The proposed bill would amend current statutes by adding a new section (45-563.03) that prohibits municipalities located in initial Active Management Areas (AMAs) from adopting or enforcing certain requirements related to landscaping. Specifically, it would prevent these municipalities from establishing minimum turf requirements and from mandating the installation of plants not included on the Low-Water-Use and Drought-Tolerant Plant List published by the Arizona Department of Water Resources. However, it allows for exceptions regarding functional turf requirements associated with public recreational areas, while explicitly excluding stormwater drainage areas located in subdivisions from these exceptions.

Additionally, the bill defines "subdivision" in accordance with existing law and clarifies that the prohibition on minimum turf requirements does not apply to functional turf in public spaces such as playgrounds and sports fields. The bill aims to streamline water management practices in AMAs by limiting local regulations that could conflict with state conservation goals. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance water conservation efforts while providing municipalities with some flexibility in managing public recreational spaces.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-500.52, 45-563.03, 45-402, 45-561
Senate Engrossed Version: 9-500.52, 45-563.03, 45-402
House Engrossed Version: 45-563.03