Simpsonville, SC Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)
Key Facts
- Required landscaping
- No synthetic plant material
- Definition
- Excludes artificial plants
- Code section
- Zoning Ordinance 4.9.3.D
- Single-family lots
- Exempt from Sec. 4.9
- Living plants
- Must be kept healthy
Summary
Simpsonville's Zoning Ordinance prohibits artificial or synthetic plant materials from being used to satisfy required landscaping, and its landscape definition excludes artificial trees and plants. These rules apply to regulated landscaping, not to a homeowner installing turf on an exempt single-family lot.
No artificial or synthetic plant materials shall be used to satisfy the landscape requirements herein.
Full Breakdown
Under Zoning Ordinance Section 4.9.3.D, no artificial or synthetic plant materials may be used to meet the ordinance's landscape requirements. The ordinance's definition of 'Landscape' also expressly notes it 'does not include artificial trees or other artificial plants.' Because the landscaping standards apply to development and redevelopment and exempt single-family residential property, a homeowner may still install artificial turf on a private lawn; the prohibition is aimed at developers trying to satisfy required plantings, buffers, or parking-lot landscaping with synthetic material. Required living plants must be maintained in good health with weeding, mowing, irrigation, and pruning.
Violations & Fines
On regulated development sites, using synthetic material to satisfy required landscaping is a zoning-compliance violation; the Planning Department can require replacement with living plants meeting the minimum standards before approvals are issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install artificial turf in Simpsonville?
Can a developer use fake plants for landscaping?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Simpsonville
How Simpsonville compares: Most Artificial Turf-Friendly Cities·Compare Simpsonville to another location·View the South Carolina landscaping rules overview
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