Santa Clara County, CA Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)

Artificial turf is allowed in residential yards in unincorporated Santa Clara County under the Zoning Ordinance and is explicitly protected from HOA prohibition by California Civil Code 4735 as a drought-tolerant landscaping option. Turf installations generally do not require a permit, but must comply with landscape design standards: permeable backing or sub-base to allow infiltration of stormwater (typically specified at a minimum percolation rate in county MWELO guidance), setbacks from property lines, and prohibition of use in the front yard as the sole landscape in some design districts. Artificial turf should not be placed within the dripline of heritage oaks, as it compacts soil and impedes oxygen exchange to roots. Assembly Bill 1572 bans non-functional turf (real) at commercial and institutional properties but does not restrict residential artificial turf. Product safety concerns include lead and PFAS in some older products; the county recommends current-generation products certified low in heavy metals. In Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, homeowners should place turf away from structures because plastic turf can melt and release fumes during wildfires.