Hemet, CA Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)

No Hemet-specific artificial-turf ordinance surfaced in the City's published materials, and the City's water-conservation posture is supportive of measures that reduce outdoor potable-water use. Critically, California Government Code Section 53087.7 (added by AB 1164, 2015) provides that a city — including a charter city — may not enact or enforce any ordinance that prohibits the installation of drought-tolerant landscaping, synthetic grass, or artificial turf on residential property. Cities may impose only "reasonable" restrictions that do not substantially increase cost, effectively prohibit installation, or significantly impede it. In practice this means a Hemet homeowner may install artificial turf in a residential yard, and the City cannot ban it; it can apply neutral standards (for example, requiring proper drainage, a quality product, and that the installation be kept clean and in good repair so it isn't a blight or nuisance). The same statute limits HOAs from banning artificial turf. For commercial projects, parking-lot and front-yard landscaping standards in the zoning code still call for a share of living plant material and irrigation, so synthetic turf typically supplements rather than fully replaces required commercial landscaping. Because Hemet relies entirely on groundwater, replacing thirsty lawn with quality artificial turf aligns with the City's conservation goals; just confirm any drainage/permit questions with the Building or Planning Division.