Vallejo, CA Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)

Section 4735 opens with the phrase notwithstanding any other law or any provision of the governing documents, which means an association's own recorded rules cannot override it: even a restriction requiring natural grass is unenforceable on this point. The statute then lists what an association shall not do. First, it may not prohibit low water-using plants as a group or as a replacement of existing turf. Second, it may not prohibit artificial turf or any other synthetic surface that resembles grass. In both cases the statute also bars conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, so an association cannot accomplish a ban indirectly by attaching conditions that make installation impractical.

Third, an association cannot prohibit or restrict compliance with a water-efficient landscape ordinance adopted or in effect under subdivision (c) of Section 65595 of the Government Code, or with any regulation or restriction on the use of water adopted under Section 353 or 375 of the Water Code. That third clause matters during drought restrictions: if a water-use rule pushes a homeowner toward replacing a lawn, the association cannot stand in the way. On the city side, Vallejo generally permits artificial turf as a water-saving lawn alternative.

Installation typically involves a proper drainage substrate and a weed barrier, and a permit is generally not required for a residential lawn replacement unless grading changes are involved. One practical caution: synthetic turf can reach 150F or more in direct sun.