SB 1286: No more grass lawn requirements for HOAs — 2024

Summary: SB 1286 would prohibit HOAs from requiring lush grass lawns, allowing residents to choose water-conserving landscaping options like xeriscaping instead.

ICL's position: Support

Current Bill Status: Dead

Issue Areas: Clean Water, Private Lands, Sustainability, Water

Official Legislative Site

Sen. Rick Just (D-Boise) introduced SB 1286 in the Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee. The bill would prohibit HOAs from requiring expansive, lush grass lawns, instead allowing subdivision residents more landscaping options, including xeriscaping. The bill does still allow HOAs to set rules for xeriscaping and water saving measures, however. This bill could help encourage the planting of native and drought tolerant species in Idaho suburbs, reducing demands on dwindling water supplies, and promoting water conservation through measures like drip irrigation.

[NOTE: On Tuesday, Feb. 20, SB 1286 was held in the Senate Commerce & Human Resources Committee, effectively killing the bill.]