New Port Richey, FL Water Use Rules: Turf Replacement Rebates (2026)
Key Facts
- High water-use turf cap
- 75% of landscaped area
- Waterfront mow buffer
- 6 feet from water's edge
- Slope limit
- no mowed turf over 4:1 slope
- Applies to
- new development & redevelopment site plans
Summary
New Port Richey's Land Development Code caps high water-use turf at 75% of landscaped area and requires irrigated turfgrass to be consolidated in high-traffic or erosion-control zones near the Pithlachascotee River and other waterways.
Irrigated turfgrass areas shall be consolidated and limited to those areas on the site that receive pedestrian traffic, provide for recreation use, provide cover for septic tank drainfields and required drainfield reserve areas, or provide soil erosion control such as on slopes or in swales; and where turfgrass is used as a design unifier, or other similar practical use. As a matter of public safety, no turfgrass that requires mowing shall be allowed on slopes greater than 4:1 or within six (6) feet of the water's edge...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 68).
Full Breakdown
New Port Richey's Florida-Friendly Landscape ordinance regulates where turf can be planted citywide. Under City Code section 24-377(e), irrigated turfgrass areas must be consolidated and limited to pedestrian traffic areas, recreation use, septic drainfields, erosion control on slopes, or as a design unifier, and mowed turf is barred within six feet of the water's edge and on slopes steeper than 4:1. Section 24-377(a)(4) caps high water-use hydrozones, including irrigated turf, at 75 percent of the landscaped area on new development and redevelopment subject to site plan review. The rule applies citywide in Pasco County, not just waterfront lots.
Violations & Fines
Violating the turf and hydrozone limits is a violation of City Code chapter 24, article VII, enforceable under section 24-383 by citation, withheld certificate of occupancy, injunctive relief, or a fine under F.S. chapter 162.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this ban lawns in New Port Richey?
Does it apply to existing yards?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Port Richey
Florida rules heatmap·Compare New Port Richey to another location·View the Florida water use rules overview
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