Folsom, CA Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- Civil Code §4735
- HOA Ban
- Unenforceable
- Permeability
- Required (no runoff)
- Infill
- Organic preferred
- Front Yard
- Some living plants req.
Summary
Artificial turf is allowed in Folsom residential front and back yards with design standards. Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from banning synthetic grass used for water conservation. Folsom Utilities periodically offers rebates as part of turf replacement programs. Product must meet lead-free and permeability standards.
4735.
(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).
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, except as provided in subdivision (d), an association shall not impose a fine or assessment against an owner of a separate interest for reducing or eliminating the watering of vegetation or lawns during any period for which either of the following have occurred:
(1) The Governor has declared a state of emergency due to drought pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 8558 of the Government Code.
(2) A local government has declared a local emergency due to drought pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 8558 of the Government Code.
Full Breakdown
California Civil Code §4735 expressly prohibits HOAs and cities from banning artificial turf installed for drought response or water conservation, reinforced by AB 349 (2015). Folsom permits artificial turf in residential yards subject to installation standards: must be properly permeable to allow stormwater infiltration (no impermeable backing that causes runoff), lead content under CPSC limits, adequate sub-base drainage, and infill must not contain crumb rubber (some HOAs and MWELO-reviewed new construction prefer organic infills like zeolite or cork). Setbacks from property lines and required street-facing landscape percentages still apply under Folsom's design standards; typically front yards must retain some living plant material alongside artificial turf rather than being 100% synthetic.
Pet waste must be rinsed; turf near pools and fire pits should use heat-resistant grades. Some higher-end HOAs in Folsom (particularly gated communities and Empire Ranch neighborhoods) have adopted aesthetic standards for color, pile height, and installation quality, but outright bans are unenforceable. State AB 1572 phase-out of non-functional turf at commercial properties further accelerates adoption.
Violations & Fines
Non-permeable installation causing runoff: stormwater violation. HOA attempted ban: unenforceable under CC §4735, owner can seek injunction + attorney fees. Front yard 100% synthetic with no living plants: potentially cited if design standards require living landscape percentage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Folsom HOA ban my artificial turf?
Does Folsom offer a rebate for turf removal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Folsom
How Folsom compares: Most Artificial Turf-Friendly Cities·California rules heatmap·Compare Folsom to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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How other cities in Sacramento County handle artificial turf.