Turlock, CA Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)

The City of Turlock addresses artificial turf primarily through its alternative landscaping of parkway strips policy. In the public parkway strip adjacent to a single-family home, owners may install the required City-determined street tree, natural grass (including drought-tolerant 'no mow' varieties), artificial turf, shrubs not exceeding 36 inches in height, and low-lying groundcover. Owners must irrigate (by hand or automated system) and maintain all plants in the strip, and the City suggests covering bare ground with natural mulch or rubber bark. Prohibited parkway materials include gravel, river rock, cobble, concrete, asphalt, brick, or anything creating a tripping hazard. Importantly, this alternative-landscaping policy applies only to replacement and rehabilitation of existing parkway landscape; it does not apply to new subdivisions, new construction landscapes, properties with approved landscape plans, Planned Development zoning, multi-family properties of three or more units, or commercial/industrial properties, which are subject to other City landscape and planning regulations. For new construction landscapes subject to MWELO, turf is not allowed on slopes greater than 25% where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape, reflecting the state MWELO standard the City uses. Yard (non-parkway) artificial turf on private property is not the subject of a published prohibition, but should meet drainage and any HOA or zoning conditions. Confirm specifics with the Planning Division (209-668-5640).