Fort Smith, AR Water Use Rules: Turf Replacement Rebates (2026)
Key Facts
- Single-family suggestion
- Max 80% turf (voluntary)
- Multifamily suggestion
- Max 60% turf (voluntary)
- Commercial suggestion
- Max 50% turf (voluntary)
- Mandatory status
- Optional, not required
Summary
Fort Smith's design guidelines make xeriscaping voluntary, suggesting homeowners keep turf grass to a maximum of 80 percent of pervious yard area if they choose to reduce lawn coverage.
Adhere to the following guidelines for the percentage of xeriscaped area to turf grass lawn areas:1.Single-family and duplex residential: a maximum of 80 percent turf grass lawn and minimum of 20 percent xeriscape for the pervious area.2.Multifamily residential: a maximum of 60 percent turf grass lawn and minimum of 40 percent xeriscape for the pervious area.3.Commercial, office, industrial and other developments: a maximum of 50 percent turf grass lawn and minimum of 50 percent xeriscape for the pervious area.4.Homebuilders or developers subdividing lots or constructing new single-family residential homes are encouraged to offer a xeriscape option in any series of landscaping options offered to prospective home buyers.5.Use water conservation efficient irrigation systems. Trees, shrubs, flowers and groundcover should be irrigated with low volume drip emitters, micro-sprayers or soaker hoses. The sprinkler irrigation systems should be reserved to the turf grass lawn areas.6.Use organic mulches such as wood chips, bark or pine straw to minimize evaporation, reduce weed growth, slow erosion and help prevent soil temperature fluctuations.7.Group similar landscaping together according to their watering requirements to minimize overall water usage and reduce the amount of maintenance required.8.The following trees and plants are recommended: Drought-Tolerant Shrubs Common Name Scientific Name Native Type Glossy Abelia Abelia × grandiflora No Evergreen
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 27-602-3(L) frames xeriscape, drought-tolerant landscaping that relies on minimal irrigation, as a voluntary, low-maintenance option the city encourages rather than mandates. For property owners who choose to pursue it, the code suggests capping turf grass lawn at 80 percent of the pervious area for single-family and duplex lots (at least 20 percent xeriscape), 60 percent for multifamily, and 50 percent for commercial, office, and industrial sites. It also suggests using at least 50 percent native Arkansas plants and installing rain-sensor irrigation controls. There is no mandatory turf-replacement rule, rebate, or enforcement mechanism in Fort Smith's code, this is guidance, not a standard.
Violations & Fines
None: the xeriscape guidelines in Sec. 27-602-3(L) are voluntary suggestions for water conservation, not a mandatory standard, so the city imposes no fine or enforcement action for keeping a traditional turf lawn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fort Smith require homeowners to replace grass lawns with xeriscape?
What turf percentage does the city suggest for commercial sites?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Smith
Compare Fort Smith to another location·View the Arkansas water use rules overview
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