Tucson Could Ban Ornamental Grass

The city could ban the planting of “nonfunctional” grass in new developments, but would stop short of regulating lawns and golf courses.

2 minute read

October 25, 2022, 11:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Red one-story Tucson home with gravel front yard

A Tucson home with xeriscaped front yard | Underawesternsky / Home in Tucson, Arizona

A Tucson proposal could ban “nonfunctional” grass planting in some developments, reports Tony Davis in the Arizona Daily Star, following in the footsteps of cities like Las Vegas as the West’s water shortage continues.  

Councilman Kevin Dahl, who supports the legislation, defined nonfunctional grass as “any irrigated grass area not providing functional use, such as grass along streets in strip malls, shopping centers, and businesses, and also turf managed by an HOA (a homeowners association) that does not provide recreational value for people or pets.”

Davis notes that the ban would not extend to new single-family neighborhoods, parks, school playgrounds, or golf courses, which some critics say doesn’t go far enough. Others worry that the vague and subjective definition of “nonfunctional” could make the ban difficult to enforce.

Tucson officials are working with other cities in the region to come up with a water conservation plan by November 15, but have not signed on to the current plan yet. “Among other things, the proposal now calls for a program ‘to reduce the quantity of nonfunctional turf grass by 30% through replacement with drought- and climate-resilient landscaping, while maintaining vital urban landscapes and tree canopies that benefit our communities, wildlife, and the environment.’”

In Southern Nevada, in the water district that includes Las Vegas, development codes prohibit “any grass in new construction of commercial developments and the front yards of new single-family home developments.” In Colorado, the Castle Rock town council voted to ban grass lawns in the front yards of new homes and limit grass turf lawns to 500 square feet in backyards, just a month after Aurora passed a similar law.

Saturday, October 22, 2022 in Arizona Daily Star

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

May 8, 2025 - CBS News Chicago

Man reaching for young girl sliding down playground slide.

Quantifying Social Infrastructure

New developments have clear rules for ensuring surrounding roads, water, and sewers can handle new users. Why not do the same for community amenities?

15 minutes ago - Happy Cities

View of downtown Dallas, Texas skyline with skyscrapers against twilight sky.

Dallas Code Reform Makes Way for Missing Middle Housing

The Dallas City Council voted to change the city’s building code to allow up to eight residential units in three-story buildings.

1 hour ago - Strong Towns

Wire sign over street "Welcome to Chinatown" in New York City.

Mahjong Game Highlights Displacement of Seniors in NYC’s Chinatown

‘Aging Out of Place’ explores the mechanisms that displace vulnerable seniors, and how the community can help preserve key resources and institutions.

2 hours ago - Next City