Artificial Grass and Perth Councils: Rules, Rebates, and Home Values Explained

Sun-soaked days in Perth make it easy to enjoy outdoor living, but if you’re not excited by the thought of outdoor work, artificial grass is a popular solution. 

Artificial turf has become a mainstream solution for those seeking a water-wise, low-effort alternative to natural lawns.

Synthetic turf offers freedom from watering restrictions, lawn pests, and endless mowing. Beyond aesthetics, the shift reflects changing attitudes about sustainability and property upkeep.

However, understanding how Perth councils regulate artificial grass, which rebates may apply, and how installation influences home value remains essential before laying down that first roll.

In this article, we explore local rules shaping turf approvals, incentive opportunities for eco-friendly landscaping, and how a professionally installed synthetic lawn can enhance property appeal, durability, and long-term worth.

Perth’s climate has always tested homeowners’ patience — long, dry summers, strict watering restrictions, and waterwise regulations have pushed natural lawns to their limit.

As water bills rise and maintenance demands climb, more Perth households are shifting to artificial grass as a practical, long-term solution.

Modern synthetic turf bears little resemblance to the stiff, plastic surfaces of decades past. Advances in UV-stabilised fibres, multi-layered drainage systems, and heat-reducing infills make today’s lawns soft, cool, and lifelike.

Perth suppliers now offer specialised products designed to handle intense sunlight, coastal winds, and sandy soil profiles — providing vibrant greenery year-round without constant watering or mowing.

Low-maintenance living also means freeing up weekends once spent mowing or repairing reticulation systems. Over time, those savings on water, fertiliser, and upkeep quickly offset installation costs.

Beyond convenience, synthetic turf supports Perth’s ongoing conservation goals. With local councils encouraging water-efficient landscapes, installing artificial lawns has become a responsible, environmentally smart choice.

City of Stirling

• Synthetic turf and paving count as “hardstand” verge treatment and require written approval via the City’s Verge Treatment Application Form. 
• Only up to one-third of a verge area (excluding crossover and footpath) may be covered with hardstand materials, including synthetic turf.
• Any hardstand installation must include a street tree (unless extenuating circumstances apply) and avoid contact with tree roots up to 2 m radius
• If approval is granted, it’s valid for 2 years; if work isn’t commenced in that period, reapplication is required.
• The City reserves the right to remove non-compliant materials or issue fines for breaches of policy.

City of Perth

• Only soft landscaping (live turf, low native groundcovers ≤ 100 mm height) is permitted without approval under the City’s Thoroughfares and Public Places Local Law.
• Synthetic turf and other “hard landscapes” (paving, raised borders, hardened surfaces) are not permitted in the verge without a formal application and approval.
• Applications must include a scaled site plan, location of existing assets (trees, pits, power), and proposed surface treatments.
• If installed works deviate from the approved plan, the City may require removal or rectification to comply with laws

City of South Perth

• Synthetic turf is not a permissible verge treatment. 
• Treatments needing approval include paving or hardstand—these require lodging a formal Application for Verge Treatment Approval with plan, permit fee, existing features and proposed works.
• Maximum 50 % hardstand area permitted on verge, counting crossover, footpath, concrete, paving and turf.
• For narrower verges (< 1.5 m), the hardstand cap may be relaxed if natural landscaping is impractical.

City of Cockburn

• Approvals required when synthetic turf or hard surface treatment would exceed 25 % of the verge area. City of Cockburn
• Any impermeable verge installations must evidence mitigation of heat island effects, include street tree planting, and provide permeability for stormwater infiltration.
• The council often rejects full verge turf coverage due to concerns around runoff, heat, and biodiversity loss.

City of Swan & Others

• Swan requires an “Application to Alter Verge” for paving, synthetic turf or compact aggregates.
• Many councils follow Waterwise or landscape guidelines recommending soft, permeable landscaping over impermeable treatments.

Key Common Rules & Constraints

• Permit needed for hard landscape, including synthetic turf, paving, borders in most councils.
• Limit on coverage of hard materials (often between 25 %–50 %) on verge.
• Strict requirements around street trees, root zones, tree protections.
• Scaled design plans and asset identification (kerb, pits, utility lines) required in applications.
• Non-compliance consequences: removal orders, fines, forced rectification.
• Soft treatments (natural lawn, low native groundcovers, mulch) generally allowed without approval in many areas.

Step 1: Confirm Your Local Council’s Verge Policy

Before buying turf or hiring installers, confirm which local council governs your property. Use the WA Local Government Directory or contact your council directly. Each council sets unique limits on verge coverage, approved materials, and tree protection zones.

• Tip: Bookmark your council’s “Verge Treatment” or “Landscape Guidelines” page.
• Outcome: You’ll know whether artificial turf is permitted and if an application is required.

Step 2: Prepare a Simple Site Plan

Most councils require a diagram showing your verge dimensions, crossover, trees, pits, and proposed turf areas. Include:

• Street tree locations (and 2 m clear zones around trunks)
• Drainage points and slope direction
• Edge details and materials (e.g., compacted base, permeable infill)
• Any adjoining garden beds or planting zones

If you’re unsure how to draw it, Evergreen Synthetic Grass can prepare compliant plans that meet council mapping standards.

Step 3: Complete the Verge Treatment Application

Once your plan is ready, fill out the online or downloadable form available on your council’s website. Some examples include:

• City of Stirling Verge Treatment Application
• City of Perth Verge Works Application
• City of Swan Application to Alter Verge
• City of South Perth Verge Treatment Application

Attach your plan, turf product specifications, and photographs (if applicable). Always include material data sheets showing UV stability, permeability, and fire safety compliance — this helps fast-track approval.

Step 4: Await Assessment and Approval

Processing typically takes 10–30 business days, depending on council workload and application completeness. Councils may request clarifications about drainage or tree proximity.

Once approved, you’ll receive written confirmation, usually valid for 1–2 years.

Step 5: Engage a Certified Installer

A professional installer ensures your verge meets every standard — correct base depth, proper fall for stormwater, and clean transitions to kerbs and footpaths.

Using an accredited installer such as Evergreen Synthetic Grass prevents non-compliance penalties and protects your investment under warranty.

Step 6: Post-Installation Inspection (If Required)

Some councils perform visual checks to ensure verge works align with approved plans. This inspection confirms that:

• Materials match those listed in the application.
• No damage occurred to utilities, kerbs, or tree roots.
• Verge remains permeable and accessible.

After inspection, homeowners are responsible for maintaining the verge in safe, tidy condition.

Water efficiency sits at the heart of Perth’s landscaping strategy, making synthetic turf a natural fit for households seeking both beauty and conservation.

While most councils don’t offer direct rebates for artificial lawns, several local and state initiatives indirectly support the switch through water-saving and sustainable landscaping programs.

Understanding these programs helps homeowners offset installation costs and align their projects with broader environmental goals.

Water Corporation’s Waterwise Programs

Western Australia’s Water Corporation runs the state’s primary Waterwise Program, aimed at reducing outdoor water consumption.

Although rebates currently prioritise efficient irrigation systems, mulch, and native plant selections, homeowners who replace natural lawns with artificial turf can still benefit indirectly.

By installing a synthetic lawn, property owners cut water use by up to 90%, helping maintain Waterwise accreditation for their homes or developments.

Some Waterwise Councils (like Stirling, Canning, and Joondalup) reward sustainable landscaping as part of community programs.

Council-Specific Sustainability Grants

While not all councils provide financial rebates, many run local sustainability grants for residents adopting eco-friendly improvements. For instance:

• City of Bayswater offers Environment Grants for community or private projects that reduce water consumption or promote sustainable materials.
• City of Cockburn’s Sustainability Grants fund local initiatives improving environmental outcomes — artificial lawns may qualify when paired with permeable, heat-reducing infill and tree planting.
• City of Stirling’s Living Green Program promotes sustainable verge treatments that incorporate waterwise principles, native vegetation, and shade trees.

Combining Rebates with Smart Design

Homeowners can boost eligibility for rebates and council approval by blending synthetic turf with natural landscaping. Examples include:

• Installing native plant borders beside artificial grass to enhance biodiversity.
• Choosing permeable base layers that meet stormwater requirements.
• Adding street trees or shade structures to offset heat absorption.

Understanding local council expectations, rebate availability, and installation standards ensures every project remains compliant and beneficial.

With correct preparation, material selection, and professional guidance, synthetic lawns deliver enduring comfort and aesthetic value.

Key takeaways:

• Council approval may be required for verge installations, depending on local regulations.
• Waterwise programs occasionally recognise synthetic turf as a sustainable landscaping option.
• Australian-made, UV-stabilised grass performs best in Perth’s harsh climate.
• Professional installation safeguards drainage, compliance, and visual appeal.
• High-quality products can enhance property value through durability and low maintenance.

Backed by more than 25 years of proven experience and thousands of successful installations, the Evergreen Synthetic Grass team delivers results that combine durability, sustainability, and visual excellence.

Every project reflects a commitment to craftsmanship, environmental care, and long-term performance — ensuring homeowners enjoy a lawn that looks perfect year-round without costly maintenance or compliance concerns.

Ready to take the next step? Request a free quote within 24 hours.