Apex, NC Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)

The Apex code does not contain a specific artificial-turf ordinance. Use of synthetic turf on private single-family yards is generally allowed and not specifically permitted. However, three secondary rules apply: (1) Apex UDO Article 8 Section 8.2 (Landscaping, Buffering, and Screening) requires living plant material for required landscape areas, buffer yards, and vehicle use area landscaping in commercial, industrial, and multi-family development, so synthetic turf cannot satisfy a required-plant standard; (2) Apex's stormwater program — driven by Jordan Lake watershed water-quality rules and the Town's NPDES MS4 permit — treats synthetic-turf installations with impermeable backing as impervious surface, which can trigger built-upon-area limits in the Jordan Lake nutrient-sensitive waters rules and Watershed Protection Overlay zones; (3) HOA covenants in many Apex subdivisions (Bella Casa, Salem Village, Haddon Hall, etc.) regulate front-yard ground cover under architectural review and frequently prohibit synthetic turf or require Architectural Review Committee approval. The Town does not impose a watering exemption or rebate for artificial turf, and the year-round irrigation schedule remains the dominant water-conservation tool rather than incentivizing turf removal.