Santa Barbara County, CA Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)

Santa Barbara County does not publish a stand-alone artificial-turf ordinance for unincorporated areas, and the State Model WELO it applies does not single out synthetic turf. Whether artificial turf is appropriate is governed indirectly. First, the Fire Department's Defensible Space Standard #6 prohibits combustible mulch and combustible landscape materials in Zone 0, the five feet immediately surrounding a structure (§5.4.1), and limits vegetation there — so any ground covering in that zone, including turf products, should be non-combustible. Many plastic-backed synthetic turfs are combustible and would not be appropriate directly against a structure in a fire hazard area. Second, because artificial turf is a non-irrigated, non-living surface, it does not count as irrigated landscape area for WELO water-budget purposes, which can ease compliance, though it is not credited as a water-efficiency "plant" measure. Third, drainage, setback and design standards under the County Land Use and Development Code (Chapter 35) apply to large hardscape and impervious-surface installations. Homeowners installing artificial turf should confirm fire-zone material requirements and any drainage or design-review conditions with County Planning and Development before installation.