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Ulster County, NY Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)

Few Restrictions

Verified 1 month ago|Source: Ulster County Code →

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Key Facts

State Ban: None
County Rule: None
Historic Districts: Review likely
Stormwater: May count as impervious
HOAs: Can restrict independently

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Ulster County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Summary

New York has no statewide ban on residential artificial turf. Ulster County has no countywide rule. Catskill-area towns and HOA/historic districts may limit or discourage synthetic turf for aesthetic or drainage reasons.

Full Breakdown

Residential artificial turf is generally legal across Ulster County. Some towns treat it as an impervious-surface equivalent for stormwater calculations (relevant in steep Catskill terrain), and historic or scenic overlay districts in New Paltz and Woodstock may require planning-board review. Homeowners associations sometimes bar synthetic lawns. Within the NYC watershed, the NYC DEP scrutinizes runoff-increasing surface changes. There is ongoing state-level discussion about PFAS ('forever chemicals') content in turf infill, but no Ulster-specific ban as of 2026.

Violations & Fines

Installing synthetic turf without required site-plan approval in a regulated overlay district can result in stop-work orders and remediation costs. Stormwater violations within the watershed can carry significant NYC DEP penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is artificial turf allowed in my Ulster County yard?

Generally yes outside historic and scenic overlay districts. Confirm with your town building department, especially within the Ashokan watershed.

Does turf affect stormwater rules?

It can. Many Ulster towns count synthetic turf toward the impervious-surface cap that triggers stormwater permits.

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Ulster County, NY Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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