On May 22, The Beverly Hills Planning Commission put forth a resolution that bans the installation of synthetic turf in front yards. Additionally, should the resolution succeed, existing synthetic turf in lawns will be phased out over the next 15 years.

The resolution will appear before City Council, who will then vote on whether or not to approve it.

According to The Beverly Press, Commissioners Lou Milkowski, Gary Ross and Commission Vice Chair Jeff Wolfe passed the resolution in a 3-0 vote. Commission Chair Terri Kaplan and Commissioner Myra Demeter were not present at the meeting.

Previously, synthetic turf had been banned in front yards in Beverly Hills. But after 2015, the city reversed an earlier decision in an effort to comply with state legislation that allows synthetic turf in lawns when it comprises 70% or less of the total landscaped area. Though synthetic turf will be banned in front yards,  the resolution states that it may be used in side lots and backyards.

Amidst growing concerns over the possible leeching of chemicals into the water from synthetic turf, some citizens view the resolution as a win for safety, while others cite worries over the impact this resolution will have on water use and sustainability.

Myung-Soo Seok, a representative of the Painters and Allied Trades District Council 36, told the Beverly Press, that she’s concerned the issue is rooted in aesthetics not function.

“It seemed as if the primary reason for the ban is coming out of aesthetic landscaping concerns and water conservation, which is kind of surprising because the best water conservation under the different options would be the synthetic turf,” Seok said. “We believe that landscaping aesthetics should be made by choice, not through a city ordinance.”

You can read more of Pro Landscaper USA’s earlier coverage of this developing story here. 

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