HomeMy WebLinkAbout05 Synthetic Surf WorkshopITEM #5
DATE: JANUARY 11, 2011
STIN
TO: PLANNING COMMISSION HO'NORINGO RPMT
H I DINGO RF PAST
FROM: ELIZABETH A. BINSACK, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
PREPARED BY: SCOTT REEKSTIN, SENIOR PLANNER
REQUEST: SYNTHETIC TURF WORKSHOP
INTRODUCTION:
The use of synthetic turf has become more common as the costs associated with water
usage and landscape maintenance have increased. In areas prone to drought such as
Southern California, the use of synthetic turf has been promoted by water agencies,
manufacturers and retailers. As a result, the City has received an increasing number of
inquiries and requests from the public regarding the use of synthetic turf on private
property.
The purpose of this report and the January 11, 2011, workshop is to provide the
Planning Commission with an overview of synthetic turf, including its advantages and
disadvantages, the applicability of the Tustin City Code to synthetic turf, sample
standards for synthetic turf, and issues related to synthetic turf; and to obtain input and
recommended actions from the Commission.
BACKGROUND:
Overview
Synthetic turf is an artificial product manufactured from synthetic materials that
simulates the appearance of live grass. Synthetic turf was created in 1960 primarily for
use on athletic fields. There are two types of synthetic turf: in -fill and non -infill varieties.
Infill synthetic turf contains rubber crumbs or sand and is designed for sports fields,
whereas the non -infill variety uses coiled fibers to keep blades upright and works well in
residential yards.
Advantages and Disadvantages
There are several advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of synthetic
turf. For example, the use of synthetic turf has been promoted because of reduced
water usage, the absence of pesticides and fertilizers, the elimination of lawn mowing
and trimming, its durability, the reuse of disposed tires, fewer sports injuries, and
Planning Commission Report
Synthetic Turf Workshop
January 11, 2011
Page 2
because it works well in small spaces and shady areas where live grass may be difficult
to grow and maintain.
However, synthetic turf is more expensive to install than live grass, has a higher surface
temperature, may pose health concerns, may be less aesthetically pleasing than live
grass, may cause abrasion injuries, does not produce oxygen, and has a limited
lifespan.
Synthetic turf works well in some applications such as sports fields, street medians and
shady areas, but not in all applications. For example, synthetic turf may have a more
artificial and less desirable appearance when installed in residential settings adjacent to
live grass that is well-maintained.
The Tustin City Code and Synthetic Turf
Based on the current landscaping requirements and definitions in the Tustin City Code,
the use of synthetic turf is prohibited on private property. For example, Tustin City Code
Section 5502 requires "All landscaping shall be maintained in a healthy condition free of
dead, decayed, overgrown or discarded plant material." Further, Tustin City Code
Section 9267 requires "Unimproved and/or unpaved portions of the front yard setback
area in residential districts or front yards in commercial and industrial districts shall be
improved or maintained with appropriate landscaping in a healthy and vigorous
condition." However, these requirements apply to private property only. Synthetic turf
has been installed on public property in some City of Tustin medians and parks in
limited areas where live grass has been difficult to maintain.
In anticipation of future Planning Commission consideration of synthetic turf on private
property, synthetic turf was authorized at a single family residence on Prospect Avenue
for an eighteen month trial period that began in October of 2009. This demonstration
project was approved in support of water conservation efforts, and the owner has
agreed to remove the synthetic turf at his expense if the turf does not perform well. To
date no complaints have been received, and the turf has performed well and been
maintained, as shown on the picture below.
Planning Commission Report
Synthetic Turf Workshop
January 11, 2011
Page 3
Sample Standards
In jurisdictions where synthetic turf is allowed, standards are
that the synthetic turf is of a satisfactory quality and is well
standards commonly used in other cities include:
often established to ensure
maintained. Examples of
■ Lifelike individual blades shall emulate real grass in look and color.
■ Cut pile polyethylene or polypropylene.
■ Minimum pile height of 1-3/4".
■ Installed professionally with proper drainage system underneath.
■ Installed and maintained to simulate the appearance of a well-maintained lawn.
■ Prohibit indoor or outdoor plastic or nylon carpet.
■ Combine with natural plant materials to enhance landscape design.
■ Worn or faded synthetic turf must be replaced or repaired.
■ Maintain free of weeds, debris, tears, stains, holes, mildew, discoloration, fading
and impressions.
■ Shall not exceed a specified percentage of the landscaped area. Other
softscape and hardscape could include trees, shrubs, groundcover, rocks, and
decorative pavers.
■ Require certain quality grades, depending on location and application.
■ Minimum 8 -year warranty.
The establishment of standards would require significant public outreach to inform
property owners of the requirements so they would know to purchase and install
synthetic turf that meets the established standards. In addition, significant staff
resources would be needed to review, monitor, and enforce synthetic turf installations.
Issues
Synthetic turf is widely available and may be purchased through various suppliers and
through home improvement retailers in a variety of colors, textures, and qualities. The
cost of synthetic turf for landscaping purposes ranges from approximately $2.25 to
$7.00 per square foot, plus the cost of installation. As shown in the examples below,
the cost of synthetic turf directly corresponds to the pile height and density.
Name
Cost
Density
Pile Height
Warranty
Use
Luxury Lawn
$4.73/sq, ft.
85 oz./sq.
d.
2.0 inches
10 years
e
Premium
$4.41/sq. ft.
95 oz./sq.
d.
1.75 inches
8 ears
lResidential
Imperial Lawn
$3.74/sq. ft.
50 oz./sq.d.
1.5 inches
10 ears
mmActive
Pla
$3.22/s . ft.
42 oz./s .
d.
1.0 inch
10 ears
eas
Planning Commission Report
Synthetic Turf Workshop
January 11, 2011
Page 4
Synthetic turf for use on sports fields, playgrounds, and putting greens is generally less
expensive and has a lower pile height compared to synthetic turf for yards and other
landscaping applications.
Various agencies such as the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California
and the Orange County Water District encourage water conservation and use of artificial
turf. In fact, synthetic turf rebate programs have been offered to MWD water customers.
However, the use synthetic turf is not allowed in all cities. In Tustin, it is currently
prohibited on private property.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Planning Commission consider the matter and provide input
and a recommendation to the City Council regarding synthetic turf. Options available to
the Commission may include: 1) taking no action; 2) allowing synthetic turf, but with
standards, 3) allowing synthetic turf without standards, 4) regulating synthetic turf; and
5) recommending an amendment to the Tustin City Code to specifically prohibit
synthetic turf in Tustin.
Staff will be available at the workshop to answer questions and provide additional
information. Samples of synthetic turf will be provided at the workshop.
Scott Reekstin
Senior Planner
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation
Elizabeth A. Binsac
Director of Community Development
Synthetic Turf
Planning Commission Workshop
January 11, 2011
1.0
What is Synthetic Turf ?
Artificial product manufactured from synthetic materials.
Simulates the appearance of live grass.
Created in 1960.
Infill and non -infill varieties.
■ Infill contains rubber crumbs or sand and is designed for sports fields.
■ Non -infill uses coiled fibers to keep blades upright and works well in
residential applications.
Advantages of Synthetic Turf
Reduced water usage, urban runoff.
No pesticides or fertilizers.
No lawn mowing or trimming.
Withstands heavy use.
Reuse of disposed tires.
Fewer sports injuries on synthetic turf fields.
■ Works well in small spaces and shady areas.
Disadvantages of Synthetic Turf
■ Installation cost.
■ Higher surface temperature.
■ Health concerns (toxicity, sanitation).
■ Aesthetic concerns.
■ Abrasion injuries.
■ No oxygen production.
■ Limited lifespan/warranty.
Tustin City Code
■ TCC does not specifically address synthetic turf. It is prohibited
on private property, based on landscaping requirements.
■ TCC Section 5502 requires: "All landscaping shall be maintained
in a healthy condition free of dead, decayed, overgrown or
discarded plant material."
■ TCC Section 9267 requires: "Unimproved and/or unpaved
portions of the front yard setback area in residential districts or
front yards in commercial and industrial districts shall be
improved or maintained with appropriate landscaping in a
healthy and vigorous condition."
■ Synthetic turf has been installed in some City of Tustin medians
and parks in limited areas.
Tustin "Demonstration" Project
■ In support of water conservation efforts, synthetic turf was
approved for an 18 -month trial period beginning in October 2009
at a single family residence on Prospect Avenue.
■ If the synthetic turf does not perform well, the owner has agreed
to remove the turf at his expense.
■ To date the synthetic turf has performed well and been
maintained.
M
TT
Issues
■ Synthetic turf is widely available and may be purchased through
various suppliers and through home improvement retailers in a
variety of colors, textures, qualities, etc.
■ Various agencies such as the Metropolitan Water District of
Southern California and the Orange County Water District
encourage water conservation and use of artificial turf.
■ Synthetic turf rebate programs have been offered to MWD water
customers.
■ A building permit is not required for many landscape projects.
■ Synthetic turf is allowed in some cities, prohibited in others.
Currently, it is prohibited in Tustin on private property.
■ Works well in some applications, and not in others.
Synthetic Turf
Sample Standards
■ Lifelike individual blades that emulate real grass in look and
color. Cut pile polyethylene or polypropylene.
■ Minimum pile height of 1-3/4".
■ Installed professionally with proper drainage system
underneath.
■ Installed and maintained to simulate the appearance of a well-
maintained lawn.
■ Prohibit indoor or outdoor plastic or nylon carpet.
■ Combine with natural plant materials to enhance landscape
design.
Synthetic Turf
Sample Standards
■ Worn or faded synthetic turf must be replaced or repaired.
■ Maintain free of weeds, debris, tears, stains, holes, mildew,
discoloration, fading and impressions.
■ Shall not exceed a specified percentage of the landscaped area.
Other softscape and hardscape could include trees, shrubs,
groundcover, rocks, and decorative pavers.
■ Require certain quality grades, depending on location and
application. Minimum 8 -year warranty.
■ Require Community Development Director review and approval.
Recommendation
■ Staff recommends that the Planning Commission
provide direction to staff & make a recommendation
to the Council regarding synthetic turf.
■ Public outreach
■ Options include:
■ 1. Take no action
■ 2. Allow with standards
■ 3. Allow with no standards
■ 4. If regulated, require permit and/or enforce quality.
■ 5. Amend TCC to specifically prohibit synthetic turf.
Synthetic Turf
Planning Commission Workshop
January 11, 2011