Artificial turf is legal and expressly protected in Bakersfield. California Civil Code §4735 and §714.1 prohibit HOAs from banning synthetic grass. The city allows artificial turf in residential front and rear yards subject to the zoning code's general landscape coverage and drainage standards. Installations must maintain permeability and comply with stormwater rules.
Under California Civil Code §4735(a)(3) and §714.1 (as amended by AB 349, 2015), HOAs cannot prohibit or restrict artificial turf on residential property, though they can enforce reasonable aesthetic standards. Bakersfield's zoning code allows artificial turf as a landscape surface but typically requires that front yards retain some living plant material (shrubs, trees) so the yard does not consist entirely of inert materials. Good practice specs for SJV installations include a permeable base (decomposed granite or aggregate), quality infill, and drainage to prevent heat-island runoff into storm drains. Installations must avoid creating unpermitted impervious area that increases stormwater flow under BMC Ch. 8.56. For new construction and large redevelopments, MWELO treats artificial turf as a Special Landscape Area with specific water budget treatment.
HOA violations of §4735 expose associations to reversal of fines and attorney fees. City code violations are limited to drainage or landscape-coverage infractions, typically cured by adding plant material or ensuring proper permeable base. Fines under property maintenance chapters can reach $100-$500 per occurrence.
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield Municipal Code 6.04.230 prohibits keeping any animal, bird, or fowl that by sound or cry unreasonably disturbs the peace or interferes with the c...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 9.22 prohibits any loud, unnecessary noise that disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood, or that causes discomfort...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not generally ban overnight street parking, but BMC 10.40.010 makes it unlawful for any vehicle (operable or not) to remain parked on a publ...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not restrict year-round lawn ornaments (statues, gnomes, flamingos, religious figures, sports themes) on residential property. There is no p...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not regulate residential inflatable holiday displays by size, lighting, or motor noise. They qualify as seasonal decorations exempt under BM...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield's outdoor lighting standards exempt seasonal decorations as long as they are not in use for more than 60 consecutive days. Residential lots zoned...
See how Bakersfield's artificial turf rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.