{"id":28396,"date":"2024-08-14T12:19:14","date_gmt":"2024-08-14T12:19:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=28396"},"modified":"2025-05-04T22:54:10","modified_gmt":"2025-05-04T22:54:10","slug":"is-grass-illegal-las-vegas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/is-grass-illegal-las-vegas\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Grass Illegal in Las Vegas?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grass isn\u2019t completely illegal in Las Vegas, but there are strict regulations to manage its use to support water conservation. These measures include restrictions on existing grass areas as well as new installations.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Continue reading for a comprehensive breakdown of the rules and what they mean for you.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-e6648464-c81f-4fed-9c4b-9f7f6e2b1c57\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">Table of Contents<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/is-grass-illegal-las-vegas\/#0-grass-restrictions-in-las-vegas\" style=\"\">Grass restrictions in Las Vegas<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/is-grass-illegal-las-vegas\/#1-getting-rid-of-useless-grass\" style=\"\">Getting rid of useless grass<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/is-grass-illegal-las-vegas\/#2-prohibitions-on-new-grass-installation\" style=\"\">Prohibitions on new grass installation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/is-grass-illegal-las-vegas\/#3-faq-about-grass-restrictions-in-las-vegas\" style=\"\">FAQ about grass restrictions in Las Vegas<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-grass-restrictions-in-las-vegas\"><span id=\"grass-restrictions-in-las-vegas\">Grass restrictions in Las Vegas<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>So, is grass illegal in Las Vegas? Not entirely<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While grass isn\u2019t completely illegal or banned, there are laws and restrictions affecting lawns in the Las Vegas Valley and the wider Southern Nevada region to help manage water supply. Here\u2019s a quick rundown:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>AB356 law<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>2021 Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) Board Resolution<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2022 Prohibits irrigation of nonfunctional grass in commercial, government, and multi-family properties by 2027<br>\u2022 Does not apply to single-family homes. Homeowners can keep their existing lawns.<\/td><td>\u2022 Bans new grass installations in all new commercial and residential developments<br>\u2022 New housing developments cannot have irrigated grass lawns, but existing homes can keep theirs.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Southern Nevada relies on Lake Mead for 90% of its drinking water. Lake Mead&#8217;s low levels indicate water shortages in the Colorado River system, so the region has had to limit the amount of water it takes from the lake.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-getting-rid-of-useless-grass\"><span id=\"getting-rid-of-useless-grass\">Getting rid of useless grass<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_1rsz_shutterstock_441952912.jpg\" alt=\"person using a shovel to dig up grass for lawn removal from a specific area\" class=\"wp-image-7912\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_1rsz_shutterstock_441952912.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_1rsz_shutterstock_441952912-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_1rsz_shutterstock_441952912-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_1rsz_shutterstock_441952912-610x406.jpg 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_1rsz_shutterstock_441952912-390x260.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/gardening-remove-old-grass-sward-441952912\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you manage a non-residential property with nonfunctional grass, take note:<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Starting in 2027, Nevada\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.snwa.com\/conservation\/understand-laws-ordinances\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AB356<\/a> will<strong> prohibit using Colorado River water for irrigating nonfunctional grass.<\/strong> This new law aims to save water by encouraging the replacement of grass that doesn&#8217;t serve a practical or recreational purpose.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This move comes as seven states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) grapple with water shortages from the overused Colorado River.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;Here\u2019s a closer look at what this means:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Applies mostly to non-residential areas<\/strong>: The law applies to commercial, government, multi-family, and other non-residential properties. If you manage or own these properties, you&#8217;ll need to evaluate and potentially replace nonfunctional grass areas to comply with the law.<\/li>    <li><strong>Single-family homes are not affected<\/strong>: If you have grass at your home, whether in your front or back yard, you&#8217;re in the clear. You can keep your lawn as it is. Just remember to care for it wisely and conserve water, even with the <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-grass-types-las-vegas\/\">best grass types for Las Vegas<\/a>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro Tip<\/strong>: If you have grass at home, it\u2019s important to know the assigned <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/las-vegas-lawn-watering-schedule\/\">watering schedules for Las Vegas<\/a>. This helps you stay within the rules and conserve water properly.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Functional vs. nonfunctional grass<\/strong><\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Type of grass<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Description<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Subject to AB356 restrictions?<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Functional<\/strong><\/td><td>Irrigated grass area that provides a recreational benefit to the community, such as as athletic fields, playgrounds, golf courses, and pet relief areas<\/td><td><strong>NO<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Nonfunctional<\/strong><\/td><td>Grass not used for practical or recreational purposes, like along streets and parking lots, around buildings not for single-family homes, or in HOA-managed areas not providing recreational benefits<\/td><td><strong>YES<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Here\u2019s the good news<\/strong>: If you\u2019re switching to water-saving landscapes, you can take advantage of a great incentive.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SNWA\u2019s Water Smart Landscapes rebate program incentivizes removing grass and replacing it with desert-friendly plants. The rebate amount varies depending on the area converted, with higher rates for the first portion and reduced rates for additional areas.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-prohibitions-on-new-grass-installation\"><span id=\"prohibitions-on-new-grass-installation\">Prohibitions on new grass installation<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/installing-sod.jpeg\" alt=\"Worker laying new sod  \" class=\"wp-image-23319\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/installing-sod.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/installing-sod-300x197.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/installing-sod-768x504.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/installing-sod-610x400.jpeg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/landscaping-laying-new-sod-a-backyard-green-lawn-grass-in-rolls\/307689772?asset_id=307689772\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ungvar<\/a> | Adobe Stock Free | <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thinking of installing a lush green lawn for your new home? Unfortunately, that&#8217;s no longer an option.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In December 2021, the SNWA Board of Directors approved a resolution<strong> banning irrigated grass installations in new residential and commercial developments<\/strong> to save water. This is projected to conserve approximately 27,000 acre-feet of water over the next several decades.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who\u2019s affected?<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The grass ban applies to all new residential and commercial developments, extending to both front yards and backyards of newly constructed homes. It also affects custom homes built by individual property owners, as well as properties within master-planned communities, HOAs, community associations, and neighborhood developments.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What\u2019s allowed?<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grass installation is still allowed in parks, schools, and cemeteries for community use.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What you can do<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While you can still enjoy grass in parks and existing homes, new developments will need to find alternative landscaping options.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re building or moving into a new home, consider <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-las-vegas\/\">low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Las Vegas<\/a>.&nbsp; This will not only boost your home\u2019s curb appeal but also help manage water use. Some options you can consider include <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/xeriscape-ideas\/\">ideas for xeriscaping<\/a> and artificial turf.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-faq-about-grass-restrictions-in-las-vegas\"><span id=\"faq-about-grass-restrictions-in-las-vegas\">FAQ about grass restrictions in Las Vegas<\/span><\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-when-will-las-vegas-ban-grass\"><span id=\"when-will-las-vegas-ban-grass\">When will Las Vegas ban grass?<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Starting January 1, 2027, AB356 bans using Colorado River water for irrigating nonfunctional turf, pushing for the replacement of useless lawns to save water. This doesn\u2019t affect existing grass at single-family homes.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, since December 2021, an SNWA resolution has banned installing new irrigated grass in newly built homes.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-can-i-still-grow-a-garden-in-las-vegas\"><span id=\"can-i-still-grow-a-garden-in-las-vegas\">Can I still grow a garden in Las Vegas?<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Absolutely, you can still grow a garden in Las Vegas. Here are some desert-friendly landscaping and water-wise options to consider:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Rock gardens, including <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-low-maintenance-outdoor-succulents\/\">low-maintenance outdoor succulents<\/a><\/li>    <li>Drought-tolerant plants that may come in a variety of perennials or native trees, shrubs, succulents, flowers, and vines<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By choosing these alternatives, you can enjoy a lush garden while using less water.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learn more in our article: &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-resistant-landscaping-las-vegas\/\">Drought-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Las Vegas<\/a>.&#8221;<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-how-can-i-apply-for-a-waiver-for-functional-grass\"><span id=\"how-can-i-apply-for-a-waiver-for-functional-grass\">How can I apply for a waiver for functional grass?<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Establishments can apply to SNWA for a waiver if their grass provides a community recreational benefit and meets the functional turf criteria.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To get the waiver, you need to show that your grass meets the requirements, including:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Purpose the grass serves (e.g., sports fields, playgrounds)<\/li>    <li>Turf dimensions fit its intended use<\/li>    <li>Number of people using it and frequency<\/li>    <li>Proximity to similar functional turf areas<\/li>    <li>Public access and proximity to roads<\/li>    <li>Presence of facilities and amenities such as other recreational features<\/li>    <li>Efficient irrigation practices<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-need-help-with-your-lawn-hire-a-pro\"><span id=\"need-help-with-your-lawn-hire-a-pro\">Need help with your lawn? Hire a pro.<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the new grass rules? You\u2019re not alone. Whether you\u2019re maintaining an existing lawn or planning a new one, a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/nevada\/las-vegas-lawn-care\">local lawn care expert<\/a> can make your life easier. They\u2019ll take care of everything, from keeping your yard looking great to making sure it\u2019s up to date with the latest regulations in Las Vegas.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/las-vegas-skyline-las-vegas-nevada-usa\/507024230\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nate Hovee<\/a> | Adobe Stock Free | <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Grass isn&#8217;t completely illegal in Las Vegas, but strict rules on new and existing lawns are in place to conserve water. Learn the details for your lawn here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":114,"featured_media":28403,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[197],"tags":[459],"class_list":["post-28396","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nevada","tag-lawn-care-las-vegas-nv"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/las-vegas-skyline-1.jpeg","author_info":{"display_name":"Aly Narvaez","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/aly-narvaez\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28396","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/114"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28396"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28396\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28403"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28396"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28396"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28396"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}