Pima County protects native plants through Ch. 18.72 and Ch. 18.67 (riparian habitat), plus ARS 3-904. Buffer zones protect desert washes and the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan guides land use.
Pima County's tree and plant protection framework encompasses multiple code sections. Chapter 18.72 (Native Plant Preservation) applies to all land-disturbing activities requiring a county permit. Chapter 18.67 (Watercourse and Riparian Habitat Protection) protects native trees and vegetation within designated watercourses, riparian habitat areas, and important riparian areas (IRAs). Development within buffer zones of washes and riparian corridors requires enhanced plant preservation. The Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan (SDCP) guides land-use decisions affecting native habitat. Pima County also administers the Conservation Lands System, which classifies land into biological core, important riparian, and multiple-use categories with varying levels of plant protection. Native trees along desert washes -- including velvet mesquite, blue palo verde, and desert ironwood -- receive additional protection through riparian habitat regulations. The county arborist or biologist may be required to review development proposals in sensitive areas.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. Tucson Code Chapter 16 (Neighborhood Pr...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, height, lighting hours, and blower noise are governed by HOA CC&Rs. Tu...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Timing, brightness, and animated displays are governed by HOA CC&Rs in master-planne...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs through the Planning and Development S...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has no specific city ordinance regulating residential smokers or pellet grills. Smoke nuisance may be addressed under Tucson Code Section 16-31 (exces...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson Fire Department enforces the International Fire Code with local amendments. Per Tucson's BBQ and Open Flame Devices handout, 20-lb propane cylinders m...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Pima County.
See how other cities in Pima County handle tree ordinances.
See how Tucson's tree ordinances rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.