Tucson requires replacement or mitigation when protected native trees and plants are removed during development. The Native Plant Preservation Ordinance mandates salvage and transplantation of protected species when feasible. When transplantation is not possible, developers must provide replacement plantings or contribute to a mitigation fund. The city encourages the use of native and drought-adapted species for all replacement plantings.
Replacement requirements are determined during the development review process based on the number and type of protected plants removed. Native species are preferred for replacement, with established salvage nurseries maintaining transplanted specimens. The city's water harvesting requirements complement tree replacement by ensuring new plantings receive adequate irrigation through passive rainwater collection. Tree replacement ratios may be specified in development conditions.
Failure to complete required replacement plantings can result in withholding of certificates of occupancy, bond forfeiture, and additional fines.
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 replacement requirements.
See how Tucson's tree replacement requirements 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.