Marana, AZ Tree Protection: Tree Ordinances (2026)

Marana Land Development Code Chapter 17-11 establishes a comprehensive framework for native plant and tree protection during development. Section 17-11-3 requires a site resource inventory (SRI) for any development site containing unique vegetation, ridgelines, riparian areas, or wildlife corridors. The SRI must document all protected native plants by species, size, location, and condition. Section 17-11-5 sets tiered preservation requirements: 100 percent for endangered species and crested saguaros, 50 percent for saguaros and ironwood trees, and 30 percent for other protected species. Section 17-11-7 establishes landscape requirements mandating drought-tolerant species, minimum plant sizes, and shade coverage for parking areas. At the state level, ARS 3-904 requires landowners to notify the Arizona Department of Agriculture before destroying protected plants, and ARS 3-906 requires permits for collection, salvage, and transport of protected species. The Protected Native Plant List in Section 17-11-6 includes species such as saguaro, barrel cactus, ocotillo, palo verde, ironwood, and mesquite.