Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 10b - Artificial Turf Policy DATE: March 7, 2023 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Lisa Flores, Deputy Development Services Director Edwin Arreola, Associate Planner SUBJECT: REPORT, DISCUSSION, AND DIRECTION CONCERNING REGULATIONS ON THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL TURF AS A PART OF RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPING CEQA: Not a Project Recommendation: Provide Direction SUMMARY The City of Arcadia originally created regulations to allow artificial turf in the front and street side (corner) yards of residential properties in 2016. Due to persistent drought conditions and more community interest in the installation of artificial turf in residential areas, it is important to review the City’s policies on artificial turf to determine if regulations need to be altered. A PowerPoint presentation will be provided at the March 7, 2023, City Council meeting providing detail on this issue and highlighting some of the conflicts that have arisen in the field. It is recommended that the City Council provide direction concerning regulations on the use of artificial turf as a part of residential landscaping. BACKGROUND The statewide drought and watering limitations affecting the City of Arcadia in recent years has required residents to rethink the fully landscaped yards and green grass lawns typical of Arcadia residences. During this time, drought tolerant landscaping has been promoted as an alternative to encourage water conservation. In recent years, the City has received numerous requests from residents to give additional consideration to the limitations on artificial turf as a means for water conservation and/or landscape maintenance. Additionally, a few residential properties have been improved with artificial turf to an extent that exceeds the permitted amount allowed by the City. As a result, there are several properties in violation of the City’s code from unapproved turf improvements. Based on these circumstances, it is timely to reconsider the existing regulations and determine if changes are warranted. Regulations on Artificial Turf March 7, 2023 Page 2 of 3 DISCUSSION The standards below are what is currently permitted per the Development Code regarding the installation of artificial turf on all residential properties within the City: • Hardscape materials of driveways and pedestrian walkways, including pavement, concrete, interlocking pavers, and the use of artificial turf, shall not cover more than 40 percent of the required front setback or street side. • In any zone, a maximum of 15 percent of the yard area within the front or street side yards may be installed with artificial turf. Artificial turf shall not be installed within 10 feet of a sidewalk or within 20 feet from the curb if there is no sidewalk. • Artificial turf is permitted in any zone within any back yard and/or interior side setback areas. • Artificial turf is not permitted within any parkway areas. • Artificial turf must have a minimum eight-year no-fade warranty as issued by the manufacturer; be cut-pile infill and made from lead-free polypropylene, polyethylene or a blend of such fibers on a permeable backing; and, have a minimum blade length (pile height) of 1.5 inches, or as determined by the Director as manufacturing processes are updated. Nylon-based or plastic grass blades are not permitted. The use of indoor/outdoor carpeting, and artificial shrubs, flowers, trees and vines instead of natural plantings is prohibited. Infill medium must consist of ground rubber; rubber coated sand or other approved mixtures and must be brushed into the fibers of the artificial turf. The style of the fiber, color, and texture shall resemble fescue, rye, and other common natural grass blades. • Artificial turf must be installed per all manufacturer’s requirements and must include removal of all existing plant material and top three inches of soil in the installation area; placement of filter fabric or synthetic porous material over compacted and porous crushed rock or other comparable material below the turf surface to provide adequate drainage; and, the area must be sloped and graded to prevent excessive pooling, runoff, or flooding onto adjacent property. • Artificial turf must be maintained in a green, fadeless condition, free of weeds, stains, debris, tears, holes, depressions, ruts, odors, and looseness at edges and seams. Damaged or worn areas in the artificial turf surface must be repaired or removed and replaced in a manner that results in consistent appearance with the existing artificial turf. The artificial turf surface must be replaced once it is unable to be maintained as required. Vehicle parking on artificial turf is prohibited. The policies identified for further consideration by the City Council are the first two bullet points in the above list (underlined), as they relate to how much artificial turf may be used. In essence, should the policies remain the same, allow for increased use of artificial turf as hardscape, or allow for an unlimited application of artificial turf? Regulations on Artificial Turf March 7, 2023 Page 3 of 3 As mentioned, a PowerPoint presentation will be provided at the March 7 meeting to better illustrate the issues and options for consideration. Any direction provided by the City Council at the March 7 meeting will be returned as a text amendment to the Municipal Code in a public hearing format. Subsequent to that, clear information will be provided to the public as to what the rules are related to artificial turf installation. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS No decision is being made as part of this item, thus it is not considered a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”). Any future decision on artificial turf policy will return to the City Council along with an environmental analysis. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council provide direction concerning the regulations on the use of artificial turf as a part of residential landscaping.