Las Vegas encourages Mojave native and desert-adapted plants through SNWA Water Smart Landscapes Rebate, zoning guidelines and HOA design standards. Native mesquite, palo verde, creosote and desert willow are preferred species; turfgrass is being phased out of commercial and common-area landscapes under AB 356.
Las Vegas is at the center of the most aggressive desert landscape conversion program in the US. The Southern Nevada Water Authority's Water Smart Landscapes Rebate pays $3 per square foot of turf removed and replaced with qualifying desert landscape — over 200 million square feet converted since the program's inception. Recommended plant lists emphasize Mojave natives (honey mesquite, desert willow, Texas sage, creosote bush, brittlebush) plus climate-adapted Sonoran species (blue palo verde, red yucca). Grass is allowed on residential front yards only as 'functional turf' used for recreation, and AB 356 (2021) requires removal of non-functional grass in commercial, HOA and multifamily common areas by the end of 2026. Invasive plants such as fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) are discouraged but not yet banned statewide. Tree selection should avoid invasive olive and mulberry varieties restricted under Clark County pollen-control rules. The city's Urban Forestry program supplies low-cost shade trees for residential planting in qualifying neighborhoods.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Las Vegas code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Las Vegas, NV
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