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

There is no Mendocino County ordinance that prohibits, requires, or sets specific design standards for artificial (synthetic) turf on unincorporated residential lots. Artificial turf is generally treated as a permissible landscape surface and is increasingly used as a water-conservation measure. California state policy actively encourages replacing thirsty grass: AB 1572 (effective January 1, 2024) prohibits using potable water to irrigate non-functional turf on commercial, industrial, institutional and HOA common-area properties on a phased schedule, and lists artificial turf as one way to comply because it needs no irrigation. The County's MWELO-implementing chapter (9A.32) also notes that turf areas are handled differently from planted beds (for example, the 3-inch mulch requirement excludes turf areas). Because the unincorporated county is a State Responsibility Area, homeowners should still consider fire-safe materials and defensible-space spacing, and any permanent structures, drainage changes, or grading associated with a turf installation must meet the County's standard building, stormwater (Chapter 16.30) and zoning requirements.