Newark, NJ Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)

4F) and cross-references the same yard standard used for all registered vacant property. Paragraph d spells out what counts as acceptable ground cover: grass, ground covers, bushes, shrubs, hedges or similar plantings, decorative rock or bark, or artificial turf/sod are all listed side by side as compliant options. The same subsection then draws the line on what is not acceptable: weeds, gravel, broken concrete, asphalt, or similar material. Paragraph e requires that whatever ground cover is chosen, including turf, be kept maintained, watering and irrigation obligations apply, and any required cutting, mowing, or trimming debris must be removed.

Paragraph c further ties yard upkeep to the property's applicable code at the time registration was required, so artificial turf must also satisfy any other applicable Newark landscaping or property-maintenance code in force for that yard. Failure to keep the yard maintained, whether with turf, sod or plantings, is a violation of the applicable code under paragraph g and can draw a citation or notice of violation, with the City able to seek compliance through the Sheriff, a magistrate or a court of competent jurisdiction. The Department of Economic and Housing Development administers the underlying registration program that this yard standard is attached to.