investigates with Gilbert Police; kennel pe...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how Gilbert's prohibited species rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.