09/13/2023 P&Z Combined Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

4 The Board voted 1 “no” for any use of the product and 3 “noes” for widespread use but may be allowed in certain limited, clearly defined small areas such as high traffic or erosion areas. City Engineer The attached City Engineer’s Memo provides the following comments: • Drainage and Infiltration Concerns-need more conclusive evidence. If product is going to allowed in small applications, treat it as an impervious surface. Residential lots are allowed up to 65% maximum impervious surface coverage. • Unknown potential environmental and health impacts. • Synthetic grass should not be allowed in drainage and utility easements due to potential restoration costs as a result of future City utility maintenance and replacement activities. 75 Robinson Drive The property owner states in the attached narrative letter some of the reasons for installing artificial turf/synthetic grass is that traditional turf grass lawns are biological deserts, reducing carbon footprint, water conservation, no fertilizers, low maintenance option, no noise or air pollution from lawn equipment etc. The property owner also noted difficulty in growing/maintaining sod or seed on the site. Staff notes these same outcomes can be achieved by installing Native Landscapes as allowed by State Statute 412.926. Synthetic grass does require the use of lawn equipment such as leaf blowers or sweepers. Synthetic grass creates more of a biological desert. The other properties along Robinson Drive have been able to grow/maintain sod or seed on their properties. It should be noted that a zoning ordinance amendment would apply to all properties in the City, not just 75 Robinson Drive. Other Communities Staff reached out to other communities to see if or how they deal with synthetic grass. The responses differed with some communities saying it would not be allowed at all and some would allow it in small applications. Several communities noted concerns regarding product permeability and runoff. Findings of Fact The zoning ordinance amendment submitted by the applicant to allow for the widespread use of synthetic grass does not meet findings of fact criteria for a zoning ordinance text amendment.