Pinal County, AZ Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- GR zone cluster option subdivisions only
- Named features
- Saguaros, ironwoods, mesquite bosques
- Minimum open space
- 30 percent of subdivision
- Functional open space cap
- 50 percent of required open space
- Fence limit near conservation areas
- 42-inch wildlife-friendly fencing
- Governing section
- PCDSC § 2.40.040(C), (F), (G)
Summary
In the GR zone's cluster subdivision option, Pinal County requires developers to identify and protect "primary conservation features" on the site, a defined term that expressly names saguaros, ironwoods, mesquite bosques and habitat for threatened and endangered species, and to set aside a minimum 30 percent of the subdivision as open space to protect them.
Primary conservation features means those parts of the site that contain primary resource value natural features such as lakes, ponds, wetlands, floodways, riparian areas, prominent peaks and ridges, prominent rock outcrops, slopes over 15 percent, prominent vegetative and geologic features including saguaros, ironwoods, mesquite bosques, and habitat for threatened and endangered species. ... Open space. ... The subdivision's open space shall protect the subdivision's primary conservation features and provide links, as appropriate, between open space areas and important habitat areas. ... A minimum of 30 percent of the subdivision shall be open space.
Full Breakdown
040 governs the voluntary cluster option available only in the GR (General Rural) zone. " At least 30 percent of the subdivision must be set aside as open space, with no more than half of that counted as "functional" open space (landscaped or recreational areas); the remainder must be "natural open space," meaning land left unimproved except for pedestrian trails and permanently deed-restricted for preservation. Where the perimeter buffer or fencing crosses these areas, subsection F requires "wildlife friendly fencing," defined as a maximum 42-inch fence of two-strand, nonbarbed, 12-gauge wire with the bottom strand at least 18 inches off the ground, built to Arizona Game and Fish Department standards, except around individual private living areas and pet enclosures.
Roads, driveways or utility easements that must cross natural open space are required to follow the least disruptive alignment, and the crossing area cannot be counted toward the 30 percent open space minimum. This cluster option can only be used with a subdivision plat submitted under the county zoning ordinance and cannot be combined with a planned area development (PAD) application.
Violations & Fines
The Board of Supervisors reviews the tentative plat for compliance with the § 2.40.040 open space and conservation-feature standards before a cluster subdivision can be approved; a plat that fails to preserve the required 30 percent open space or protect identified primary conservation features is not approved as submitted. Because the open space is permanently deed-restricted once platted, later disturbance of the protected natural open space areas is enforced through the recorded plat and deed restrictions, not as a separate criminal penalty in this section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pinal County protect saguaros on every lot in unincorporated areas?
How much of a cluster subdivision must stay open space?
What kind of fencing is required near protected habitat in a cluster subdivision?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pinal County
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