Chapter 8.65
SYNTHETIC GRASS AND ARTIFICIAL TURF
Sections:
8.65.050 Existing synthetic grass and artificial turf installations.
8.65.010 Title.
This chapter shall be known as the “City of Millbrae Synthetic Grass and Artificial Turf Ordinance.” (Ord. 806, § 1).
8.65.020 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to protect and enhance the health, safety and general welfare of residents and to protect the water quality of our watercourses, water bodies and wetlands in a manner pursuant to and consistent with the state and federal regulations and permits, including the Clean Water Act.
A. Eliminating the discharge of debris from synthetic grass and artificial turf products, such as plastic blades, crumb rubber, nylon and other synthetic components, into storm water runoff;
B. Improve the absorption and retention of storm water through the use of natural drought-tolerant landscaping using living plant material;
C. Eliminating solid waste generated by the disposal of synthetic grass and artificial turf products;
D. Improving public health and safety by removing exposure to potential environmental carcinogens found in synthetic grass and artificial turf products. (Ord. 806, § 1).
8.65.030 Definitions.
A. Definitions. As used in this section, the following definitions will apply:
1. “Synthetic grass” and “artificial turf” are synthetic or artificial nonorganic material that simulate the appearance of organic sod, grass, or lawn ground cover, and include outdoor plastic carpeting. Synthetic grass and artificial turf do not include painted natural organic grass or sod.
2. “Subgrade” is the native ground underneath a synthetic grass and artificial turf installation. Subgrade does not include concrete, pavers or impermeable hardscape. (Ord. 806, § 1).
8.65.040 Prohibition.
The use and installation of synthetic grass and artificial turf landscaping material are prohibited within the city. (Ord. 806, § 1).
8.65.050 Existing synthetic grass and artificial turf installations.
A. Existing synthetic grass and artificial turf legally installed prior to January 1, 2024, are permitted to remain under the following conditions:
1. Synthetic grass and artificial turf installations must be maintained pursuant to their manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, in an attractive and clean condition, and must not contain holes, tears, stains, discoloration, seam separations, lifted surfaces, loose or separated nap and netting, buckling, heat degradation, or excessive wear.
2. Existing installations must remain taut and flush with subgrade.
3. Existing installations must allow permeability of storm water.
4. Adjacent hardscape, ground cover and natural landscaped areas must be kept free of residual debris from synthetic grass and artificial turf such as plastic blades, netting and crumb rubber.
B. The parking of vehicles on synthetic grass and artificial turf is prohibited.
C. Synthetic grass and artificial turf installations damaged or destroyed, by any means, to the extent of thirty-five percent of their replacement cost new, must be removed and replaced with water-efficient natural landscaping.
D. Existing synthetic grass and artificial turf installations must be removed and replaced with water-efficient natural landscaping once they are unable to be maintained as required by this section.
E. Failure to comply with the provisions of this section is an unlawful property nuisance and may be abated by the city pursuant to Chapter 6.25 MMC. (Ord. 806, § 1).