For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ARTIFICIAL TURF. A synthetically derived, natural grass substitute that may be used in lieu of natural turf, and must simulate the appearance of natural live grass, in a single-family residence and in the landscape areas of multi-family and non-residential properties. To be used, ARTIFICIAL TURF must meet minimum standards for materials, installation and maintenance.
(1) MATERIALS. Artificial turf must have a minimum eight-year no-fade warranty as issued by the manufacturer; be cut-pile infill, minimum pile height one and two-thirds inches and a maximum of one and three-quarter inches, with parallel long slit blades;
(a) The synthetic turf blades (not including the thatch layer) shall be required to contain at least two natural green colors.
(b) The turf must contain a beige or tan thatch layer.
(c) Be affixed to a permeable triple-layer backing and allow water to percolate through the synthetic grass at a drain rate of at least 30 inches per hour, to an adequate drainage system installed underneath the artificial turf to prevent run-off, pooling and flooding.
(d) The synthetic turf shall comply with all federal and state standards related to lead and heavy metal content.
(e) The fill material shall be of silica sand or zeolite material that is brushed in to keep the blades upright and achieve a natural grass look. Any replacement fill shall be the same. The use of rubber crumb infill is prohibited.
(f) Must be constructed to maximize dimensional stability, resist damage during normal use and minimize UV degradation with a tear grab strength of at least 200 pounds. It must be resistant to staining, weather, insects, rot, mildew, and fungus and shall be non-allergenic and non-toxic and able to pass the pill burn test for flammability.
(g) The use of indoor/outdoor carpeting, and artificial shrubs, flowers, tress, and vines instead of natural plantings is prohibited.
(2) INSTALLATION. Artificial turf must be installed pursuant to manufacturers requirements by a licensed professional with experience in the installation of artificial turf. In addition:
(a) Installation must include removal of all existing plant material and three inches of a compacted aggregate base that provides adequate drainage and ensure stability.
(b) The area must be sloped and graded to prevent excessive pooling, runoff, or flooding onto adjacent property. Artificial turf areas must be sufficiently drained to live planting areas to provide complete infiltration of runoff.
(c) Artificial turf must be permanently anchored over the entire coverage area with nails and glue, and all seams must be nailed, or sewn and glued so as to conceal the edges, with the grain pointing a single direction.
(d) All existing irrigation infrastructure in the covered area, including piping and sprinkler heads that are no longer used must be capped or removed and shall not be visible.
(e) Artificial turf must be separated from live planting areas by a barrier such as a mow strip or bender board to prevent mixing of natural plant materials and artificial turf.
(f) All efforts shall be made to protect existing trees and tree roots from damage during installation.
(g) Artificial turf may not be installed within a five-foot diameter of the trunk of any landscape tree.
(h) Artificial turf is prohibited in all parkways.
(3) MAINTENANCE. Artificial turf must be maintained in an attractive and clean, unfaded condition free of weeds, stains, debris, tears, holes, depressions, ruts, odors and looseness at edges and seams. Damaged or worn areas in the artificial turf surface must be repaired or removed and replaced in a manner that results in consistent appearance with the existing artificial turf. The artificial turf surface must be replaced once it is unable to be maintained as required. Vehicle parking on artificial turf is prohibited.
AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION SYSTEM. All landscaped areas shall be provided with an AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION SYSTEM capable of complete coverage of the landscaped areas (head-to-head coverage). Water conservation techniques shall be incorporated into the design of the IRRIGATION SYSTEM and shall be designed to minimize run-off and other wasting of water. Projects are encouraged to incorporate gray water collection and reuse systems
DECORATIVE HARDSCAPE. Materials used to enhance the landscape area which includes but are not limited to material such as cobble rock, decomposed granite in combination with binding material, brickwork, gravel, pavers, fountains, stamped concrete and pavers.
DRIP IRRIGATION. Any low volume irrigation system utilizing emission devices with a flow rate equal to or less than two gallons per hour.
DROUGHT TOLERANT LANDSCAPING. A variety of native plants and landscaping alternatives, including the installation of synthetic grass or artificial turf.
FRONT SETBACK. The distance between the public street right-of-way line and the front line of a building or any projection thereof, excluding uncovered steps.
HARDSCAPES. Any durable material or feature (pervious and non-pervious) installed in or around a landscaped area, such as pavements or walls.
LANDSCAPE PLANS. Refers to the planting, irrigation and hardscape plans designed and prepared by a landscape designer or a landscape architect, who indicates the type, size and location of vegetative and accent material proposed for the landscaping of a site including all irrigation and other devices necessary to maintain such landscaping.
NON-PERVIOUS. Any surface or natural material that does not allow for the passage of water through the material and into the underlying soil.
PARKWAY. A portion of a street right-of-way, between the back of the curb line and the lot line, which is used or is available for use for landscaping, utilities and/or sidewalks.
PERVIOUS. Any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the material and into the underlying soil.
TURF. A ground cover surface of mowed grass. Annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass. Red fescue, and Tall fescue are cool-season grasses. Bermuda grass, Kikuyu grass, Seashore Paspalum, St. Augustine grass. Zoysiagrass, and Buffalo grass are warm-season grasses.
(Ord. 4552, passed 11-23-09; Am. Ord. 4682, passed 1-11-16)