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Artificial Turf for Front & Side Yards? 08-28-15 | News

Artificial Turf for Front & Side Yards?
Sacramento Planning Commission Likely to Approve

Sacramento Planning Commission will vote on allowing artificial turf for front yards. The current city ordinance requires living vegetation in front and side lawns, and prohibits artificial turf in view from the street. The commission is a 13-member panel appointed by the city council.
Photo: Synthetic Grass Warehouse

The Sacramento Bee reports the city planning and design commission is considering a proposal to allow residents and businesses to install artificial turf in front and side yards. The current city ordinance, in place since 1984, requires living vegetation in front and side lawns, but prohibits artificial turf in areas in "plain view." Artificial grass is allowed in backyards.

Sacramento is working to cut water usage by 28 percent. The city currently restricts outdoor irrigation to two days per week.

When the ordinance was put in place three decades ago, artificial turf had more of a "fake" look and was mainly used for sport fields and on golf courses. Since that time, the look of artificial turf and its durability have greatly improved.

The ordinance would require artificial turf be at a minimum pile height of 1.25 inches to project a "lush" grass like look. Sacramento County and several cities in the region already allow artificial turf in front yards. Roseville offers residents rebates for replacing grass with artificial turf, but Sacramento does not.