Rules about yards are local, and they differ a lot from one town to the next. We can’t list them for your address, but we can tell you where to look before you buy anything.
Homeowners association
If you have an HOA, read the covenants and any landscaping guidelines. Things to look for:
- Rules about equipment or structures visible from the street. A base station, a mower garage or an RTK antenna on a pole might count.
- Lawn standards such as maximum grass height or required turf areas, which affect how you set the mower and whether you can let the lawn go dormant in summer.
- Whether changes to irrigation or landscaping need approval first.
- Who owns the strip between sidewalk and street, and whether you’re expected to mow it. A robot mower may not be allowed to cross the sidewalk to reach it.
Watering restrictions
Many water utilities and towns limit when you can water, especially in summer or during drought: certain days of the week by address, no watering in the middle of the day, or temporary bans. Check your water utility’s website or your latest bill. Most smart controllers let you enter allowed days and times so the schedule stays within the rules.
Rebates
The EPA notes that some utilities offer rebates to help people water more efficiently, and WaterSense labeled controllers often qualify. Look up your utility’s rebate program before you buy, since some require pre-approval or a specific model list.
Source: EPA WaterSense: WaterSense Labeled Controllers, checked Oct 26, 2026.
Digging and plumbing
- In the US, call 811 before you dig for a new irrigation line or anything deeper than pegging a boundary wire. Buried utility lines are marked for free.
- Irrigation systems connected to drinking water usually need a backflow preventer. Your water utility or local plumbing code may also require testing it or using a licensed installer.
Shared and rented property
If you rent, get the landlord’s approval before swapping a sprinkler controller or installing anything permanent. On a shared lawn, agree on the mowing schedule with whoever else uses the yard.