Burleson, TX Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)

The artificial turf ban sits in the landscape standards article of Chapter 86. Section 86-100 limits its reach: the requirements apply in zoning districts NS, GR, C, and I, in specific uses that call for them, and to nonresidential uses in the SFE, SF16, SF10, SF7, SFA, 2F, MF1, and MF2 districts that consist of principal structures, parking areas, and signage. Single-family and two-family uses answer only to § 86-108, which as printed requires one canopy tree of at least three caliper inches in any required front yard and says nothing about turf. Section 86-115 adds that §§ 86-102 through 86-111 do not apply to development in the MF1, MF2, and MHP districts.

Where the article applies, § 86-103(d) prohibits artificial plants and artificial turf outright. Section 86-101 defines artificial plants as a manufactured or assembled representation of live plant material, made from manmade material, used as a substitute for live plant material. Section 86-107(a) adds that required landscaped area must be permanently landscaped with living plant material and that synthetic or artificial lawn or plant material cannot be used to satisfy the requirements.

The numbers around the ban explain why it bites. Section 86-103(a) requires landscaping of 20 percent of the total lot, and credits for additional plantings cannot push the requirement below ten percent. Under § 86-103(h), grass and groundcover cannot make up over 90 percent of any required landscape area, so real plants beyond turf are required. Nonresidential landscape plans must include an irrigation system (§ 86-103(e)), and a landscape plan must be approved before a building permit issues (§ 86-104(b)). Plants that die must be replaced within 90 days, with one extension not exceeding 90 days (§ 86-107(d)). Relief goes to the planning and zoning commission and city council under § 86-114.