Coconino County, AZ Water Use Rules: Turf Replacement Rebates (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- new/redeveloped commercial & multifamily sites
- Exempt
- single-family/duplex lots on individual parcels
- Prohibited turf example
- Kentucky Blue Grass
- Documentation
- sod/seed mix named on plant list
- Fines
- up to $750/day individual, $10,000/day business
Summary
Coconino County's landscaping standards require any turf area on a covered development site to use sod or seed cultivated to thrive in that site's actual conditions, and flatly prohibit non-native, high-water turf like Kentucky Blue Grass. Single-family and duplex homes on individual lots are exempt from the requirement.
If turf areas are included, they must use a sod or seed mix specifically cultivated to thrive in the conditions present at the particular Site. The use of non-native and/or high water consumptive turf such as Kentucky Blue Grass is prohibited. The applicant must provide information regarding the composition of a sod or seed mix as part of the detailed plant list as required.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Coconino County's landscaping standards, which apply to new and redeveloped commercial, multifamily, and other covered sites (single-family and duplex homes on individual lots are exempt), regulate what kind of grass a landscape plan can use. B requires any turf area to use a sod or seed mix specifically cultivated to thrive in the conditions actually present at the site, and it flatly bars non-native or high-water-consumptive turf, naming Kentucky Blue Grass as the example. An applicant must document the sod or seed mix composition, by botanical and common name, as part of the detailed plant list required with every landscape plan.
A, which lists promoting conservation of water used for landscaping and addressing wildfire safety as express goals, alongside protecting native landscapes and controlling noxious weeds. B, absent a waiver from the Community Development Director, the turf restriction functions as the county's water-conservation control on lawn areas rather than a standalone water-use ordinance.
Violations & Fines
A landscape plan using a prohibited high-water turf species, or a site that lets required landscaping die without replacement, is enforced as an ordinary zoning violation under Section 5.14: the Zoning Inspector investigates, and the Hearing Officer can fine up to $750 per day for an individual or $10,000 per day for a business, with the county able to withhold building and zoning permits on the property in the meantime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant Kentucky Blue Grass on a commercial site in Coconino County?
Does this turf rule apply to my house?
Do I have to prove what grass seed I'm using?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Coconino County
Compare Coconino County to another location·View the Arizona water use rules overview
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