Oro Valley, AZ Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

Oro Valley Town Code Chapter 24 establishes the Native Plant Preservation program. Before any land disturbance on a development site, a Native Plant Inventory must be submitted identifying all protected plants on the parcel. Protected native trees include palo verde, ironwood, and mesquite species above certain trunk diameters. Removal requires a permit from Development Services with an approved salvage or mitigation plan. Plants must be tagged in the field prior to any clearing. Salvageable plants must be relocated on-site where feasible or offered to the Town's native plant salvage program. Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) also requires notification before removing protected native plants under ARS 3-904. Destruction of protected native plants without a permit can result in civil penalties and required replacement at a ratio determined by the Town. Individual homeowners removing native trees on private property should contact Development Services to determine if a permit is required, especially in areas subject to site-specific conditions of approval.