(A) Any person, company, partnership, corporation, or service that installs non-living durable landscape material shall adhere to guidelines set forth in this subchapter when applicable, and shall be installed to meet all other applicable ordinances and code requirements.
(B) Mulch.
(1) A minimum of three inches of shredded, organic, heavy metal-free mulch shall be installed around all tree plantings and landscape beds surrounding ornamental groundcovers, shrubs and hedges.
(2) The use of mulch obtained from Melaleuca, Eucalyptus, or other invasive plant species is encouraged in order to reduce their impact on the environment and to preserve the remaining native plant communities.
(3) Tree rings shall be a minimum of 12 inches away from the tree trunk flair but shall not be permitted within the first two inches from the tree trunk.
(C) Decorative rocks. Decorative rocks may be used in lieu of mulch installation with sizes ranging from two to four inches.
(D) Artificial turf.
(1) The use and location of artificial turf shall be limited to the following:
(a) The construction of athletic fields and playgrounds associated with a community center, park, school, or university;
(b) As part of the construction of any nonresidential development;
(c) On roof top terraces;
(d) On residential lots; or
(e) In multi-family residential developments as part of a recreation or amenity area.
(2) Minimum material standards. All artificial turf shall comply with each of the following minimum standards:
(a) Artificial turf shall consist of green lifelike individual blades of grass that emulate natural turf in look and color.
(3) Installation, maintenance and repair.
(a) All artificial turf shall, at a minimum, be installed according to the manufacturer's specifications.
(b) All artificial turf installations shall be anchored to ensure that the turf will withstand the effects of wind.
(c) All seams shall be secured and edges shall be trimmed to fit against all regular and irregular edges to resemble a natural look.
(d) Proper drainage shall be provided for all artificial turf installations to prevent excess runoff or pooling of water.
(e) Artificial turf shall be visually level, with the grain pointing in a single direction.
(f) All artificial turf shall be maintained in a green fadeless condition and shall be maintained free of dirt, mud, stains, weeds, debris, tears, holes, and impressions. Maintenance shall include, but not be limited to cleaning, brushing, debris removal; repairing of depressions and ruts to maintain a visually-level surface; elimination of any odors, flat or matted areas, weeds, and invasive roots; and all edges of the artificial turf shall not be loose and must be maintained with appropriate edging or stakes.
(g) All artificial turf must be replaced if it falls into disrepair with fading or holes or loose areas. Replacement and/or repairs shall be performed utilizing like materials from the same manufacturer and installed so in a manner that results in a repair that blends in with the existing artificial turf.
(Ord. 2021-02, adopted 3-17-21; sought to be reconsidered, Commission passed 4-21-2021)