The Town’s Urban Center Zoning has minimum front yard and street scape requirements that apply to and were met by Meridian Square Townhomes. The Town’s landscape ordinance requires the use of living plant material within required landscape areas. Meridian Square Homeowners' Association has installed artificial turf within the required front yard landscape area. The installation of artificial turf has put the property in non-compliance with the Town’s Landscape Regulations.
This item was brought forward to Council at the October 24, 2017, Council meeting. During the discussion, staff was asked to conduct further research on:
- The impact of artificial turf in other communities
- How other communities establish their ordinances
- Environmental impacts
- Aesthetics
- The long-term perspective impacts on homeowners related to the installation of artificial turf
The requested information was presented to Council December 12, 2017 and Council directed staff to develop an amendment to the Town Landscape Ordinance to allow for an artificial turf pilot program and to develop an agreement between the Town and Meridian HOA to allow the implementation of an Artificial Turf Pilot Program.
The pilot program will span a 10-year period. City Council may repeal the program at any time. At which time property owners would have 180 days to install natural grass. Town Staff may access the property for testing and staff may require the property owner to uncap and restore the existing irrigation line to allow for sprinkling if determined to be necessary. Property Owners shall install and maintain the artificial turf in a first-class condition as defined in the ordinance. Modifications or new installations to the artificial turf would require a permit. HOA shall require and guarantee compliance with the requirements.
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