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Maricopa County, AZ Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

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Verified 1 month ago|Source: Arizona State Legislature →

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Key Facts

State Law: ARS 3-901+ Arizona Native Plant Law
Protected Species: Saguaro, barrel cactus, ironwood, palo verde
Removal Permit: Required from AZ Dept of Agriculture
Development: Plant salvage may be required

City-specific rules exist: Phoenix, Peoria, Goodyear, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Surprise, Glendale, Tempe, and Scottsdale have their own native plants rules that differ from Maricopa County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

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.

Full Breakdown

Arizona's Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901 through 3-916) protects certain native desert plants throughout Maricopa County. Protected species include saguaro cactus, barrel cactus, ironwood, palo verde, Joshua tree, and other plants listed by the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA). Removal, destruction, or transplanting of protected native plants requires a permit from AZDA. During development in unincorporated areas, the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance may require a native plant salvage plan identifying protected plants on the site and detailing salvage, relocation, or replacement measures. Violations of the Native Plant Law carry fines up to $100,000 and potential felony charges for commercial-scale theft. Contact AZDA at (602) 542-4373 for native plant permits.

Violations & Fines

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Maricopa County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Maricopa County protect native desert plants?

Yes. Arizona's Native Plant Law (ARS 3-904) protects certain native plants statewide, including saguaro cacti, barrel cacti, ironwood, palo verde, and mesquite trees. In unincorporated Maricopa County, removing protected native plants from your property requires notification to the Arizona Department of Agriculture and may require a permit.

Can I transplant a saguaro cactus on my property in Maricopa County?

You may transplant a saguaro within your own property, but removing or destroying a saguaro without proper authorization is a Class 4 felony under Arizona law. If you need to remove a saguaro for construction, you must obtain a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture and arrange for salvage by a licensed nursery.

Are there incentives for native plant landscaping in unincorporated Maricopa County?

While Maricopa County does not offer direct incentives, the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension provides free educational resources on desert-adapted landscaping. Several water utilities serving unincorporated areas offer landscape conversion rebates that encourage replacing turf with native, drought-tolerant plants.

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See how Maricopa County's native plants rules stack up against other locations.

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Maricopa County, AZ Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

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