Mesa may protect native desert trees (palo verde, ironwood, saguaro). Street trees are city property. Proper pruning preserves shade in extreme heat.
Mesa may have protected tree ordinances for native desert species. Saguaro cacti are protected under Arizona law (ARS §3-904) - permits required for removal or transplant. Native palo verde, ironwood, and mesquite trees may be protected by local ordinance. Street trees are city property; do not trim without authorization. Proper pruning preserves shade canopy, which is critical for reducing urban heat island effect. Branches overhanging your property from a neighbor’s tree can be trimmed to the property line. HOAs may regulate tree placement and species.
Unauthorized saguaro removal: Class 4 felony per ARS §3-904. Protected tree removal: $500 to $10,000+ per tree. Replacement planting may be required.
Mesa, AZ
Mesa allows recreational backyard fires under International Fire Code Section 307, adopted in Mesa City Code Title 7. Recreational fires must stay at least 2...
Mesa, AZ
Mesa does not have its own smoke alarm ordinance separate from state and code requirements. Arizona Revised Statutes Sec. 36-1637 requires an approved smoke ...
Mesa, AZ
Mesa has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. Mesa Code requires property maintenance b...
Mesa, AZ
Mesa has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting hours, and blower noise are governed by HOA CC&Rs, which apply ...
Mesa, AZ
Mesa has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Installation timing, brightness, and animated displays are governed by HOA CC&Rs in Me...
Mesa, AZ
Mesa requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs under Mesa Building Code and the adopted...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle tree trimming.
See how Mesa's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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