Marana, AZ Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- ARS 3-904 (Arizona Native Plant Law)
- Protected Species
- Saguaro, barrel cactus, ironwood, palo verde
- Permit Required
- AZ Dept. of Agriculture for removal/transplant
- Saguaro Destruction
- Class 4 felony
- Development
- Salvage plans required (Land Dev. Code)
Summary
Arizona Native Plant Law (ARS 3-904) protects saguaro cacti and other native plants. Removing, destroying, or transplanting protected native plants without a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture is a criminal offense. Marana enforces native plant preservation through its Land Development Code.
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.
3. The owner or the owner's agent notifies the department pursuant to this section of the intended destruction at least:
(a) Twenty days before the plants are destroyed over an area of less than one acre.
(b) Thirty days before the plants are destroyed over an area of one acre or more but less than forty acres.
(c) Sixty days before the plants are destroyed over an area of forty acres or more.
4. The protected plants are destroyed within one year of the date of destruction disclosed in the notice given the department in paragraph 3 of this subsection.
B. The notice under subsection A, paragraph 3, subdivision (a) may be oral or written. The notice under subsection A, paragraph 3, subdivisions (b) and (c) must be in writing. The notice under subsection A, paragraph 3, whether written or oral, shall include:
1. The name and address of the owner of the land and, if the owner is not a resident of this state, the name and address of the owner's agent in this state to be contacted regarding the destruction or salvage of the native plants.
2. The earliest date that destruction of the protected native plants will begin.
3. A general description of the area in which the protected native plants will be destroyed.
4. Whether the owner intends to allow salvage of the plants to be destroyed.
Full Breakdown
Under the Arizona Native Plant Law (ARS 3-904), it is illegal to remove, destroy, mutilate, or transplant protected native plants without a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Saguaro cacti are the most prominent protected species in Marana's Sonoran Desert landscape, but protection extends to barrel cacti, ironwood trees, palo verde, mesquite, and dozens of other species. The Marana Land Development Code includes native plant preservation requirements for new development, requiring salvage plans that identify and protect or transplant existing native vegetation during construction. Developers must obtain native plant destruction permits before grading. Homeowners who wish to remove a saguaro or other protected plant from their property must obtain a permit and arrange for professional transplanting. Penalties for illegal destruction of saguaros are severe, including potential felony charges for large specimens.
Violations & Fines
Illegal destruction of protected native plants: Class 4 felony for saguaros. Fines up to $100,000. ARS 3-904 enforcement by Arizona Department of Agriculture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a saguaro cactus from my Marana property?
What native plants are protected in Marana?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marana
Compare Marana to another location·View the Arizona landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Native Plants in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Pima County handle native plants.