Avondale, AZ Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)

Avondale treats artificial turf differently depending on context. In the zoning landscape standards (Chapter 28, Article 12), section 28-294 provides that no artificial plant materials may be used to satisfy required landscaping, with the exception of artificial turf at recreational facilities if approved by the zoning administrator or authorized designee. Real turf (sod) is itself restricted: section 28-294 limits turf installation to single-family residences and their accessories, parks, golf courses, schools, churches, resorts and retention basins, and caps turf at no more than 25 percent of the landscape area for commercial and business-park developments unless otherwise approved; seed or sprigs for turf installation are prohibited. For ordinary residential property maintenance, the Property Maintenance Ordinance section 14-170(i) lists artificial turf among the acceptable natural-topping materials that can finish exposed dirt in a required front or side yard, alongside sod, decomposed granite, river rock and ground cover. So a homeowner may generally use artificial turf as a ground treatment, while artificial materials cannot be counted toward required plant-material landscaping except in the recreational-facility exception. Statewide, Arizona Revised Statutes section 33-1819 also bars most homeowners associations from prohibiting artificial turf where the association already permits natural grass.