Charleston had 436 residents in the 2020 Census (Wikipedia) and an ACS estimate of 414. Its land use ordinance, re-adopted March 6, 2025, requires at least 70% of a required front or side yard adjacent to a street in a residential, agricultural or commercial zone to be landscaped. It defines landscaping as a combination of planted trees, shrubs, vines, ground cover, flowers or lawns, and says rocks and structural features alone do not meet the requirement. Where landscaping is required, owners must keep it healthy, including mowing lawns and regular watering, and submit a plot plan showing the watering system (Charleston Land Use Ordinance 2025, linked from the town documents page).
The ordinance does not mention artificial or synthetic turf. The definition lists plants and lawns, so whether synthetic turf counts toward the 70% is a question for the town. Town Hall can be reached at 435-654-7177 (Charleston Town).
Acre-Plus Lots
The ordinance sets a minimum lot of five acres in the RA-5 zone and one acre in the RA-1 zone for a one-family dwelling (sections 02.0909.03 and 02.0910.03, same document). Lots this size make cost per square foot the key number, so ask any installer to price only the area you want, such as a play area or entry yard.
Water and Rebates
Charleston is listed as eligible on the Utah Water Savers eligibility page (observed October 2026). The program pays $3 per square foot to replace living lawn and does not incentivize artificial turf (program details; eligibility). Nearby Heber City and Midway use different irrigation systems, and we did not find Charleston's irrigation provider.
A Town Shaped by Deer Creek
Charleston was settled in 1859. Deer Creek Reservoir later flooded two-thirds of its land and displaced many families, and the population fell to 175 in 1943 (Utah History to Go). It sits at about 5,489 feet (Wikipedia, above), so plan for a deep freeze. Wasatch County's design criteria list a 36 inch frost line (Wasatch County). Our winter and snow guide covers what that means for turf.
Charleston at a Glance
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates, via Census Reporter. Estimates carry very wide margins of error for a town this small.
| Measure (Census ACS 2020–2024) | Charleston |
|---|---|
| Population | 414 |
| Housing units | 189 (±47) |
| Median home value (owner-occupied) | $712,100 (±$139,383) |
| Median household income | $96,607 (±$35,792) |
Costs
See the artificial turf cost guide. Material plus labor of $6 to $17 per square foot (HomeAdvisor, June 2026, added ranges) puts 800 square feet at about $4,800 to $13,600 (our arithmetic).
Services available in Charleston
Artificial Grass Lawns
Front and back lawns replaced with turf on a proper compacted base, priced in writing.
Artificial Grass Lawns →Backyard Putting Greens
Contoured synthetic greens with fringe and cups, sized to the yard you have.
Backyard Putting Greens →Playground and Commercial Turf
Padded playground turf, HOA common areas and low-water commercial frontage.
Playground and Commercial Turf →Turf Removal and Replacement
Worn or failed turf pulled up, the base repaired, and new turf laid properly.
Turf Removal and Replacement →See typical artificial turf costs in Salt Lake City & Charleston →
Turf Questions From Charleston Homeowners
Does Charleston allow artificial turf in front yards?
We found no Charleston rule that names artificial turf. The ordinance requires 70% of a street-side yard to be landscaped and defines landscaping as plants and lawns, so ask the town in writing.
Can I get a rebate for artificial turf in Charleston?
No. Charleston is on the Utah Water Savers eligibility list, but the program pays only to replace living lawn.
Who installs artificial grass near Charleston?
We refer Heber Valley homeowners to a vetted local installer and are not the contractor.