HOA Turf Approval Guide for Buckeye

What Arizona law says

Arizona's artificial turf law is A.R.S. § 33-1819. In plain English:

• The rule: in a planned community that allows natural grass on a member's property, the HOA may not prohibit installing or using artificial turf on that property, after the period of declarant (developer) control.
• What the HOA can still regulate: where the turf goes and how much of the property it covers, to the same extent as natural grass, and the turf's quality. It can require removal or replacement if the turf creates an uncorrected health or safety issue or isn't maintained.
• Areas the HOA maintains: the association can prohibit turf in areas it's responsible for maintaining or irrigating.
• No-grass communities: a community that doesn't allow new natural grass can also prohibit new turf, though members may convert existing grass.
• Environmental preservation communities: certain communities of this type are exempt.

This is a summary, not legal advice. Read the full statute on azleg.gov, and ask your association how it applies to your lot.

Is your community still under developer control?

This is the most important question in Buckeye, because so many communities are new. If the developer still controls your HOA, the statute's protection doesn't apply yet, and the developer's landscape guidelines decide what's allowed. That's likely the case in new communities like Teravalis and its first village, Floreo, and in newer phases of other communities. Ask your HOA directly; it's a simple yes-or-no question.

Your approval checklist

Most associations want the same things. Having all of them ready avoids a second round of review.

1. Your HOA's landscape modification or architectural review form
2. Turf product name and manufacturer, with the spec sheet
3. Color (and whether it includes tan thatch)
4. Pile height (blade length)
5. Infill type (for example silica sand or zeolite)
6. Border and edging materials where turf meets rock, pavers, or beds
7. A site plan: a simple sketch of your lot showing where the turf goes, with dimensions
8. Approximate percentage of the front or back yard covered by turf
9. Photos of the area as it looks now
10. Notes on drainage and any irrigation changes
11. Your planned install dates

Print this checklist

Community-by-community notes

What to ask your association, community by community.

• Verrado

  A large community still adding homes in newer areas like the Victory District. Ask whether your street is past developer control and how landscape changes are reviewed.

• Teravalis

  Brand new and almost certainly under developer control. The developer's landscape guidelines apply, so ask for them before you plan.

• Floreo

  Teravalis' first village, so the same developer-control question applies. Ask for the current landscape guidelines and submission form.

• Tartesso

  Building began around 2006. Ask your association to confirm developer control has ended and request its current design guidelines.

• Sundance

  Established since 2002, with a separate association for the Adult Village. Confirm which association reviews your lot.

• Copper Falls

  A newer D.R. Horton community. Ask whether the developer still controls the association.

• Sienna Hills

  Built out from 2013 on, with recent phases. Ask whether your phase has left developer control.

• Festival Ranch

  A large community that's still adding homes. Ask which guidelines apply to your neighborhood.

• Sun City Festival

  A 55-and-over Del Webb community with its own association. Ask for its landscape modification process.

• Blue Horizons

  Built in phases since 2012 by several builders. Older phases are more likely to be past developer control.

• Agave Trails

  New construction, so likely still under developer control. Get the guidelines first.

• Westpark

  Dates to 2004 but still growing. Ask whether your phase is past developer control.

• Arroyo Seco

  A newer community with several builders. Ask about developer control and the review process.

We'll prepare your HOA submission

We'll help you put together the product specs, color, pile height, and a site plan. It's free with your quote.

Installs starting at $5.50/sq ft — the most competitive pricing in Buckeye. Call for a free quote.