The wait is over if you’ve ever wanted to put artificial turf in your front yard, but there are a few things you should know before you do. As of June 3, 2016, artificial turf may be used in the single family zones ROS, R1R and R1. Here are a few important guidelines you should know before you install artificial turf:
- Artificial turf counts toward the total lot area requirement for landscaping, but does not count toward the live plant material requirement.
- Artificial turf is not allowed beneath the drip line of tree canopies.
- A minimum 3-foot wide live plant material landscape border is required at the street front and street side property line.
- A minimum 3-foot wide live plant material landscape border is required at the base of a building facing a street front or street side setback.
- Artificial turf is only permitted on sloped areas less than 25 percent.
- Artificial turf is to imitate a natural turf-life appearance and requires the following:
- A minimum blend of three colors, predominately green.
- A minimum blade length of 1 ½” with spines and uneven tops.
- Infill material is to be a natural material, such as coconut fiber, cork and sand. No crumb rubber is permitted.
- Artificial turf is to be installed by a qualified State licensed contractor with a valid landscaping contractors or synthetic products contractors license.
- Artificial turf is to be directed to drain to a permeable area on-site.
- Artificial turf is to be maintained in a clean and orderly condition.
- No painting of turf or dirt is allowed.
The use of artificial turf is in addition to existing landscaping requirements. To learn more, please see the code amendments to Ordinance 5879 and landscaping requirements online or call us at (818) 548-2115.
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