The Celina City Council voted unanimously on June 9 to update city design guidelines, effectively banning grass in all future road medians. The change targets four- and six-lane divided roadways, including Celina Parkway, Legacy Drive, Sunset Boulevard, Punk Carter Parkway, Ousley Boulevard, and G.A. Moore Parkway, which are slated for widening under the Celina 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
City staff presented that the new standards, which mandate drought-tolerant and water-smart plants, will lower median maintenance water needs by roughly 60%. The updated rules require all vegetation to survive after initial establishment using only temporary irrigation, a landscaping approach known as xeriscaping.
These median rules are part of a broader effort to conserve water through updated city ordinances. While council members supported removing turf from commercial development standards, they expressed hesitation about applying similar restrictions to single-family homes due to potential impacts on property values. Staff are currently working with a consultant to update broader regulations and expect to present additional options to the council in July.