California Statewide Rule
California Cities May Ban Artificial Turf; HOAs May Not
Key Facts
- Statute
- Gov Code 53087.7
- City turf bans
- Allowed since 2024 (SB 676)
- HOA turf bans
- Void (Civil Code 4735)
- Living drought-tolerant plants
- Protected from city bans
Summary
Since SB 676 took effect in 2024, Government Code 53087.7 protects only drought-tolerant living landscaping from local bans, so cities may again prohibit artificial turf. Civil Code 4735 still voids HOA bans on artificial turf.
(a) A city, including a charter city, county, or city and county, shall not enact any ordinance or regulation, or enforce any existing ordinance or regulation, that prohibits the installation of drought-tolerant landscaping using living plant material on residential property. (b) For the purposes of this section, "drought-tolerant landscaping" shall not include the installation of synthetic grass or artificial turf.
Full Breakdown
Government Code 53087.7 bars cities and counties from prohibiting drought-tolerant landscaping on residential property, but SB 676 (effective January 1, 2024) amended it to expressly exclude synthetic grass and artificial turf from that protection. Cities and counties may therefore regulate or prohibit artificial turf installation. Homeowner associations are different: Civil Code 4735 still makes any HOA provision void if it prohibits, or has the effect of prohibiting, the use of artificial turf or another synthetic surface that resembles grass. Cities also may not require live grass where an owner chooses compliant drought-tolerant living landscaping.
Violations & Penalties
City turf restrictions are enforceable through local code enforcement; HOA fines for compliant artificial turf installations remain void under Civil Code 4735.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my city outlaw artificial turf in my yard?
Can my HOA fine me for installing turf?
Sources
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