Santa Maria, CA Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)

The definition sits in Chapter 12-2, the zoning code's definitions chapter: 'Landscaping' means the configuration of trees, shrubbery and other plant material, earth patterning and bedding materials in conjunction with open space. 80). That exclusion matters because several residential districts tie a minimum square footage of landscaping to every dwelling unit. 08(c) requires 'a landscaped area of not less than 300 square feet, exclusive of required yards,' on the same building site for each unit. 08(b). 80 carves artificial turf and artificial plants out of the definition, installing synthetic grass in that required area does not count toward meeting either standard; the space still has to be planted with real trees, shrubs or other living plant material, earth patterning or bedding materials.

The Code doesn't otherwise restrict where a homeowner installs artificial turf in a yard area that isn't counted toward a landscaping requirement, so decorative turf on a patio, side yard or area beyond the mandated landscaped footage isn't itself regulated; the exclusion only applies where the Code requires 'landscaping' by name.