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Planning commission backs updates to Erie landscaping code to align with state turf restrictions
Summary
The commission unanimously recommended that town council adopt amendments to Title 10 to restrict nonfunctional turf on certain property types and add definitions aligning local code with state law; staff said single-family yards are not affected and changes will go to council June 9.
The Erie Planning Commission voted May 20 to recommend that the Town Council adopt amendments to chapters 6 and 11 of Title 10 of the Erie Municipal Code to align local landscaping rules with recent state law limiting nonfunctional turf on specified property types.
Kelly Driscoll, deputy planning and development director, presented the proposed changes and said state law requires municipalities to prohibit nonfunctional turf on a range of property types including commercial, institutional, industrial, common interest communities, certain rights-of-way, medians and transportation corridors, and multifamily buildings with 12 or more units. Driscoll said the proposed UDC changes clarify definitions, remove incorrect code cross-references, allow turf composed of native species or hybrids suitable for arid conditions, and would be scheduled for council consideration on June 9.
Commissioners asked whether the amendment would affect single-family residential yards and how right-of-way permits would be enforced; staff said the proposal does not restrict typical single-family lawns and confirmed right-of-way work would be reviewed through the town's permit process going forward. Commissioners also asked whether the town could still use functional synthetic turf for parks (staff said functional artificial turf remains permitted for recreational uses).
A motion to adopt Resolution P26-09 recommending council approval of the recommended landscaping code changes passed unanimously by voice vote.
The amendments are advisory at this stage; final adoption will occur only if the Town Council approves the ordinance. The staff report and updated code language will be provided to council for the June 9 meeting.
