Native Plants: Chandler vs Phoenix
How do native plants rules compare between Chandler, AZ and Phoenix, AZ?
Chandler has fewer restrictions than Phoenix.
Chandler, AZ
Maricopa County
Chandler promotes native and drought-tolerant plants through xeriscape rebate programs. Plants must be from the Phoenix AMA Low-Water-Use list to qualify for city rebates, with 50% canopy coverage at maturity.
View full Chandler rules →Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Phoenix Zoning Ordinance Section 1309 establishes landscape standards requiring use of approved plant species from the Arizona Department of Water Resources Phoenix AMA-3550 list. Turf and high-water-use plants are limited to 50% of landscape area or 10% of total lot area, whichever is less. Native desert plants are strongly encouraged.
View full Phoenix rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chandler | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Rebate Available | For grass-to-xeriscape | - |
| Plant List | Phoenix AMA approved | - |
| Canopy Target | 50% at maturity | - |
| New Development | Low-water plants required | - |
| Zoning Section | - | Phoenix Zoning Ordinance §1309 |
| Turf Limit | - | 50% of landscape area or 10% of lot, whichever less |
| Approved Species | - | AZ Dept of Water Resources Phoenix AMA-3550 list |
| Right-of-Way | - | No turf in public right-of-way |
| Shade Trees | - | Must be from Table 1309.1 or AMA-3550 list |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chandler FAQ
Does Chandler require native plants?
Not for existing homes, but new development must use low-water plants. Xeriscape rebate programs incentivize conversion with plants from the Phoenix AMA approved list.
What plants qualify for Chandler's rebate program?
Plants must be on the Phoenix AMA Low-Water-Use/Drought-Tolerant Plant List. The converted area must achieve 50% canopy coverage at typical mature plant size.
Phoenix FAQ
Does Phoenix require native plants in landscaping?
Phoenix does not mandate exclusively native plants but limits turf and high-water-use plants to 50% of landscape area or 10% of total lot area. Shade trees must be from the approved AMA-3550 list, which favors desert-adapted species.
Can I have a grass lawn in Phoenix?
Yes, but turf is limited. Under Zoning Ordinance §1309, turf cannot exceed 50% of the landscape area or 10% of total lot area. Turf is not permitted in the public right-of-way.
Compare other topics
See how Chandler and Phoenix compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool