Glenn County, CA Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)

Glenn County's code does not define, permit, restrict or ban artificial turf or synthetic grass as a landscaping surface; the only 'turf' reference in the code is an exception within the SB 1383 mulch rules (turf areas are exempt from the mulch requirement). Because the county has no turf-specific ordinance, installing artificial turf on residential property in the unincorporated area is generally allowed, subject only to general requirements such as not creating drainage or runoff problems onto neighbors or the right-of-way under the nuisance code (Section 1.15.022), and any applicable grading or stormwater rules for larger projects. California state law affirmatively protects artificial turf in HOA settings: Civil Code 4735 makes void any homeowners-association rule, covenant or architectural guideline that prohibits the use of artificial turf or synthetic grass on residential property. Note, however, that California Government Code 53087.7's definition of 'drought-tolerant landscaping' expressly excludes synthetic grass or artificial turf, so artificial turf does not count toward state drought-landscaping protections that apply to live low-water plants. For a county-level project, confirm with Glenn County Building whether a permit applies, but the county imposes no turf-specific approval.