Synthetic turf is used as an alternative to grass in front lawns. However, a new ordinance will ban its use in Beverly Hills after concerns over harmful chemicals have emerged. (photo courtesy of the city of Beverly Hills)
The Beverly Hills Planning Commission moved to create an ordinance banning synthetic turf in front yards within the city during its Jan. 30 meeting. While the ordinance has yet to be adopted, the commissioners agreed that the city should no longer allow synthetic turf in front yards, and the ordinance will return to the Planning Commission at a future date.
The city previously allowed synthetic turfs in lawns when it comprised 70% or less of the total landscaped front yard, as a result of state mandated efforts to promote water conservation and drought resistant landscaping which prohibited a local jurisdiction from outlawing synthetic turf. However, the city’s changes to turf restrictions come after the passing of California Senate Bill 676 – authored by Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) – which restores local control over the regulation of synthetic grass and artificial turf. While the bill allows local governments to ban synthetic turf, it also prevents them from banning drought-tolerant landscaping using living plants.
Allen penned the bill amid increased concerns over the potential harmful effects of artificial turf – and the “forever chemicals” they contain – on the environment and human health. The Planning Commission cited the safety concerns as the primary reason for restricting artificial grass.
“All of the concerns that have been raised about artificial turf can be resolved by having other plant materials other than grass,” Commission Vice Chair Jeff Wolfe said. “There are plenty of other ground covers, there are plenty of other native California plants that can be done and resolve all of the issues around a grass lawn that were raised and still solve the issue around water.”
The ordinance will ban the use of synthetic turf in front lawns, but will provide a grace period for lawns that already have artificial grass installed. City staff will study an appropriate time frame to allow existing turf lawns before returning with a draft ordinance at a future Planning Commission meeting.
Although the commission was in favor of banning artificial grass, it received several public comments opposing a potential ban.
“As a 45-year resident of Beverly Hills, I’d like to convey my support for the continued use of artificial turf in our residences. Turf has aesthetic appeal, is low-maintenance, doesn’t require pesticides and conserves water,” Kathy Afshani said.
“Our family is strongly opposed to the city of Beverly Hills denying our right to artificial grass in our front lawn to save water and beautify our city. Please let us save water,” Soraya Afra said. The commission received one public comment supporting a ban on synthetic turf.
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