The Arizona Native Plant Protection Act (ARS Title 3 Chapter 7 Article 1) protects saguaro cactus, ironwood, paloverde, and other native species statewide. Maricopa County zoning Hillside and Desert overlays add development-specific protections.
Under ARS 3-901 through 3-934, the Arizona Department of Agriculture regulates harvest, transport, and destruction of protected native plants including saguaro, organpipe, and other cacti, ironwood, paloverde, mesquite, and ocotillo. Landowners must obtain a Notice of Intent to Clear and tag plants before removal during land development. Saguaro relocation requires permit and tagging. Maricopa County Hillside and Foothills zoning overlays mandate plant inventories, salvage plans, and replacement ratios for native species. Cities such as Scottsdale (Native Plant Ordinance Sec 7.2) and Phoenix (Native Plant Preservation) add stricter local rules. Violations may also trigger federal Endangered Species Act overlap for special-status species.
Destroying or removing protected native plants without state notice and tagging is a Class 2 misdemeanor under ARS 3-932, fines up to $750 per plant and four months jail. Civil penalties run $500 to $5,000 per plant.
Gilbert, AZ
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Gilbert, AZ
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Gilbert, AZ
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Gilbert, AZ
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Gilbert, AZ
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Gilbert, AZ
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how Gilbert's protected tree species rules stack up against other locations.
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