Artificial Turf: Chino vs Hesperia
How do artificial turf rules compare between Chino, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Chino and Hesperia have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
California Civil Code section 4735 prohibits HOAs and similar associations from banning artificial turf, and AB 1572 (signed 2023, Water Code section 10608.14) phases out non-functional turf at commercial, institutional, and industrial sites. Chino allows residential synthetic turf in front and rear yards subject to material, drainage, and zoning standards in Title 20. Front-yard installation typically must meet permeability and aesthetic standards as part of the city's MWELO-compliant landscape rules.
View full Chino rules →Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia's Development Code (Title 16) does not prohibit residential artificial turf. State law (AB 1164, codified at Cal. Government Code §53087.7) prohibits cities and HOAs from banning artificial turf for residential properties, and Cal. Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from banning low-water alternatives. Synthetic turf must still meet landscape design and front-yard coverage requirements in the Development Code.
View full Hesperia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| HOA override | Cal. Civil Code section 4735(a)(3) | - |
| Non-functional turf phaseout | AB 1572 / Water Code section 10608.14 (commercial/institutional) | - |
| Residential allowance | Permitted under Chino Title 20 with permeability + quality standards | - |
| Drainage | Must allow stormwater percolation (NPDES MS4 compliance) | - |
| MWELO interaction | Synthetic turf does not count as plant water demand but must meet city landscape standards | - |
| State Preemption | - | Cal. Gov. Code §53087.7 (AB 1164) |
| HOA Protection | - | Cal. Civ. Code §4735 |
| Residential Ban | - | Prohibited by state law |
| Permit (residential) | - | None for replacement landscaping |
| Commercial Review | - | Landscape plan check required |
| MWELO Credit | - | Does not count as living plant area |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can my HOA in Chino prohibit artificial turf?
No. Civil Code section 4735 voids any HOA rule banning synthetic grass. The HOA can adopt reasonable quality/installation standards, but cannot prohibit it outright.
Can I cover my front yard entirely in artificial turf in Chino?
Generally yes for residential lots, provided the installation is permeable, includes drainage, and meets Title 20 landscape standards. Some HOAs and master-planned communities (e.g., The Preserve) layer their own design review.
Hesperia FAQ
Can Hesperia or my HOA ban artificial turf?
No. California Government Code §53087.7 (AB 1164) preempts local bans on residential artificial turf, and Civil Code §4735 prevents HOAs from banning low-water-use landscaping including synthetic turf.
Do I need a permit to install artificial turf in Hesperia?
No permit is required for residential replacement landscaping. Commercial properties install artificial turf under the landscape plan check process administered by Hesperia Planning Division (760-947-1224).
Compare other topics
See how Chino and Hesperia compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool