(a) It is the intent of this chapter to regulate the application of lawn fertilizers on turf areas and not on or in areas such as gardens, farms, or landscape amenities, with the exception that gardens, farms, and landscape amenities are subject to the buffer zone requirements of Section 870.05(a)(5).
(b) The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to newly established turf areas for the turf's first growing season or in turf areas that soil tests confirm are below phosphorous and nitrogen levels established by the Michigan State University Extension Service or other qualified or recognized authority in the area of soil analysis. The lawn fertilizer applied shall not exceed the levels recommended in the soil test evaluation. Exemptions for application of lawn fertilizer containing phosphorous based on soil testing shall expire annually. The amount of phosphorous applied shall not exceed one pound per 1,000 square feet annually and 0.3 square feet per application. Phosphorous applied as lawn fertilizer pursuant to exemptions shall be watered into the soil to immobilize it and reduce the risk of runoff.
(Ord. 149. Passed 9-13-06.)