Native Plants: Phoenix vs Tempe
How do native plants rules compare between Phoenix, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Phoenix and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
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 →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Tempe encourages native and desert-adapted landscaping. Arizona's Protected Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901) protects saguaro, palo verde, ironwood, and other native species from removal without state permits. Tempe's development standards require desert-adapted plants in new construction landscape plans. The city supports water conservation through xeriscape design.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Phoenix | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| State Law | - | ARS 3-901 (Protected Native Plant Law) |
| Protected Species | - | Saguaro, palo verde, ironwood, barrel cacti |
| New Development | - | Desert-adapted plants required in landscape plans |
| Xeriscape | - | Encouraged for water conservation |
| Removal Penalty | - | Up to $100,000 for unauthorized native plant removal |
| Rebates | - | Some utilities offer lawn conversion rebates |
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.
Tempe FAQ
Can I remove a saguaro from my Tempe property?
Not without a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Saguaro and other native plants are protected under ARS 3-901 with penalties up to $100,000.
Does Tempe require desert landscaping?
New developments must include desert-adapted plants. Existing homeowners are encouraged but not required to convert to xeriscape.
Are there rebates for removing my lawn?
Some regional water utilities offer rebates for lawn-to-xeriscape conversions. Check with your water provider.
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