Native Plants: Phoenix vs Surprise
How do native plants rules compare between Phoenix, AZ and Surprise, AZ?
Surprise has fewer restrictions than Phoenix.
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 →Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
Surprise encourages desert-compatible landscaping using native and drought-tolerant plants. The city's landscape code requires water-efficient plant selections for new development. Arizona native plants like palo verde, saguaro, and mesquite are protected under the Arizona Native Plant Law (ARS 3-904).
View full Surprise rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Phoenix | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Saguaro Protection | - | ARS 3-904 — felony to destroy |
| Salvage Permits | - | AZ Dept. of Agriculture |
| City Standard | - | Desert-compatible landscaping |
| Water Provider | - | EPCOR Water |
| Turf Conversion | - | Rebates may be available |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Surprise FAQ
Can I remove a saguaro cactus from my Surprise property?
Not without a salvage permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Destroying a saguaro is a class 4 felony under ARS 3-904.
Does Surprise require desert landscaping?
New development must include drought-tolerant and native species. Existing homeowners are encouraged but not required to convert to desert landscaping.
Are there rebates for replacing my lawn with desert plants?
EPCOR Water, Surprise's water provider, may offer turf conversion rebates. Contact them to check current program availability.
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