Native Plants: Goodyear vs Phoenix
How do native plants rules compare between Goodyear, AZ and Phoenix, AZ?
Goodyear and Phoenix have similar restriction levels.
Goodyear, AZ
Maricopa County
Goodyear promotes desert-adapted landscaping through Zoning Ordinance Article 5-1. Cities cannot prohibit xeriscape under ARS 9-462.01. Newer developments require desert landscaping. The Zoning Ordinance establishes landscape design objectives and standards.
View full Goodyear 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 | Goodyear | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | Zoning Ordinance Art. 5-1 | - |
| State Law | ARS 9-462.01 protects xeriscape | - |
| New Developments | Desert landscaping standard | - |
| HOAs | Cannot ban drought-tolerant plants | - |
| 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.
Goodyear FAQ
Can I replace grass with desert plants in Goodyear?
Yes. ARS 9-462.01 protects your right to xeriscape. Goodyear promotes desert-adapted landscaping.
Can my HOA require grass?
HOAs cannot prohibit drought-tolerant landscaping under Arizona law. They can require maintenance and may have approved species.
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 Goodyear 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