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Task force reviews rewritten synthetic-turf ordinance; planning board backs front-yard ban
Summary
Staff presented a reorganized synthetic turf ordinance (first adopted in 2020). The Planning & Zoning Board recommended barring turf in front yards and in swales/public right-of-way; members debated permitting exemptions, buffer width and pile-height limits.
Staff presented a substantially reorganized synthetic-turf ordinance intended to make permitting and design standards clearer. The ordinance would require permits for most installations, prohibit synthetic turf in front yards (except narrow joints in driveways with limits), and bar turf in swales or public right-of-way. Planning & Zoning recommended allowing synthetic turf in side and rear yards and discussed raising the allowable coverage beyond the current 20% cap.
Task force members questioned a proposed exemption allowing small installations (15% or less) to avoid a building permit, citing enforcement difficulties. Members suggested strengthening the buffer from turf to living plant material (one member recommended 4 feet), requiring warranties (staff said an eight-year warranty is required), and capping pile height (staff and members discussed a proposed maximum of 1.5 inches). Chair asked staff to collect task-force feedback for the commission packet.
