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Pima County, AZ Tree Protection: Tree Replacement Requirements (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

Verified 1 month ago|Source: Pima County Native Plant Preservation Code →

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Key Facts

Code Chapter: 18.72 (Native Plant Preservation)
Priority: Avoid > transplant > donate > pay
Replacement Ratio: Minimum 2:1 for trees
Saguaro Transplant: Licensed contractor + 2-year warranty

City-specific rules exist: Oro Valley, Sahuarita, Marana, and Tucson have their own tree replacement requirements rules that differ from Pima County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

Chapter 18.72 mandates native plant mitigation for development: avoid removal first, then transplant, donate, or pay into a fund. Trees replaced at minimum 2:1 ratio.

Full Breakdown

When development in unincorporated Pima County requires removing protected native plants, Chapter 18.72 mandates a mitigation hierarchy: first, avoid removal through site design; second, transplant on-site to landscape areas; third, donate to Pima County or approved salvage nurseries; fourth, pay into the county native plant mitigation fund. Replacement ratios depend on species and size. Saguaro cacti over 4 feet must be transplanted by a licensed contractor with a minimum 2-year warranty. Palo verde and ironwood trees removed must be replaced at a minimum 2:1 ratio with nursery-grown specimens of the same genus. Mitigation plantings must use species native to the Sonoran Desert and be irrigated until established. The Pima County Development Services department reviews and approves all mitigation plans. Post-construction monitoring may be required for larger projects.

Violations & Fines

Failure to complete mitigation plan: withholding of certificate of occupancy, performance bond forfeiture, and potential criminal referral under ARS 3-904 for destruction of protected plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to native plants when land is developed in Pima County?

Chapter 18.72 requires developers to first try to preserve plants in place, then transplant them on-site, donate them to salvage programs, or pay into a county mitigation fund. Replacement ratios of at least 2:1 apply for protected trees.

Who pays for native plant transplanting during development?

The developer or property owner bears all costs of native plant surveys, transplanting, replacement plantings, and post-construction monitoring required under Chapter 18.72.

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Pima County, AZ Tree Protection: Tree Replacement Requirements (2026)

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