Celina homeowners can now replace 100% of yard grass
A new ordinance removes the previous 30% cap on xeriscaping for single-family homes while banning irrigation for aesthetic turf in commercial areas.
By Alyssa Parker ·
Celina homeowners can now remove all mowed grass from their properties. The City Council amended the landscaping ordinance at a Nov. 10 meeting, eliminating a previous rule that limited xeriscaping to 30% of front and visible side yards. Residents must still maintain trees and planting beds, but they no longer face a cap on the percentage of their lot that can be converted to drought-tolerant plants. This change aims to reduce water usage, which accounts for roughly half of the city's consumption during peak summer months.
Development Services Director Dusty McAfee explained that the primary driver of high water bills is the irrigation of non-native grass. He stated, “It’s not the trees; it’s the grass, specifically, the watering of grass during summer, that uses the water.” By giving residents the option to use less turf, officials hope to lower utility costs and preserve the city's water supply.
The rules for apartments and non-residential properties are stricter. The new ordinance distinguishes between functional and non-functional turf. Functional turf, such as sports fields or event spaces, may still receive irrigation. Non-functional turf, which exists solely for aesthetic appeal like street-side buffers, is largely prohibited. Irrigation is only permitted for functional areas in multifamily and commercial zones.
Exceptions exist for non-functional areas, such as the rear of an apartment complex, but city staff must grant approval. Even when approved, the grass may only be watered during its initial establishment period. This approach prevents long-term watering of decorative lawns that do not serve a recreational purpose.
City officials began reviewing these guidelines last year. Staff gathered feedback from developers and builders starting in summer 2025. The council held discussions on xeriscaping in January, February, June, July, and October. In June, the council already updated roadway median designs to remove grass entirely.
Council member Philip Ferguson supported the move, noting the inconsistency of urging conservation while watering municipal lawns. He said, “We won’t speak out of both sides of our mouths when we tell residents to conserve water while at the same time we’re watering grass all the way down Preston.”
Staff will update building codes to align with these new standards. The rules apply only to new developments and will not be applied retroactively to existing properties.
