Paramount, CA Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)

The artificial turf rule sits in the R-1 (single-family) yard standards. Every R-1 lot in the City of Paramount has a front yard depth of not less than 20 feet, measured from the lot front line, and that yard must be fully landscaped with water-efficient materials, excluding driveways and walkways. Plant density must cover at least 65% of the front yard area, and the acceptable materials are drought tolerant plants, artificial turf, and permeable materials or a combination thereof. A maximum of 35% of the required front yard area can hold accent plant alternatives such as pavers, a three-inch layer of mulch, decomposed granite, or artificial turf. The code also states that turf is not a required landscape material.

Site preparation and installation. A licensed contractor must prepare the site, which means removing all existing plant material and the top three inches of soil, placing a weed barrier over compacted, porous crushed rock, and sloping and grading the area to prevent excessive pooling, runoff, or flooding onto adjacent property. Turf must be permanently anchored with nails and glue, with seams nailed or sewn and glued, and it must end at least three inches from the base of any newly planted plant or tree. A mow strip or bender board has to separate turf from live planting areas.

Product standard. The turf needs an eight-year "no-fade" manufacturer's warranty, must be permeable to water and air and non-flammable, and must be cut-pile infill made from polyethylene or a blend of polyethylene and polypropylene. The hole punched backing has spacing not to exceed four inches by six inches on center, the blade length (pile height) is at least one and one-quarter inches, and the face weight is at least 65 ounces. Nylon based or plastic grass blades (patio carpet or astro-turf) are not permitted. Maintenance means keeping it green and fadeless, free of weeds, stains, tears, or looseness, and repairing or replacing damaged areas.

Scope. The provisions apply to all new development and to existing development where turf is replaced. Hardscape is limited to existing driveways, walkways, patios and courtyards. Parkway strips follow Chapter 12.32, and other zones carry their own landscape sections in Title 17 that this page does not cover.