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Scottsdale bans natural grass in front yards of new houses

Scottsdale will ban natural grass in the front yards of new homes. It’s the city’s latest action following Colorado River supply shortages.

The City Council unanimously approved the ban this week. It applies to all permitted or built single-family homes after Aug. 15. Scottsdale said feedback from water users in June found 86% supported the move.

In a press release, Brian Biesemeyer, who oversees the water department said, “The City Council's decision further establishes Scottsdale’s commitment to sustainable water management.”

Last fall, the council approved a code change to stop HOAs from mandating homeowners to overseed their lawn. Overseeding is a way people install a temporary winter lawn to cover summer grass that’s turned brown.

This year, Scottsdale asked residents and businesses to voluntarily cut water use by 5%. When comparing the first six months to the average past three years, the city said water use among residents and businesses was down 7% and city government operations used 9% less water.

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As a senior field correspondent, Christina Estes focuses on stories that impact our economy, your wallet and public policy.