Merced, CA Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)

060(A)(2) sets Merced's turf rules within its general landscape standards, which apply in every zoning district. Natural turf is capped at 50 percent of the landscaped area unless the planning commission approves more for functional open space like ballfields, must use drought-resistant grass species exclusively, and cannot be used on berms, slopes over 25 percent, street medians, or park strips under 10 feet wide without sub-surface irrigation. Artificial turf gets no such restriction: subsection (A)(2)(d) states plainly that "artificial turf may be used in all areas if it meets the minimum standards as established by the development services department," meaning it is not limited to the 50 percent cap that applies to natural grass.

050(A)(2), which lists required landscaping options for residential exterior setback areas as any combination of living plants, natural features like rock or bark chips, or artificial turf meeting the same development-services standards, alongside decorative pervious hardscape. 060(A)(1), which requires 90 percent of plants and trees to be drought-tolerant, non-invasive species.