Artificial Turf: Daly City vs Redwood City
How do artificial turf rules compare between Daly City, CA and Redwood City, CA?
Daly City and Redwood City have similar restriction levels.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
No Daly City ordinance prohibits artificial turf on residential property. California Government Code section 53087.7 bars cities from prohibiting drought-tolerant landscaping using living plants, but since a 2024 amendment that protection no longer extends to synthetic grass or artificial turf.
View full Daly City rules →Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
Unincorporated San Mateo County does not ban or specifically permit-regulate artificial turf on private property, and the County's WELO governs water budgets without mandating or prohibiting synthetic turf. A right-of-way permit is needed only if turf extends into the public parkway. California law (Civil Code 4735) bars HOAs from prohibiting water-efficient landscaping.
View full Redwood City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | Redwood City |
|---|---|---|
| City ban on artificial turf | None | - |
| Living drought-tolerant plants | Protected by Gov. Code sec. 53087.7 | - |
| Synthetic turf protection | Removed by SB 676, effective Jan. 1, 2024 | - |
| Small projects | MWELO Appendix D prescriptive option (2,500 sq ft or less) | - |
| County ban on artificial turf | - | None identified |
| WELO effect | - | Governs water budget; does not ban/mandate turf |
| Private-property permit | - | Generally not required |
| Right-of-way | - | Public Works permit if turf enters parkway |
| HOA protection | - | CA Civil Code 4735 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Can I replace my lawn with artificial turf in Daly City?
Yes. Daly City has no ordinance banning residential artificial turf. Note that since January 1, 2024, state law no longer prevents cities from restricting synthetic turf, so check with the Planning Division (650-991-8033) for current design review requirements before a large project.
Can Daly City stop me from planting a drought-tolerant garden?
No. Government Code section 53087.7 prohibits any city from enacting or enforcing an ordinance that bans drought-tolerant landscaping using living plant material on residential property.
Redwood City FAQ
Can I install artificial turf in unincorporated San Mateo County?
Yes. The County does not ban synthetic turf on private property and WELO does not prohibit it. You only need a Public Works permit if the turf extends into the public right-of-way or parkway.
Can my HOA force me to keep a real lawn?
No. California Civil Code 4735 prevents HOAs from prohibiting water-efficient landscaping, and limits penalizing owners who reduce watering during a declared drought emergency.
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