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.
Peoria, AZ
Peoria permits residential EV charger installation with electrical permits for Level 2 systems. ARS 33-1818 prevents HOAs from banning EV chargers. Level 1 c...
Peoria, AZ
Peoria requires permits for masonry walls and block fences. Standard open fencing under 6 feet in side and rear yards may not require a building permit but m...
Peoria, AZ
Peoria limits dogs/cats to a combined total typically allowed in residential zones and treats hoarding under AZ §13-2910 animal cruelty. Maricopa County Anim...
Peoria, AZ
Smoke alarms in Peoria are required by ARS 36-1637 and the 2018 IFC adopted by City Code Sec. 9-31 (Ord. 2021-13). Approved alarms must be installed in every...
Peoria, AZ
Peoria adopts International Fire Code (IFC) Chapter 61 for LP-gas. Residential: two 20-lb cylinders max per dwelling outside; indoor storage prohibited. BBQ ...
Peoria, AZ
Peoria's fire code (2018 International Fire Code) requires property owners to clear dry brush, dead vegetation, and fire hazards. The city's northwest Valley...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how Peoria's protected tree species rules stack up against other locations.
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