Vancouver does not explicitly ban artificial turf in its municipal code, but its landscaping and water conservation standards strongly favor living plant material. Turf grass is capped at 40–50% of any landscaped area, and local installers describe city rules as ambiguous.
VMC 20.925 governs landscaping standards citywide. Under VMC 20.925.100 (Water Conservation Standards), non-drought-resistant turf grass is limited to no more than 40% of the project's landscaped area; drought-resistant grass may cover up to 50%. The code emphasizes living plant material and does not list artificial turf as an approved substitute for required landscaping elements. No VMC section explicitly bans or explicitly approves synthetic turf on residential lots. Applicants should consult Vancouver Community Development before installing artificial turf as part of a required landscape plan.
Failure to comply with landscaping plan requirements can result in code enforcement action, stop-work orders, or required remediation. Civil penalties apply under the VMC code compliance process.
Vancouver, WA
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Vancouver, WA
Vancouver's Municipal Code Chapter 20.912 governs all fences, walls, and retaining walls citywide. Residential fences have tiered height limits by yard locat...
Vancouver, WA
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Vancouver, WA
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Vancouver, WA
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Vancouver, WA
Vancouver does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size, type, or theme. Continuously running blower motors are subject to VMC 7.05.01...
See how Vancouver's artificial turf rules stack up against other locations.
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