Glendale, AZ Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Glendale's landscaping ordinance (Chapter 19) establishes standards for plant selection and landscape design. The city's approved plant list emphasizes drought-tolerant and desert-adapted species suitable for the Sonoran Desert climate. New residential developments are typically required to include native or desert-adapted plants in landscape plans. Existing homeowners are not required to use native plants but are encouraged to adopt water-efficient desert landscaping. Arizona's Protected Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901 et seq.) protects species such as saguaro cacti, palo verde, ironwood, and other native desert plants. Removing a protected native plant from any location requires a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Salvage of native plants during land clearing for development must comply with the Native Plant Law. The city participates in regional water conservation initiatives that promote xeriscape design principles: proper planning, soil improvement, appropriate plant selection, efficient irrigation, mulching, and limited turf areas.