Scottsdale, AZ Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Section 49-241 defines water-intensive landscaping as any area watered by a permanent irrigation system and planted mostly with species not on the Phoenix AMA Low Water Use Plant List, plus the surface area of pools and water features. Building on that, Sec. 49-248 requires that for any new single-family residential home issued a building permit on or after August 15, 2023, water-intensive landscape or turf can only be located in a rear or side yard enclosed by a fence or wall at least three feet tall; homes permitted or built before that date are exempt.

5 percent of the remainder, and new commercial or industrial lots to 10 percent of the first 9,000 square feet with 5 percent of any remainder up to one acre, beyond which no more water-intensive turf is allowed. Model homes follow the same sliding-scale percentages and must confine any turf to rear yards. Separately, Division 2 establishes a citywide Drought Management Plan under Secs. 49-253 through 49-259: the City Manager may declare a drought stage, impose mandatory conservation measures and add a surcharge on water used above the amount set for that stage, with public notice published when any stage above zero takes effect.