(A) Purpose. It is the purpose of this section to regulate the installation of synthetic grass in all zoning districts thus preserving the enjoyment of private property, while promoting orderly and environmentally responsible development. Synthetic grass shall be considered a permitted use in any zoning district, subject to the requirements of this and any other applicable section of this code.
(B) Definitions. “Synthetic (or artificial) grass or turf” means any synthetic fiber that resembles real grass, is ultra-violet light (UV) protected and treated, which is tufted on a porous backing. The surface is in-filled with media to increase stability, creating a weighted surface. The product is installed on a porous surface that is designed, compacted, and graded for positive water drainage.
(C) Applicability.
(1) No person shall install synthetic grass in any zoning district in the village without compliance with the provisions of this section and applicable related requirements of the entire ordinances.
(2) Synthetic grass installations constructed prior to the effective date of this section shall not be required to meet the requirements of this code; unless any physical condition or modification renders such system un-repairable or unuseable. If any pre-existing synthetic grass is destroyed or damaged to the such extent that it cannot be returned to original service, or any such damage or modification creates an unsafe condition it shall be replaced or removed in conformity with this section.
(3) Synthetic grass is prohibited in any historical districts or on any landmark structures as defined in § 151.075.
(4) Synthetic grass is not allowed in any front yard.
(5) Synthetic grass is allowed in side and rear yards with the following provisions:
(a) Not abutting a public street, right-of-way, or park area.
(b) Synthetic grass is not allowed in a drainage swale or culvert.
(c) Synthetic grass is not allowed in the drip line of a tree canopy as defined at the mature growth stage.
(d) Synthetic grass must have an approved edge border (bender board, paver, concrete mow strip, etc. with minimum thickness of three-eights inch) defining the perimeter boundary between natural area as well as along property edges. The synthetic grass must not extend beyond your property line. A 12-inch clearance from property lines is recommended.
(e) Existing sprinklers systems running underneath or spraying onto synthetic grassed areas need to be decommissioned.
(D) Contents of application. An application for synthetic grass to be approved in compliance with the standards and criteria of this section and shall include:
(1) A landscape plan or design illustrating the location of planned synthetic grassed areas and abutting natural areas. All landscaping feature including trees and shrubs must be located. A plan for drainage of the synthetic grassed areas must also be included. A typical cross section details on the compacted base design must be provided.
(2) Complete specifications on all materials to be used for the synthetic grass installation, not limited to the turf, infill material, joining material (adhesive, tape), border, and compacted base must be provided.
(3) Qualifications or certifications of the contractor or installer.
(E) Design and performance standards.
(1) The compacted base underneath the synthetic grass needs to be designed in a manner to allow water to naturally permeate into the sub-surface and not to pool or noticeably run-off into a public storm sewer or right-of-way. Additional drainage scope may be required to properly discharge the water from the synthetic grassed areas into or directed to a storm sewer.
(2) The color of the synthetic grass needs to simulate the appearance of natural grass in the surrounding area during summer months. No permanent paintings or markings of the synthetic grass is allowed.
(3) Seams must not be easily visible and grain must be consistent between synthetic grass areas. Seams can be taped or glued, but not sewn.
(4) Synthetic grass must be affixed to a permeable backing with punched holes to allow for proper drainage of rain water.
(5) Synthetic grass must have a minimum face weight of 60 ounces per square yard.
(6) Synthetic grass must come with a minimum 12 year no-fade guarantee, contain no lead, and of polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon composition. Any alternate synthetic grass will require approval from the Building Department prior to installation or be subject to removal.
(7) Synthetic grass height must be between 1.75 and 2.25-inches tall. Putting greens are considered a sports-field and subject to different zoning requirements.
(8) In-fill medium must be a clean coated sand product (non-organic) brushed into the fibers to keep them upright and provide ballast to avoid movement. Any deviations of in-fill materials must be approved by the Building Department prior to use or be subject to removal.
(F) Fees. A fee for synthetic grass permits shall be $120. Permit costs for patios, decks, or other accessory structures that may be on the landscape plan or design will be permitted separately.
(G) Required maintenance.
(1) Synthetic grass must be properly maintained. Failure to do so can result in a notice of violation for improper maintenance. Some of the most common maintenance items include:
(a) Weeds. No weeds or organic matter can be visible thru sections of synthetic grass or along the seams or edges. Proper installation of a compacted based and correct infill materials will reduce the likelihood of unwanted weeds.
(b) Pooling. Water cannot puddle or pool on the surface. Proper installation and grading of the compacted based and possible auxiliary surface drains will reduce the likelihood of pooling.
(c) Public utility access. Synthetic grass can only be installed on your property and not in the public right-of-way or utility easements. Any damaged caused by public utilities repairing or maintaining service to your house is the homeowner's responsibility.
(d) Animal feces and urine. Clean-up from pets must be done in a timely manner. Odors emanating from urine or feces must be controlled and the occasional sanitizing or cleansing of the synthetic grass may be required.
(2) Product has reached its lifespan. Due to wear and tear, UV ray exposure, and general weathering, the product may require partial or complete replacement. Factors for evaluating the lifespan include the condition of the individual blades, seam quality, and color of the synthetic grass. If the product has reached the end of its guaranteed lifespan as noted in the manufacturer's literature, or if maintenance issues are not corrected in a timely manner, the Building Department can deem the product beyond its lifespan and require the synthetic grass to be replaced or that the original yard must be restored to pre-synthetic grass conditions.
(Ord. O-18-22, passed 7-11-2022)