Sacramento, CA Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)
Key Facts
- AB 1572 Targets
- AB 1572 targets CII ornamental turf
- Residential Lawns Exempt
- Residential lawns exempt from AB 1572
- Permeable Backing Required
- Permeable backing required
- Civil Code 4735
- Civil Code 4735 blocks HOA bans
- Prop 65 Heavy-metal
- Prop 65 heavy-metal compliance
Summary
California AB 1572 bans potable water use on ornamental turf at commercial and public sites; Sacramento allows residential artificial turf, but HOAs cannot forbid it under Civil Code 4735.
4735. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, a provision of the governing documents or architectural or landscaping guidelines or policies shall be void and unenforceable if it does any of the following: (1) Prohibits, or includes conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of low water-using plants as a group or as a replacement of existing turf. (2) Prohibits, or includes conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of artificial turf or any other synthetic surface that resembles grass. (3) Has the effect of prohibiting or restricting compliance with either of the following: (A) A water-efficient landscape ordinance adopted or in effect pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 65595 of the Government Code. (B) Any regulat
Full Breakdown
California AB 1572 (2023) phases out the use of potable water on non-functional ornamental grass at commercial, institutional, and industrial properties by 2027, pushing conversion to artificial turf or natives. Residential lawns are unaffected. Sacramento residents may install artificial turf in front or rear yards; SMC Title 17 requires permeable backing and a minimum 3-inch drain rock base. Civil Code 4735 forbids HOAs from banning drought-tolerant landscapes including synthetic turf. Artificial turf must meet heavy-metal content standards under Prop 65.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my front lawn with artificial turf?
Is there a rebate for artificial turf?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento
How Sacramento compares: Most Artificial Turf-Friendly Cities·California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Artificial Turf in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle artificial turf.