HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Workshop_Tab 02_7/31/2023Agenda Item #2.
Workshop
STAFF MEMO
Meeting: Workshop - Jul 31 2023
Staff Contact: Lynne Britt, Building Support Department: Building
Administrator
TITLE
Discussion on Artificial Turf
SUMMARY:
At the January 30th, 2023 Village Council Workshop the Council heard recommendations from the
Environmental Advisory Committee on a number of items. One of the items discussed was the use of
Artificial Turf. Council asked that his item to be placed on a future workshop for additional discussion.
Staff analysis on Artificial Turf, the EAC recommendation from the January 30th workshop, and North
Palm's recent staff report and draft ordinance on the topic is included for discussion.
This document and any attachments may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by
completing our Accessibility Feedback Form, sending an e-mail to the Village Clerk or calling 561-768-
0443.
BUDGET INFORMATION:
BUDGET AMOUNT N/A AMOUNT AVAILABLE N/A EXPENDITURE AMOUNT: N/A
FUNDING SOURCES: N/A IS THIS A PIGGYBACK:
Yes N/A
DID YOU OBTAIN 3 QUOTES?
Yes N/A
COMMENTS/EXPLANATION ON SELECTION N/A
POTENTIAL MOTION / DIRECTION REQUESTED:
Recommend no action.
ATTACHMENTS:
Memo Regarding Artificial Turf 7.20.2023.ada
Agenda Memo #23-022
07-13-2023 VC REG-A
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Agenda Item #2.
To:Mayor Molly Young and Village Council
From:Lynne Britt, CFM, Building Support Administrator
Date:July 20, 2023
Re:Artificial Turf
_____________________________________________________________________________
Artificial turf has been increasing in popularity and more property owners in Tequesta are requesting
the use of artificial turf. In 2022, the City of Belle Isle performed a comprehensive analysis of artificial
turf (see Artificial Turf Environmental Data, Staff Report and Artificial Turf Comparisons at link 1 below).
The resulting Belle Isle ordinance, which passed first reading on July 18, 2023, allows impervious
artificial turf, calculated within the total Impervious Surface Ratio, up to 35% of the total lot area (i.e., if
the only impervious surface on a property is artificial turf then the total percentage of impervious
artificial turf allowed is 35%) (see link 2 below).
Previously, the City of Clearwater requested an advisory opinion regarding whether artificial turf is
allowed per Florida Statutes Section 373.185 and the resulting opinion was that Section 373.185
prohibits a local government from enacting an ordinance which would prevent a property owner from
implementing Florida-friendly landscaping and that Florida-friendly landscaping includes non-living
materials, and that while “there is no express mention of the use of artificial turf in the Florida-friendly
landscape statute it does not appear to preclude the use of artificial turf as a component of a landscape
plan.” (see link 3 below).
The Village of Tequesta’s current code provides as follows:
“Landscape: Any combination of living plants (such as grass, ground cover, shrubs, vines,
hedges, or trees) and non-living landscape material (such as rocks, pebbles, sand, mulch
or decorative paving materials). Non-living landscape material shall not be used as
major landscape ground cover. In no case shall these materials exceed ten percent of
the landscaped area.” (see Village Code Sec. 78-393. Definitions).
Village Landscape Architect consultant, Steve Parker, opines that the above Village code language allows
artificial turf up to 10% of the landscaped area. Accordingly, it is the opinion of staff that the above
Village code section is adequate to allow the use of up to 10% artificial turf within the percentage of
total non-living materials as a component of a landscape plan. A landscape permit is required for the
implementation of a landscape plan. For these reasons, unless Village Council intends to increase the
percentage of artificial turf allowed, Village staff does not recommend any change at this time.
This document may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by contacting the Village
Clerk’s Office at 561-768-0440 or by completing our accessibility form: https://bit.ly/3mnfeU4
Page 23 of 53
Agenda Item #2.
Links
1.https://www.belleislefl.gov/community/page/public-opinion-survey-artificial-turf-residential-
lots
2.https://meetings.municode.com/adaHtmlDocument/index?cc=BIFL&me=67911668b2b242bfb0
966c794801f027&ip=True
3.https://www.myfloridalegal.com/ag-opinions/florida-friendly-landscaping-artificial-turf
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