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4 <br />The Planning & Zoning Board held a public hearing on September 13, 2023. Troy Johnson, <br />ForeverLawn Minnesota, Inc., Jon Lipinkski, 75 Robinson Drive property owner, and Felipe <br />Illescas, Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association, spoke in favor of the use of synthetic <br />grass. <br />Discussion topics included product impervious/pervious, location in front yards and drainage & <br />utility easements, environmental concerns, fire hazards, color, and installation standards. The <br />Planning & Zoning Board opinions ranged from allowing all types and colors of synthetic grass <br />anywhere on a property to limited use with restrictions such as type, color, and location. <br />The Board formally voted 7-0 to deny the zoning ordinance text amendment as proposed by the <br />applicant and property owner. The Board would further review alternative language if directed <br />to do so by the City Council. <br />75 Robinson Drive <br />The property owner states in the attached narrative letter some of the reasons for installing <br />artificial turf/synthetic grass is that traditional turf grass lawns are biological deserts, reducing <br />carbon footprint, water conservation, no fertilizers, low maintenance option, no noise or air <br />pollution from lawn equipment etc. The property owner also noted difficulty in <br />growing/maintaining sod or seed on the site. <br />Staff notes these same outcomes can be achieved by installing Native Landscapes as allowed by <br />State Statute 412.926. Synthetic grass does require the use of lawn equipment such as leaf <br />blowers or sweepers. Synthetic grass creates more of a biological desert. The other properties <br />along Robinson Drive have been able to grow/maintain sod or seed on their properties. <br />It should be noted that a zoning ordinance amendment would apply to all properties in the City, <br />not just 75 Robinson Drive. <br />Other Communities <br />Staff reached out to other communities to see if or how they deal with synthetic grass. The <br />responses differed with some communities saying it would not be allowed at all and some <br />would allow it in small applications. Several communities noted concerns regarding product <br />permeability and runoff. <br />Findings of Fact <br />The zoning ordinance amendment submitted by the applicant to allow for the widespread use <br />of synthetic grass does not meet findings of fact criteria for a zoning ordinance text <br />amendment. <br />Per City Code Section 1007.015(4)