San Benito County, CA Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)

San Benito County does not appear to have a standalone code section that bans or comprehensively regulates artificial turf on private residential property in its unincorporated areas. That means synthetic lawn is generally permitted, but it still must comply with the County's general development standards, including zoning, lot-coverage and impervious-surface considerations, stormwater drainage, and any applicable setbacks. Because artificial turf eliminates irrigation, it can help a project meet the water-efficiency goals of the County's Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance, which implements California's MWELO and rewards reduced outdoor water use; however, synthetic turf is typically counted as a non-plant or impervious-type area rather than as living landscape, so its treatment in a water-budget calculation should be confirmed for permit-triggering projects. Statewide, California law (AB 1572) is phasing out potable-water irrigation of non-functional turf at commercial and institutional sites, which can make synthetic or low-water alternatives attractive there. Homeowners associations in master-planned communities such as Ridgemark may impose their own landscaping and turf rules that are stricter than the County's. Before installing a large synthetic lawn, confirm drainage and any permit requirements with County Building and Planning.