Bellflower, CA Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)

Bellflower was among the Southeast LA County cities (with Norwalk and Downey) that amended their landscaping laws to allow artificial turf and drought-resistant plants. The City does not simply ban or freely permit synthetic turf - it uses a structured pilot-program approach. Bellflower Municipal Code Section 17.16.200(C), in the Single-Family Zone, states: 'Notwithstanding the landscaping requirements for natural plant materials, the City Council hereby declares, for informational gathering only, one or more pilot programs to allow landscaping to consist of artificial turf may be approved by the Director of Planning; provided, that the Director shall first establish criteria and installation and maintenance standards for the artificial turf pilot program. If at any time in the future the City Council determines artificial turf will not be allowed in the City, including as a pilot program, then, within 10 years after notice from the City, any artificial turf approved as a pilot program shall be removed and replaced with natural plant materials by the owner of the property upon which the artificial turf was installed. Artificial turf may also be installed in the immediately adjacent parkway.' Practically, this means residents installing synthetic turf should confirm the current pilot-program criteria and any installation/maintenance and permit requirements with the City's Planning Division, and understand the contingent removal-and-replacement obligation. Statewide, California treats synthetic turf as an accepted water-saving substitute for natural grass, and Assembly Bill 1572 (2023) phases in a ban on irrigating non-functional ornamental turf with potable water at public, commercial, institutional, and HOA-common properties (not single-family lawns) between 2027 and 2029.