Rio Rancho, NM Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Front-yard turf
- Cool-season grass prohibited
- Side/rear turf cap
- 1,000 sq ft or 20% of lot
- Plant standard
- Not on high-water-use list
- Grandfather date
- Pre-October 31, 2011 exempt
Summary
Rio Rancho, New Mexico bans cool-season turf grass in single-family front yards across this Sandoval County city and limits front-yard plantings to species not on the city's high-water-use plant list, pushing homeowners toward xeriscape and native, low-water landscaping.
The installation of cool season turf grass in residential front yards is prohibited. Cool season turf grass is permitted in side and rear yards but shall not exceed 1,000 square feet or 20% of the total lot area, whichever is less. Cool season turf grasses include but are not limited to the following species: Poa pratensis (Kentucky Bluegrass), Festuca spp. (Fescues), and Lolium spp. (Ryegrasses). Plant materials in front yards shall be limited to species that are not listed as high water use on the City of Rio Rancho plant list. Existing turf and other plants installed prior to October 31, 2011, are exempt from this regulation. After October 31, 2011, future homeowner association bylaws or new restrictive covenants shall not have requirements that conflict with the landscaping restrictions contained herein. Effective the date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, home-owner association bylaws or new restrictive covenants shall not mandate a minimum amount of live grass.
(2)
Full Breakdown
Section 154.60(E)(1)(a) of the residential design standards prohibits cool season turf, Kentucky bluegrass, fescues, and ryegrasses, in single-family front yards anywhere in Rio Rancho, New Mexico; it's allowed in side and rear yards only up to 1,000 square feet or 20% of the lot. Front-yard plant material must come from species the City of Rio Rancho's plant list does not classify as high water use, effectively steering homeowners toward xeriscape and native, drought-tolerant landscaping in this Sandoval County city.
Violations & Fines
Homes occupied before October 31, 2011 with existing turf are exempt; new landscaping that violates § 154.60(E)(1)(a) is enforced by Development Services during permit and inspection, and can draw up to a $500 fine as a general code violation under § 10.99.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a grass lawn in my front yard in Rio Rancho?
Is existing turf grandfathered?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rio Rancho
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