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2 <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 erosion <br />control measures shall be implemented and maintained until vegetation is <br />established. Sod may be required in areas subject to erosion as determined <br />by the Building Official or City Engineer. <br /> <br />2. Undisturbed areas containing existing viable natural vegetation which can be <br />maintained free of foreign and noxious plant materials. <br /> <br />3. Areas designated as open space or future expansion areas properly planted and <br />maintained with native grasses or wild flowers indigenous to Minnesota. Seed <br />mixture shall be approved by the City. <br /> <br />4. Use of mulch materials such as bark, wood chips, and decorative rock in support <br />of shrubs and foundation plantings. <br /> <br />5. Natural Prairie Restoration Areas. Native grasses and wild flowers indigenous to <br />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 <br />a public street, as part of a garden or landscape treatment. <br /> <br />Environmental Board <br /> <br />Per the August 30, 2023 Environmental Board staff report: <br /> <br />Potential benefits of synthetic turf: <br />• No water required for irrigation <br />• No pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers are needed <br />• Less fuel emissions from lawn equipment <br />• Product is made from plastic bottles and “technology created from soybean plants” <br /> <br />Areas of concern: <br />• Staff is not aware of any cities in the area that have amended their ordinances to allow <br />for the widespread use this product. <br />• Hazardous products are released if the product catches fire. <br />• Permeability of synthetic turf may be an issue. Even if the product is 100% permeable, <br />this doesn’t take into account the permeability of the underlying soil. <br />• Evapotranspiration has a cooling effect. Water uptake by plants also contributes to <br />stormwater management.