Maricopa, AZ Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- ALP showing 1
- Native/drought-tolerant vegetation, § 18.90.070(A)(1)
- ALP showing 2
- Desert-environment compatibility
- ALP showing 3
- Water-efficient irrigation/xeriscaping
- Chapter purpose
- Encourages native, discourages invasive species
- Shrub minimum
- 18 inches mature height, § 18.90.030(C)
- Filed with
- Any development app, including PAD plans
Summary
Maricopa lets developers swap out standard landscaping requirements for native and drought-tolerant plantings through an alternative landscape plan under Maricopa City Code § 18.90.070(A), which requires 'preservation or incorporation of drought-tolerant or native vegetation' alongside water-efficient irrigation and desert-environment compatibility. The citywide landscaping purpose section, § 18.90.010(E), separately directs the code to 'encourage the use of drought-tolerant, native or adapted plant species' and discourage invasive nonnative plants.
An applicant who can demonstrate that the intent of this chapter can be exceeded, in whole or in part, may submit an alternative landscape plan (ALP) prepared in accordance with this section. The ALP shall include a narrative that clearly details the modifications being requested and explains how they enhance the landscape design principles listed below. A. Required Elements. In order to qualify for consideration, an ALP shall demonstrate compliance with the following: 1. Use of Drought-Tolerant or Native Vegetation. Preservation or incorporation of drought-tolerant or native vegetation. 2. Compatibility With Surrounding Uses and Desert Environment. A greater degree of compatibility with surrounding uses and the desert environment than a standard landscape plan would offer... 3. Water Efficiency. Use of water-efficient irrigation systems and xeriscaping at appropriate locations is essential.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-10, passed April 21, 2026).
Full Breakdown
An alternative landscape plan (ALP) is Maricopa's mechanism for building around native and drought-tolerant plant material instead of the code's standard, prescriptive landscaping formulas. 070 opens: 'An applicant who can demonstrate that the intent of this chapter can be exceeded, in whole or in part, may submit an alternative landscape plan (ALP) prepared in accordance with this section. 070(A) requires three showings: '1. Use of Drought-Tolerant or Native Vegetation. Preservation or incorporation of drought-tolerant or native vegetation. 2. Compatibility With Surrounding Uses and Desert Environment... 3. Water Efficiency. 030(D) can be inert desert material like decomposed granite or 'desert cobble' at a minimum two-and-one-half-inch depth.
Violations & Fines
Landscaping installed without the required approvals, whether standard plantings or an unapproved ALP substitution, is enforceable under Maricopa City Code § 1.10.010 as a zoning code violation: a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to a $2,500 fine, or, more typically, a civil citation starting at $100 per day for a first offense and escalating to $400 per day for repeat violations, with unpaid judgments recorded as a lien against the property through the Pinal County recorder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use only native desert plants instead of Maricopa's standard landscape list?
Does the city discourage any particular plants?
Who approves an alternative landscape plan?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Maricopa
Compare Maricopa to another location·View the Arizona landscaping rules overview
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