My Story

My Synthetic Grass Story

Dear Neighbor,

In May 2008, I invested over $10,000 on Synthetic Grass in the front parkway which lies from the curb to the front fencing of my house. Many of you have seen my lawn and have commented favorably on the look.

Benefits of Synthetic Grass

I did this for several reasons:

  • Reduction of water –water restrictions were going to be implemented in the city.
  • Reduction of pesticides, fertilizers & insecticides – runoff from these toxic chemical is polluting our rivers and oceans and harmful to humans and animals.
  • Reduction of maintenance – gardener would not have to cut and maintain the front yard other than brush the blades now and then and wash any animal waste.
  • Grass would always look good – no mores barren or muddy spots in the shade area that would never grow and my grass would always look green.

On May 28, 2010, I was issued a correction from Building & Safety and told to pull out the Synthetic Grass in two weeks and replace it with sprinklers and lawn. I have since then been given a 6 month extension. My Synthetic Grass was in violation of Municipal Codes 10-3-2619, 10-3-2423 and 10-3-2518. Summarized as:

  • Synthetic Grass is neither paving nor plant material.
  • Zoning restricts front yard paving.
  • Zoning requires plant material in non-paved front yard area.
  • Garden quality which needed to be a lawn or any approved groundcover not over 6” in height.
  • Synthetic Grass is allowed in all other areas behind the front yard.

I suspect that this correction notice was facilitated due to a vote that the City Council had in a study session on May 4, 2010. Study sessions can be attended by the public but they are held during the day. You can view this study session www.beverlyhills.org >Government>City Council>Council Meetings>Minutes>Archives>City Council Study Sessions>May 4, 2010> Item #4.

The City Council was presented with a proposal by staff members Shana Epstein (Environmental Utilities Manager) and Jonathan Lait (City Planner) to modify the zoning codes to include Synthetic Grass. The staff has been getting numerous requests from residents to install Synthetic Grass in their front yards and parkways. Their proposal was based on these criteria:

  • On May 13, 2009 the City of Beverly Hills implemented Stage B Water Conservation as a temporary measure during droughts.
  • California State law requires a permanent reduction of water usage of 10% by 2015 and an additional 10% by 2020. If not complied with there will be severe penalties from the state imposed upon cities. Water agencies that do not comply can lose eligibility for State water grants and loans.
  • 65% of water use is for landscape.

Water savings as calculated by several studies in dry Southern California is 55 gallons per annual per square feet. In my case I replace 1200 sq. feet at estimated calculated savings of 66,000 gallons of water. My actual savings in the last year has been 213,000 gallons based on my average from 2004-2006 that the city calculated for me in my Stage B Water Reduction Notice.

Concerns of City Council on May 4, 2010 Study Session

Jimmy Delshad

  1. Brand of BH being compromised with Synthetic Grass.
  2. How much water savings – Is it enough to justify changing the code?
  3. Which newscaster is going to say City of Beverly Hills has gone to “Fake Grass”

Barry Brucker

  1. Substandard Installation or Material.
  2. Could it tear and liability for the City
  3. Is it going to look fake?

Nancy Kranse

  1. Bacteria on Synthetic Grass.
  2. Drainage – Does the water puddle on top of the grass and stop penetration of ground water.
  3. Is Synthetic Grass fire resistant?

William Brien

  1. Bacteria on Synthetic Grass. Would you have to sanitize the grass?
  2. Removal if it has been vandalized with paint taggers
  3. Is maintenance might be an issue
  4. Brand of City being compromised with Synthetic Grass.

John Mirisch

  1. Garden City –Not the Astro Turf City – Brand of Beverly Hills
  2. Patching of Synthetic Grass

My Goal

Over the past 36 months, prominent counties, cities and municipalities in the state, with previous ordinances banning the use of Synthetic Grass, have overturned these rules and are now advocates for the use of Synthetic Grass solutions.

The city of Beverly Hills needs to reconsider their decision on May 4, 2010 and to hold a public meeting with experts in attendance that can answer all the questions and concerns that the City Council and the public might have. Unfortunately the staff presenting this alternative on May 4, 2010 did not have experts in attendance. You can find answers to all the above concerns on my website www.grassnoroots.com. I invite you to sign the support petition to help me amend the municipal code

Lana Tolman

info@grassnoroots.com