Fresno County, CA Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- CA Civ §4735; Gov §65595
- HOA Bans
- Preempted
- Residential
- Allowed as of right
- Commercial
- Stormwater review
Summary
Artificial turf is protected under CA Civil Code §4735 for residential use; HOAs cannot prohibit drought-tolerant landscaping. Fresno County permits artificial turf in all residential zones. Commercial installations may require stormwater review.
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, a provision of the governing documents or architectural or landscaping guidelines or policies shall be void and unenforceable if it does any of the following:
(1) Prohibits, or includes conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of low water-using plants as a group or as a replacement of existing turf.
(2) Prohibits, or includes conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of artificial turf or any other synthetic surface that resembles grass.
(3) Has the effect of prohibiting or restricting compliance with either of the following:
(A) A water-efficient landscape ordinance adopted or in effect pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 65595 of the Government Code.
(B) Any regulation or restriction on the use of water adopted pursuant to Section 353 or 375 of the Water Code.
(b) This section shall not prohibit an association from applying landscaping rules established in the governing documents, to the extent the rules fully conform with subdivision (a).
Full Breakdown
CA Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from banning drought-tolerant landscaping including synthetic turf. CA Gov Code §65595 bars cities from prohibiting drought-tolerant landscaping. Fresno County has no specific residential turf ordinance. Large commercial artificial turf installations may require stormwater permit review to address runoff and heat island concerns. Sports fields fall under public agency procurement standards.
Violations & Fines
HOA violation of §4735: private civil action. County code: typically no violation for compliant installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA ban artificial turf?
Do I need a permit for backyard turf?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno County
How Fresno County compares: Most Artificial Turf-Friendly Cities·California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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