Henderson Low Water Use Plants for Landscaping and Other Landscaping Standards

Development Code § 19.11.4 requires a minimum three tree varieties and five shrub varieties for each landscaping project. Plant materials shall be selected and/or placed for: energy and water efficiency; adaptability and relationship to the desert environment; color, form, and pattern; ability to provide shade; soil retention; and resistance to fire. The overall landscape plan shall be integrated with all elements of the project, such as buildings, parking lots, and streets to achieve a desirable microclimate and minimize energy demand.

Plants installed to satisfy the requirements of this Section shall meet or exceed the plant quality and species standards of the Arizona Nursery Association and the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) Water Smart Landscapes Program Plant List and must be rated at least three stars. Plants with low or very low water use and that are water efficient and drought-tolerant are required. Plants shall be nursery-grown and adapted to the local area. Preventing persons from using water-efficient and drought-tolerant landscaping, including but not limited to xeriscape, is prohibited.

The code also requires minimum tree size and corresponding surface area size requirements.