Tempe, AZ Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- ARS 3-901 (Protected Native Plant Law)
- Protected Species
- Saguaro, palo verde, ironwood, barrel cacti
- New Development
- Desert-adapted plants required in landscape plans
- Xeriscape
- Encouraged for water conservation
- Removal Penalty
- Up to $100,000 for unauthorized native plant removal
- Rebates
- Some utilities offer lawn conversion rebates
Summary
Tempe encourages native and desert-adapted landscaping. Arizona's Protected Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901) protects saguaro, palo verde, ironwood, and other native species from removal without state permits. Tempe's development standards require desert-adapted plants in new construction landscape plans. The city supports water conservation through xeriscape design.
This chapter does not prevent the destruction of protected native plants or clearing of land or cleaning or removing protected native plants by the owner of the land or the owner's agent if:
1. The land is in private ownership.
2. The protected native plants are not transported from the land or offered for sale.
3. The owner or the owner's agent notifies the department pursuant to this section of the intended destruction at least:
(a) Twenty days before the plants are destroyed over an area of less than one acre.
(b) Thirty days before the plants are destroyed over an area of one acre or more but less than forty acres.
(c) Sixty days before the plants are destroyed over an area of forty acres or more.
4.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
Removing protected native plants without a state permit is a violation with fines up to $100,000. Landscape plans not meeting development standards may delay project approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a saguaro from my Tempe property?
Does Tempe require desert landscaping?
Are there rebates for removing my lawn?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tempe
Compare Tempe to another location·View the Arizona landscaping rules overview
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Native Plants in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle native plants.