Durham, NC Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)

Durham's municipal code and Unified Development Ordinance do not contain specific provisions addressing artificial turf or synthetic grass on residential properties. The UDO Landscape Manual, which governs plant material requirements for site plans submitted through the development review process, requires living plant material to satisfy landscaping and tree coverage standards, meaning artificial turf cannot substitute for required plantings on commercial or multifamily development projects. For existing single-family residential properties not undergoing development review, there is no citywide prohibition on installing artificial turf in front or back yards. Individual homeowners associations (HOAs) within Durham may have their own restrictive covenants addressing lawn materials, and some Durham HOAs have updated their CC&Rs to permit synthetic grass while others still require natural turf. North Carolina does not have a state law overriding HOA restrictions on artificial turf, unlike some western states with drought-related turf replacement mandates. Durham's year-round mandatory irrigation schedule provides some incentive for artificial turf installation, as synthetic lawns eliminate the need for spray irrigation and associated compliance with the odd-even watering schedule. However, the City does not offer rebate programs for turf replacement as some western municipalities do. Property owners considering artificial turf should verify HOA rules, ensure proper drainage beneath the synthetic surface to comply with Durham stormwater management standards, and confirm that any impervious surface additions do not trigger a stormwater permit under Durham-County stormwater regulations.