Smyrna, GA Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)

Cobb County has no specific ordinance prohibiting or restricting residential artificial turf installation. Homeowners may replace natural turf with synthetic turf without a permit, provided no grading changes, impervious surface increases, or stormwater modifications occur (which could trigger land disturbance permits under the Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Act for areas over 1 acre). Installation should include proper drainage substrate (typically crushed stone base with geotextile and perforated drain), weed barrier, and adequate infill. Heat concerns apply — synthetic turf in full sun can exceed 150F, potentially damaging adjacent lawn, plants, or pet paws. Georgia, unlike Florida (F.S. §720.3075), California, and other states, has NO state law preventing HOA prohibitions of artificial turf — HOAs in Cobb County communities retain full authority to prohibit, regulate, or require removal under CC&Rs. Front yard turf may be restricted by community design guidelines. Commercial installations may require site plan review.