Why side yards are a common turf spot
Narrow strips between a house and a fence are hard to mow, often shaded and prone to bare patches. Dog owners also use them as potty paths. Turf gives you a clean, even surface where lawn and mulch tend to fail.
Access and waste
A tight gate limits what equipment fits and how much material we carry by hand. That adds labor, and so does hauling away old sod, gravel or mulch. We check the gate width and the path to the space during the estimate. Our cost guide explains why access and small size push the price per square foot up.
Drainage between buildings
Side yards collect water from roofs and fence lines. We plan the grading and a compacted aggregate base so water leaves the strip instead of sitting under the turf. If a dog uses the strip, the same drainage controls odor. See pet turf odor and drainage.
Setback and city rules
City rules can limit turf in some areas. Thornton's permit rules, as one example, set no limit in rear yards and visually shielded side yards, and cap turf in front and other areas at 25% of the landscape area. They also require buffers: 3 feet from property lines, 8 feet from the front building wall, and 3 feet from other walls, impervious surfaces and deciduous tree trunks.
Thornton's document is undated, so confirm the current version with the city. Other cities have their own rules. We check your city and HOA before we quote.
HOA visibility
Colorado's SB23-178 protects nonvegetative turf in the backyard of single-family detached homes from HOA bans, within limits. A side yard visible from the street may be treated differently. HOAs can also set design rules, so check your covenants and get architectural approval. More in the Colorado turf rules guide.
Related projects
For a kennel area, see dog run turf. For hard surfaces, see patio and balcony turf. Ready to plan a strip? Request a free estimate and send a photo with rough measurements.
Common questions
Can you turf a very narrow side yard?
Usually, yes. Access is the main question. Send a photo and the gate width.
Do I need a permit for side yard turf?
It depends on the city. Thornton requires a minor planning permit for detached homes, for example. We check your city before quoting.
Will it drain if the strip is shaded and damp?
A graded, compacted base and permeable backing are built for that. We plan it on site.
Sources
- City of Thornton: Minor Planning Permit, Artificial Turf
- Colorado SB23-178 (HOA water-wise landscaping)
Checked November 11, 2026. Laws, programs and prices change, so confirm with the source before you decide.