Pima County, AZ Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard
- Hazard-based, no fixed height
- First step
- Written opportunity to correct
- Abatement deadline
- 30+ days after notice
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Pima County
Summary
Unincorporated Pima County property owners must clear weeds, rubbish and debris that create a health or safety hazard, or the county will abate it and bill the cost.
The owner, lessee or occupant of property shall remove all rubbish, trash, weeds, filth, debris, and dilapidated buildings that constitute a hazard to public health and safety from the property and contiguous areas.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-64: Contains Supplement, with local legislation through Ordinance 2026-9, passed 7-28-2026, current through 7-28-2026).
Full Breakdown
Pima County Code § 7.33.020 requires the owner, lessee or occupant to remove rubbish, trash, weeds, filth, debris and dilapidated buildings that constitute a hazard to public health and safety from the property and adjoining sidewalks, streets and alleys. For weed violations, the county must first offer a written opportunity to correct before issuing a formal notice of abatement (§ 7.33.025). There is no flat height limit: the standard is whether the growth constitutes a hazard, and county-listed noxious weeds like buffelgrass are specifically covered (§ 7.33.010A4). Applies only in unincorporated Pima County.
Violations & Fines
If the compliance deadline in a notice of abatement passes, the county can remove the hazard itself and assess the cost, including legal and inspection fees, against the owner (§§ 7.33.030–7.33.050). Dumping rubbish or debris on someone else's property is separately a Class 1 misdemeanor (§ 7.33.060A).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a maximum grass height in unincorporated Pima County?
What happens if I don't clear weeds after a notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pima County
How Pima County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Pima County to another location·View the Arizona landscaping rules overview
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