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2 <br />ANALYSIS <br /> <br />Background <br /> <br />On August 10, 2023 a crew performing landscaping work at 75 Robinson Drive had <br />removed turf grass and soil and added rock in preparation for installation of synthetic <br />grass that would cover a large portion of the lot. A stop work order was issued for the <br />site at that time due to the violation of City Code requirements. <br /> <br />Currently, the zoning ordinance requires sod or seed as ground cover. There is no <br />exception for synthetic grass. <br /> <br />City Code Section 1007.043(17): <br /> <br />(h) Sod and Ground Cover. All areas not otherwise improved in compliance <br />with the approved site plans shall have a minimum depth of four (4) inches of topsoil and <br />be sodded including boulevard areas. Exceptions to these criteria may be approved by <br />the Zoning Administrator as follows: <br /> <br />1. Seed may be provided in lieu of sod in any of the following cases: <br /> <br />a. Where the seed is applied to future expansion areas as shown on the <br />approved plans, or <br /> <br />b. Where the seed is applied adjacent to natural areas or wetlands. Seed <br />mixture shall be approved by the City, or <br /> <br />c. For single-family and two family residential properties, proper <br />erosion control measures shall be implemented and maintained until vegetation is <br />established. Sod may be required in areas subject to erosion as determined by the <br />Building Official or City Engineer. <br /> <br />2. Undisturbed areas containing existing viable natural vegetation which can <br />be maintained free of foreign and noxious plant materials. <br /> <br />3. Areas designated as open space or future expansion areas properly <br />planted and maintained with native grasses or wild flowers indigenous to Minnesota. <br />Seed mixture shall be approved by the City. <br /> <br />4. Use of mulch materials such as bark, wood chips, and decorative rock in <br />support of shrubs and foundation plantings. <br /> <br />5. Natural Prairie Restoration Areas. Native grasses and wild flowers <br />indigenous to Minnesota, planted and maintained on any occupied lot or parcel of land, <br />setback a minimum of 20 feet from the front lot line and/or side lot line abutting a public <br />street, as part of a garden or landscape treatment.