§ 18.46.055. ARTIFICIAL TURF STANDARDS.

The use of artificial turf, as defined in Section 18.92.040, shall be permitted as follows:

.010 Setback and percentage requirements. The design and installation of all new turf and artificial turf areas shall comply with the following requirements:

.0101 Single-Family and Multiple-Family Zones. Artificial turf may be used in lieu of natural turf in front, side, and rear yards for up to 100% coverage or in combination with all other natural non-turf materials.

.0102 Commercial, Industrial, and Public and Special Purpose Zones. Artificial turf may be used in lieu of natural turf in front, side, and rear yards for up to 100% coverage or in combination with all other natural non-turf materials.

.020 Artificial Turf Design/ Quality Standards.

.0201 Materials. Artificial turf shall be of a type known as cut pile infill and shall be manufactured from polypropylene, polyethelene, or a blend of polypropylene and polyethleyene fibers stitched onto a polypropylene or polyurethane meshed or hole-punched backing. Hole-punched backings shall have holes spaced in a uniform grid pattern with spacing not to exceed four inches by six inches on center.

.0202 Installation. Artificial turf shall be installed over a compacted and porous road base material and shall be anchored at all edges and seams. Seams shall be glued and not sewn. An infill medium consisting of clean sand or other approved mixture shall be brushed into the fibers to insure that the fibers remain in an upright position and to provide ballast that will help hold the turf in place and provide a cushioning effect. Artificial turf must consist of pile fibers a minimum height of 1-3/4" and a proper drainage system shall be installed underneath the turf to prevent excessive run-off or pooling.

.0203 Slope Restrictions. The installation of artificial turf on slopes greater than six point six percent (6.6%) shall require the approval of the City Engineer and shall meet requirements of the Public Works Department.

.0204 General Appearance. Artificial turf shall be installed and maintained to effectively simulate the appearance of a well-maintained lawn. The Planning Department shall maintain and make available for public inspection a sample of various artificial turf products that meet this standard of appearance.

.030 Prohibited uses. The use of indoor or outdoor plastic or nylon carpeting as a replacement for artificial turf or natural turf shall be prohibited. (Ord. 6101 § 42; April 22, 2008: Ord. 6112 § 1; September 30, 2008: Ord. 6317 § 17; March 3, 2015.)