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911 - Always call 911 in emergencies
Pima Co Sheriff Rincon District Office: (520) 351-4511
Saguaro National Park Dispatch: (520) 351-3900
Rural Metro Fire: 800-624-5835
Read SR Zoning Code: Pima County Zoning Code Ordinances Chapter 18.17
Pima County road maintenance issues: (520) 724-6410 or Pima Cot DOT online
Call 911! Please also alert Neighborhood Watch Area Leader Michael Ritchie at michaelritchie777@gmail.com so he can start the Neighborhood Watch phone tree as needed. [As of January 1, 2025]
For emergencies, always call 911. Law Enforcement Rangers can be reached by calling Park Dispatch at 520-351-4900.
The Notch is SR (suburban ranch) zoning "intended as a low density zone principally for single-family residences and associated conditional uses on large lots." You can read the requirements of SR zoning in Pima County Zoning Code Ordinances Chapter 18.17. [As of 6/15/2025]
Pima County Department of Environmental Quality handles suspected zoning code or building code violations. Call 520-724-7400 or complete the Code Complaint form here. (Note that forms can be completed with your name or anonymously. If you submit a Code Complaint anonymously, there is no way for Pima County to report back to you on the outcome of your complaint). [As of 6/15/2025]
Shipping containers are permitted only in conjunction with an approved permitted commercial development plan. Shipping containers are not allowed as an accessory use on a property zoned as SR. The specific Pima County zoning code section is 18.07.030.N. [As of 2/12/2025]
Prior to our annual general meeting, the issue of road dust was discussed as a concern. At the February 15, 2025, general meeting the possibility of dust abatement was discussed with the overwhelming majority of residents in attendance in support (via raised hand vote) of trying Pima Co. DOT's dust abatement program, the application of magnesium chloride diluted with water, often called "mag water". The Association contacted PCDOT to proceed with trial application on only one road the next time our roads were graded. In April 2025, mag water was applied to Avenida Venado after routine grading.
The mag water application generated complaints including slip & fall hazards, increased speeding on the hardened road surface, irritation to pets, attractant (salt) to wildlife, toxicity to wildlife and vegetation, reported dead vegetation from overspray or run off, and buildup on tires and vehicles.
The Association contacted Pima Co DOT and requested they suspend further application of mag water until after our general meeting in Q1 2026. They agreed. In the fall of 2025 during routine grading, it was reported that Pima Co. DOT reapplied mag water. Understandably, residents opposed to mag water and the Board were upset that it was reapplied after agreeing not to. While DOT staff verbally acknowledged this error, they have not confirmed the reapplication error in writing (see Letter to Notch resident below).
Here are links to several reports, studies and information related to fugitive dust and magnesium chloride for dust suppression that have been provided by residents and Pima Co. DOT:
RoadSaver, the magnesium chloride product used by Pima Co DOT for dust abatement
Colorado State University study on "Magnesium Chloride Toxicity in Trees" (Note that colder climates use magnesium chloride on roads for dust suppression and deicing).
Arizona Dept. of Environment Quality's "Fugitive Dust Prevention Tips"
The Pima Co. Dept. of Environmental Quality regulates fugitive dust via Pima County Code Title 17. While Pima Co. DOT has been responsive to resident's input on roads for many years, Pima County owns and maintains them. (As of 1/20/2026)
Call Pima County Dept. of Transportation at (520) 724-6410 or submit your request online at https://www.pima.gov/897/Report-a-Problem-Submit-Request
Fireworks are regulated in Arizona under ARS 36-1606. “Permissible consumer fireworks” that are legal for personal use in Arizona are ground-based (fountains, sparklers, ground spinners). Aerial fireworks (bottle rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles) are illegal for personal use in Arizona. If you observe illegal fireworks, call 911.
Fireworks can have serious unintended consequences for our veterans. Sudden loud bangs and flashes can trigger traumatic memories, causing anxiety, panic attacks or flashbacks. Pets and wildlife often react with fear and stress, resulting in injury or frantic escape attempts. Horses are flight animals and fireworks can trigger severe panic, resulting in stampedes, fatal fencing collisions, or stress-induced colic. So, yes, ground-based fireworks are legal per ARS 36-1606 but due to the above reasons and fire hazards, we prefer you don't.