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

There is no general county ordinance prohibiting synthetic or artificial turf on private property in unincorporated Orange County. Artificial turf is commonly used as a water-saving alternative and is generally permitted, though it can intersect with county landscape and grading standards: if installed as part of a project that triggers the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance or site-development review, it must be shown on the required landscape/site plan, and drainage and impervious-surface considerations may apply. Property owners should still confirm any setback, drainage, or permit requirements with OC Public Works Building & Safety for larger installations. The strongest legal protection for artificial turf comes from California state law: Civil Code 4735 (originating with AB 349, signed September 4, 2015) makes it unenforceable for a homeowners association to prohibit the use of artificial turf or any synthetic surface that resembles grass, and bars HOAs from banning low-water landscaping as a turf replacement. So a resident in an HOA community generally cannot be forced to keep natural grass instead of compliant synthetic turf. Local water districts may also offer turf-replacement rebates, though rebate programs have at times excluded artificial turf in favor of living low-water landscaping.