Artificial Turf: Ontario vs Rialto
How do artificial turf rules compare between Ontario, CA and Rialto, CA?
Ontario and Rialto have similar restriction levels.
Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario allows artificial turf at homes subject to drainage and zoning rules. Civil Code 4735 (AB 349) blocks HOA bans, and AB 1572 makes synthetic turf a compliant replacement for commercial non-functional turf.
View full Ontario rules →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
California Government Code §53087.7 (AB 349, 2015) bars cities and HOAs from prohibiting artificial turf on residential property. Rialto allows synthetic grass in residential yards subject to general landscape design standards and MWELO permeability requirements.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ontario | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| City status | Allowed with drainage and zoning check | - |
| HOA protection | Civil Code 4735 (AB 349) | - |
| AB 1572 alternative | Qualifies to replace non-functional turf | - |
| Permit | Usually none for at-grade residential | - |
| Front yard | Subject to planted-area minimums | - |
| State Protection | - | Gov. Code §53087.7 |
| HOA Bans Void | - | Civ. Code §4735 |
| Front Yard | - | Some living plants required |
| Street Medians | - | Turf irrigation banned |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ontario FAQ
Can my HOA ban artificial turf in Ontario?
No. California Civil Code 4735 makes HOA bans on artificial turf at separate-interest homes unenforceable, though reasonable quality standards are allowed.
Do I need a permit to install turf in my yard?
Typically no for a standard at-grade residential installation, but you must meet drainage and zoning requirements and avoid routing runoff onto neighbors.
Rialto FAQ
Can Rialto or my HOA ban artificial turf?
No. Government Code §53087.7 and Civil Code §4735 prohibit both cities and HOAs from banning synthetic grass on residential property. Reasonable aesthetic and maintenance standards are still allowed.
Do I need a permit to install artificial turf?
Usually no permit is required for at-grade residential turf installation in Rialto, but the area still counts toward your MWELO landscape calculations for new construction or major rehab (≥500 sq ft). Always confirm with Building Safety before large installs.
Compare other topics
See how Ontario and Rialto 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