Peoria, AZ Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- ARS 3-901
- Protected Species
- Saguaro, palo verde, ironwood, barrel cacti
- Removal Permit
- AZ Dept of Agriculture
- New Development
- Desert-adapted plants required
- Penalty
- Up to $100,000
- Design
- Xeriscape principles encouraged
Summary
Arizona's Protected Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901) protects saguaro, palo verde, ironwood, and other species. Removal requires a state permit. Peoria encourages desert-adapted landscaping. New development must include native/adapted plants in landscape plans.
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 th
Full Breakdown
Peoria promotes native and desert-adapted landscaping. ARS 3-901 protects native species from removal without an Arizona Department of Agriculture permit. Protected species include saguaro, palo verde, ironwood, and barrel cacti. New developments must incorporate desert-adapted plants. Peoria's master-planned communities typically use desert landscaping. The city supports xeriscape principles for water conservation. Penalties for unauthorized removal of protected plants can reach $100,000.
Violations & Fines
Unauthorized native plant removal carries fines up to $100,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a saguaro from my Peoria property?
Does Peoria require desert landscaping?
What about native plants during construction?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Peoria
Compare Peoria 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.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 Maricopa County handle native plants.