Payson, population about 23,039 (Census ACS 2020–2024), has a Title 13 chapter on water efficiency standards for landscaping. A third-party copy of the code shows Chapter 13.21, adopted by Ordinance 07-05-2023-B on July 5, 2023. It applies to new landscaping a contractor installs as part of new development in front and side yards, and to required park strips. Lawn must be at least 8 feet wide, may not exceed 35% of the total landscaped area, and may not go in park strips or on slopes steeper than 25%. The code defines lawn as ground covered with grass or turf that is regularly mowed (Payson Chapter 13.21, third-party copy).
That copy does not use the words artificial turf. Synthetic turf is not mowed, but we cannot say how the city counts it, so ask Planning before you plan a front yard. Payson's General Plan water element notes that turf is still allowed in planter strips under 8 feet wide though not recommended. It lists ideas for later, including banning turf in new strips and planting areas under eight feet wide and exploring a local turf-conversion program modeled on Flip Your Strip. These are recommendations, not rules (Payson Water Element).
Pressurized Irrigation Since 1991
Payson installed a city-wide pressurized irrigation system in 1991–1992, separate from the drinking system, so residents generally water lawns with non-potable water. The city did not start metering it until 2020. Its 2021 water plan counted 4,683 irrigation connections, 4,507 of them residential, and listed 2020 flat irrigation rates by lot size: $257.04 a year for lots of 0.50 acre or less and $337.08 for 0.50 to 0.75 acre (Payson Water System plan, 2021). The water element says the city has since adopted tiered culinary and irrigation rates, so check your bill. The city's goal is to cut use from 222 to 179 gallons per capita per day by 2030. The 2021 plan describes drinking water from springs in Payson Canyon and wells within the city.
Rebates in Payson
Payson is on the Utah Water Savers eligible list (eligibility, page 2). Its program details say artificial turf is not incentivized, and the $3.00 per square foot payment is for replacing lawn with plants (program details). See our rebate guide and the application steps.
Payson Homes at a Glance
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates, via Census Reporter. Estimates carry margins of error. About one in ten homes was built before 1940 (684 of 7,146), so some yards sit on old lots with mature trees and aged sprinkler lines. Plan for turf removal.
| Measure (Census ACS 2020–2024) | Payson |
|---|---|
| Population | 23,039 |
| Housing units | 7,146 |
| Median year built | 1997 |
| Built 2010 or later | 21% |
| Owner-occupied | 82% |
| Single-family detached | 78% |
Costs
Our artificial turf cost guide has current ranges. Lawn Love (Dec 2025) reports $5.45 to $20 per square foot installed and $0.88 to $1.84 for removing existing grass. For a 900 square foot yard that is roughly $790 to $1,660 for removal and $4,900 to $18,000 for turf, by our arithmetic and not a quote. Pet owners should read the turf for dogs guide. Nearby, see Salem, Santaquin and Spanish Fork.
Services available in Payson
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 & Payson →
Turf Questions From Payson Homeowners
Does Payson allow artificial turf in front yards?
We found no published Payson rule that names artificial turf. Chapter 13.21 caps lawn at 35% of landscaped area in new development and defines lawn as mowed grass or turf. Ask Planning how synthetic turf is treated, and check your HOA.
Is there a rebate for fake grass in Payson?
No. Payson is on the Utah Water Savers list, but the program says artificial turf is not incentivized.
How much does artificial turf cost in Payson, UT?
Published third-party ranges are $5.45 to $20 per square foot installed (Lawn Love, Dec 2025), plus $0.88 to $1.84 to remove old grass. See the cost guide and request a free estimate.
Who installs artificial turf near Payson?
We are a referral service, not a contractor. We connect Payson homeowners with one vetted local installer who gives a free estimate.
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