Arcadia, CA Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)

The City of Arcadia, California allows artificial turf in every zone, but the rule depends on where it goes. Under § 9103.09.040(D), turf is permitted in any back yard or interior side yard. In the front or street side yard, a maximum of 15 percent of the yard area can be artificial turf, and it cannot be installed within 10 feet of a sidewalk or, where there is no sidewalk, within 20 feet from the curb. Turf is not permitted in any parkway. Section 9103.09.030(A) adds a paperwork step: any project installing artificial turf in the front or street side yards needs a Landscape Documentation Package prepared by a licensed landscape architect.

Front and street-side installations must meet minimum standards for materials, installation and maintenance. On materials, the turf needs a minimum eight-year no-fade manufacturer warranty, cut-pile infill, lead-free polypropylene, polyethylene or a blend of those fibers on a permeable backing, and a minimum blade length of 1.5 inches, or as the Director determines as manufacturing processes are updated. Nylon-based or plastic grass blades are not permitted, and indoor/outdoor carpeting or artificial shrubs, flowers, trees and vines cannot replace natural plantings. Infill is ground rubber, rubber coated sand or another approved mixture, brushed into the fibers, and the fiber style, color and texture must resemble fescue, rye and other common natural grass blades.

On installation, the contractor follows the manufacturer's requirements, removes all existing plant material and the top three inches of soil, lays filter fabric or synthetic porous material over compacted, porous crushed rock, slopes and grades the area to prevent pooling, runoff or flooding onto adjacent property, separates the turf from live planting with a mow strip or bender board, and permanently anchors it with nails and glue, with seams nailed or sewn and glued and the grain pointing in a single direction. On maintenance, the turf must stay green and fadeless, free of weeds, stains, debris, tears, holes, depressions, ruts, odors and looseness at edges and seams.

Damaged or worn areas must be repaired or replaced, and the whole surface must be replaced once it cannot be maintained to that standard. Vehicle parking on artificial turf is prohibited. The latest amendment recorded for the section is Ordinance No. 2401, adopted 4-15-25.