Mohave County, AZ Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Desert landscaping
- The norm, allowed
- Lawn mandate
- None from county
- Native Plant Law
- A.R.S. Title 3, Ch. 7
- Residential exemption
- 10 acres or less, built
- Main constraint
- HOA covenants
Summary
In the Mojave Desert, gravel yards and native, drought-tolerant plants are the norm, and no county rule forces a grass lawn. Arizona's Native Plant Law protects wild desert species growing on the land itself, mostly at the land-clearing stage.
Destruction of native plants on individually owned residential property of ten acres or less where initial construction has already occurred
Full Breakdown
Desert landscaping is standard across Mohave County, and neither the county nor its cities requires a turf lawn; gravel, decomposed granite, cactus, and native shrubs are the default. Arizona's Native Plant Law (A.R.S. Title 3, Chapter 7) protects wild native plants growing on the land, so before clearing raw ground you must notify the Arizona Department of Agriculture and may need a salvage permit. Residential lots of ten acres or less where construction has already occurred are exempt. Arizona has no broad statute forcing HOAs to accept every xeriscape choice, so subdivision covenants remain the main constraint on plant selection.
Violations & Fines
None from the county for planting a native or xeriscape yard. Destroying protected native plants during land clearing without notice or a salvage permit is a state violation. HOA landscape covenants are enforced privately by the association.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a gravel or native-plant yard in Mohave County?
Does the Native Plant Law affect my yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mohave County
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