Washington, DC Landscaping Rules: Artificial Turf (2026)
Key Facts
- Artificial turf pervious-surface status
- Explicitly excluded
- GAR applies to
- All zones except R and RF
- GAR trigger for renovations
- >100% of assessed value in 12 months
- Permeable paving/tree credit cap
- Max 1/3 of GAR score
- Governing citation
- 11 DCMR Subtitle B § 100.2; Subtitle C §§ 601-602
Summary
DC's zoning code expressly excludes artificial turf from counting as a "pervious surface," so it earns no landscaping credit toward the Green Area Ratio a property must meet in most zones. The rule applies to new buildings and major renovations everywhere except R and RF (single-family and rowhouse) residential zones.
Pervious Surface: A surface that allows the percolation of water into the underlying soil. ... Pervious surfaces do not include any structure or building, any porch or deck that limits the covered lot surface from absorbing water, or any outdoor stairs, on-grade surface sports court, swimming pool, artificial turf, sidewalk or patio constructed of concrete, asphalt, brick, compacted gravel or other material that impedes the infiltration of water directly into the subsurface of the lot.
Full Breakdown
4 caps permeable paving and enhanced tree growth credits at one-third of the total score. Because artificial turf is defined out of "pervious surface," it earns zero multiplier value and cannot be substituted for real landscaping to hit a required GAR score. 4 it triggers for new buildings and for renovations where work within a 12-month period exceeds 100% of the building's assessed value. 1 requires landscape elements used to meet the GAR score to be maintained for the life of the project, and any drop below the required score must be compensated with new eligible elements.
Violations & Fines
A property subject to GAR that relies on artificial turf to meet its required score will fail plan review by the Department of Buildings and cannot obtain a certificate of occupancy until compliant landscape elements are substituted. For an already-issued permit, letting the GAR score lapse (including turf replacing plantings) violates the Subtitle C § 606.1 maintenance duty and can require replacement landscaping to restore the required ratio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does artificial turf count toward DC's green area requirement?
Can I install artificial turf in my DC yard at all?
What happens if my project needs a Green Area Ratio and I use turf?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington
How Washington compares: Most Artificial Turf-Friendly Cities·Compare Washington to another location·View the District of Columbia landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.