CR-21 Landscapes and Irrigation AZROC
Test Prep
What is the primary purpose of CR-21 Landscapes and Irrigation AZROC? To provide
guidelines for sustainable landscape design and efficient water use in irrigation
systems.
Which organization typically oversees the CR-21 standard? AZROC (Arizona
Regulatory Oversight Commission).
What does AZROC stand for? Arizona Regulatory Oversight Commission.
In which state is CR-21 most commonly applied? Arizona.
What type of landscapes does CR-21 primarily address? Desert-adapted and xeriscape
landscapes.
What is xeriscaping? A landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for
supplemental irrigation.
What is the maximum allowable turf area under CR-21 for new commercial
developments? Typically no more than 20% of the landscaped area.
Does CR-21 allow non-functional turf? No, non-functional turf is generally
prohibited.
What is considered "functional turf"? Turf used for active recreation, sports fields, or
public gathering spaces.
,What is the minimum efficiency required for irrigation sprinkler heads under CR-21? At
least 80% distribution uniformity.
Are drip irrigation systems preferred over spray irrigation under CR-21? Yes, drip
irrigation is strongly preferred where feasible.
What is the required rain sensor or smart controller feature in CR-21? All irrigation
systems must have a rain shut-off device or weather-based controller.
What is the maximum allowable precipitation rate for spray heads in turf areas? No
more than 1.5 inches per hour.
How often must irrigation systems be audited under CR-21? At least once per year.
What is the allowable window for outdoor watering in summer months per CR-
21? Between 6 PM and 10 AM only.
What is the purpose of hydrozoning in CR-21? Grouping plants with similar water
needs together to avoid over or under watering.
What is the minimum depth of soil required for shrub planting beds under CR-21? At
least 12 inches.
What type of mulch is recommended under CR-21? Organic mulch such as wood
chips or composted material, 3 to 4 inches deep.
Is gravel mulch allowed under CR-21? Yes, but only with a permeable weed barrier
underneath.
What is the maximum slope allowed for turf irrigation without terracing? No more than
15% slope.
What is the minimum backflow prevention device required for irrigation systems? An
atmospheric vacuum breaker or pressure vacuum breaker, depending on hazard
level.
, Can gray water be used for irrigation under CR-21? Yes, gray water systems are
encouraged with proper permits.
What is the required signage for reclaimed water irrigation sites? “Reclaimed Water –
Do Not Drink” signs posted every 100 feet.
What is the maximum allowed runoff or overspray under CR-21? Zero visible runoff
onto paved surfaces or adjacent properties.
How long can an irrigation system leak before requiring repair under CR-21? No more
than 48 hours after discovery.
What is the minimum required separation between irrigation heads and hardscape? At
least 2 feet to prevent overspray.
Are ornamental water features allowed under CR-21? Yes, but only if they recirculate
water and have a cover to reduce evaporation.
What is the maximum water depth allowed for decorative ponds? No more than 18
inches unless for safety or habitat purposes.
What is the required plant establishment period for new landscaping? Up to 1 year
with regular watering, after which drought-tolerant plants must reduce irrigation.
What percentage of plants must be native or adapted to the local climate under CR-
21? At least 75% of plant species.
Are invasive plant species allowed in CR-21 compliant landscapes? No, they are
prohibited.
What is the penalty for non-compliance with CR-21 irrigation rules? Fines up to $5,000
per violation per day, plus mandatory remediation.
Who enforces CR-21 Landscapes and Irrigation standards? Local municipal code
enforcement and AZROC inspectors.
Test Prep
What is the primary purpose of CR-21 Landscapes and Irrigation AZROC? To provide
guidelines for sustainable landscape design and efficient water use in irrigation
systems.
Which organization typically oversees the CR-21 standard? AZROC (Arizona
Regulatory Oversight Commission).
What does AZROC stand for? Arizona Regulatory Oversight Commission.
In which state is CR-21 most commonly applied? Arizona.
What type of landscapes does CR-21 primarily address? Desert-adapted and xeriscape
landscapes.
What is xeriscaping? A landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for
supplemental irrigation.
What is the maximum allowable turf area under CR-21 for new commercial
developments? Typically no more than 20% of the landscaped area.
Does CR-21 allow non-functional turf? No, non-functional turf is generally
prohibited.
What is considered "functional turf"? Turf used for active recreation, sports fields, or
public gathering spaces.
,What is the minimum efficiency required for irrigation sprinkler heads under CR-21? At
least 80% distribution uniformity.
Are drip irrigation systems preferred over spray irrigation under CR-21? Yes, drip
irrigation is strongly preferred where feasible.
What is the required rain sensor or smart controller feature in CR-21? All irrigation
systems must have a rain shut-off device or weather-based controller.
What is the maximum allowable precipitation rate for spray heads in turf areas? No
more than 1.5 inches per hour.
How often must irrigation systems be audited under CR-21? At least once per year.
What is the allowable window for outdoor watering in summer months per CR-
21? Between 6 PM and 10 AM only.
What is the purpose of hydrozoning in CR-21? Grouping plants with similar water
needs together to avoid over or under watering.
What is the minimum depth of soil required for shrub planting beds under CR-21? At
least 12 inches.
What type of mulch is recommended under CR-21? Organic mulch such as wood
chips or composted material, 3 to 4 inches deep.
Is gravel mulch allowed under CR-21? Yes, but only with a permeable weed barrier
underneath.
What is the maximum slope allowed for turf irrigation without terracing? No more than
15% slope.
What is the minimum backflow prevention device required for irrigation systems? An
atmospheric vacuum breaker or pressure vacuum breaker, depending on hazard
level.
, Can gray water be used for irrigation under CR-21? Yes, gray water systems are
encouraged with proper permits.
What is the required signage for reclaimed water irrigation sites? “Reclaimed Water –
Do Not Drink” signs posted every 100 feet.
What is the maximum allowed runoff or overspray under CR-21? Zero visible runoff
onto paved surfaces or adjacent properties.
How long can an irrigation system leak before requiring repair under CR-21? No more
than 48 hours after discovery.
What is the minimum required separation between irrigation heads and hardscape? At
least 2 feet to prevent overspray.
Are ornamental water features allowed under CR-21? Yes, but only if they recirculate
water and have a cover to reduce evaporation.
What is the maximum water depth allowed for decorative ponds? No more than 18
inches unless for safety or habitat purposes.
What is the required plant establishment period for new landscaping? Up to 1 year
with regular watering, after which drought-tolerant plants must reduce irrigation.
What percentage of plants must be native or adapted to the local climate under CR-
21? At least 75% of plant species.
Are invasive plant species allowed in CR-21 compliant landscapes? No, they are
prohibited.
What is the penalty for non-compliance with CR-21 irrigation rules? Fines up to $5,000
per violation per day, plus mandatory remediation.
Who enforces CR-21 Landscapes and Irrigation standards? Local municipal code
enforcement and AZROC inspectors.
