Tempe, AZ Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Tempe promotes native and desert-adapted landscaping through its Zoning and Development Code landscape standards. New development projects must include approved desert-adapted and native plant species in landscape plans. The city's approved plant palette emphasizes drought-tolerant Sonoran Desert species. Arizona's Protected Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901 et seq.) makes it illegal to remove protected native plants like saguaro, palo verde, ironwood, and barrel cacti without a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture. This applies even on private property. Tempe supports xeriscape design principles for water conservation. The city participates in regional water conservation programs through the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association. The Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Project in south Tempe demonstrates native riparian landscaping along the Salt River. Existing homeowners are encouraged but not required to convert to native landscaping. Some water utilities offer rebates for lawn-to-xeriscape conversions.