Artificial turf is allowed in Palm Springs residential landscapes and is protected under California Civil Code §714.1, which prevents HOAs from prohibiting synthetic grass. Quality and installation standards may apply in new-construction landscape plans under PSMC Chapter 8.70, and in historic districts aesthetic review can restrict front-yard use.
California Civil Code §714.1 (added by AB 349 in 2015) explicitly prohibits common interest developments from banning or unreasonably restricting installation of artificial turf on residential property. Palm Springs does not prohibit synthetic grass, and many homeowners use it as a low-water alternative to natural lawn. However the city can require that landscape plans submitted under PSMC Chapter 8.70 meet minimum quality standards (UV-stable fiber, permeable backing, proper drainage base) so artificial turf performs well in desert heat, where surface temperatures can exceed 150°F. Some historic districts (Las Palmas, Tennis Club, Movie Colony) apply aesthetic review that can limit highly visible front-yard synthetic turf in favor of decomposed granite, desert plantings, and hardscape consistent with mid-century modern context. Installation should not obstruct drainage or create runoff, and infill material (typically silica sand or organic infill) should be contained. Synthetic turf does not count as landscape area for WELO water-budget purposes and does not earn rebate credit from most CVWD/DWA programs.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Palm Springs code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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