Is artificial turf still allowed anywhere on the block?
Under the Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026, artificial turf is not permitted within the required planting area. Required planting areas must meet the minimum area and dimension requirements and contain suitable planting. Outside the planting area, artificial turf is discouraged but not prohibited.
Reference: Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026 (NI2026-303)- Assessment Outome 19.1 & 20.1 – Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026 | PDF
Short Answer
Artificial turf cannot be used in the required planting areas of a block. It may be used elsewhere on the property, but it is discouraged. The required planting areas must be made up of suitable plants, grass, or ground cover.
Detailed Explanation
Artificial turf is not allowed within the required planting area of a residential block. The planting area must be a genuine landscaped area that supports vegetation and must meet the minimum size and dimension requirements set out in the Technical Specifications. It must contain suitable planting, such as climate-resilient grass and/or ground-cover plant species.
Artificial turf may be used in other parts of the block outside the required planting area; however, its use is discouraged. This means it is not prohibited, but natural landscaping options are preferred to support better environmental outcomes, such as cooling, water management, and a healthier urban environment.
No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.
Would you like to know what these rules mean for your property?
Get a Planning Assessment prepared by our experienced planning team.