Plano, TX Water Use Rules: Turf Replacement Rebates (2026)
Key Facts
- Program
- NTMWD Water IQ SmartScape
- HOA protection
- Texas Property Code 202.007
- Rebate type
- Irrigation efficiency upgrades
Summary
Plano partners with NTMWD on the Water IQ SmartScape program, offering homeowners rebates and free design templates for replacing thirsty St. Augustine turf with native Texas plants and efficient irrigation upgrades.
Sec. 202.007. CERTAIN RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS PROHIBITED. (a) A property owners' association may not include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from: (1) implementing measures promoting solid-waste composting of vegetation, including grass clippings, leaves, or brush; (2) installing rain barrels or a rainwater harvesting system; (3) implementing efficient irrigation systems, including underground drip or other drip systems; or (4) using drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf. (b) A provision that violates Subsection (a) is void. (c) A property owners' association may restrict the type of turf used in the planting of new turf to encourage or require water-conserving turf.
Full Breakdown
Through the regional Water IQ initiative, Plano residents can apply for irrigation system evaluation rebates and pressure-regulating sprinkler head upgrades. The SmartScape plant database highlights drought-tolerant Texas natives such as muhly grass, lantana, and Texas sage that thrive on Lake Lavon supply schedules. HOAs cannot prohibit drought-resistant landscaping under Texas Property Code Section 202.007, which protects xeriscaping and water-conserving yards from deed-restriction enforcement. Plano publishes preapproved front-yard templates that satisfy minimum landscape coverage standards in the Zoning Ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Removing turf without replacing required living groundcover or violating minimum landscape coverage standards in the Zoning Ordinance can trigger code-enforcement notices and replanting orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA force me to keep turf grass?
Does Plano pay homeowners to remove their lawns?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Plano
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Plano to another location·View the Texas water use rules overview
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Turf Replacement Rebates in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Collin County handle turf replacement rebates.