Many HOAs require a fee to review new landscape designs and plans. The Brown Law Group shares this article for informational purposes only and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. HOA Law. What Templates Can Every Arizona HOA Utilize To Be More Effective? The debate over appropriate measures for water conservation and sustainable growth in Arizona has been going on for decades. See if your neighbors are interested in getting it installed as well. Artificial grass or synthetic turf is not a plant, but a synthetic material designed to look like grass. Find resources for multi-family properties? The members were getting hit with a daily fine of $250. HOA Guidelines. For more insight into HOA guidelines and management, contact us today. But the AB 349 bill puts an end to these prohibitions. Color retention. Our team of experienced, skilled installation professionals will be with you every step of the installation process, from consultation to installation. While some HOAs are still a bit apprehensive about artificial turf, the grass alternative does offer several benefits. We have the best artificial grass on the market. Noise Levels: If someone is blasting the music at high volumes during the nights or waking the entire neighborhood by moving their lawn too early on a Saturday morning, HOA has specific rules designed for such situations. Handling Artificial Turf Laws as an Arizona HOA When new laws pass that impact associations and planned communities specifically, it is advisable to review your covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) to make sure there are no rules that need to be updated. As a result, Civil Code Section 4735 has been amended to render void and unenforceable any provision of a HOA's governing documents (i.e., a HOA's architectural standards) that "prohibits, or includes conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of artificial turf or any other synthetic surface that resembles grass." So, during drought conditions, this rule is often broken. The Board has moved to address two issues that have been highlighted in the last 6 months and has approved additions to the existing Rules and Regulations. Under (D)Vehicle Covers adds a specific verification that the vehicle registration is current. The synthetic materials do retain heat. Recent studies have shown that artificial turf actually gets hotter than asphalt during the day so homeowners should not assume covering their whole yard in artificial grass is the perfect solution. Here is the news link for the bill:https://www.sdcwa.org/governor-signs-water-authority-bill-preventing-hoas-banning-artificial-turf. If you aren't sure what your HOA's policy is on artificial grass, reach out and ask. Yes, IRWD actively works with and educates HOAs on the importance of reducing water use, especially when state-mandated water use reductions are in place. Approaching your HOA with power in numbers could help your request get through. Similar incentive programs are also offered in many other states. Well HOAs are different from one to another. Permeability. In 2021, drought conditions became so bad that the federal government declared a tier-1 water shortage in the Colorado River, reducing how much Arizona can use. . Instantly get the list of materials you need for installation with associated amounts, costs, and rental equipment fees. Artificial Grass Guidelines The Value You Gain From Ordinances & Guidelines Today, as property owners, 55 million homeowners invest in residential developments that are guided and governed by. Nylon tends to deteriorate faster than other materials, and should be avoided. However, this year California is in the midst of a major drought. Calculate how much water my irrigation system uses? You can always download all the necessary information for HOAs to review at this link:https://www.globalsynturf.com/artificial-grass-specifications-specs. Well HOAs are different from one to another. HOAs, for example, can establish a regulation that defines which colors may or may not be used to paint the exteriors of their properties. Under Senate Bill 19-1050, I believe that synthetic turf should be allowed and that it is not a "drought tolerant vegetative" landscape. This is significant in places like Arizona where water is incredibly scarce. HOAs can not prohibit the use of artificial turf or the use of low water-using plants as a group. All owners must submit an The House already approved similar wording. existing turf, mulch beds, rock beds, islands, etc. The best approach to your question is to reach out to your HOA directly and ask about it. Color retention. The positive lasting effects of artificial turf begin on the first day of your new yard and compile into a big heap of savings over time. Turf replacements that include only mulch, gravel, rocks or just artificial turf are not eligible without prior approval. I realize this sounds extreme, but Im confident you can find a way around the rules if you look hard enough. clarification on acceptable vehicle covers: Covers are permitted which are specifically designed for outdoor use and are vehicle However, the drought impacting the Southwest and some of the recent decisions regarding the Colorado river has made the issue more important than ever before. Governor Brown has signed AB 349, an urgency statute which takes effect immediately. The reason behind this is to prevent garish colors or that dont blend well with the overall neighborhood aesthetic. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. It is often made from recycled materials, like tires or plastic bottles. Many homeowners have started looking towards artificial grass as an option to maintain the aesthetic appeal of a well-maintained lawn without all the fuss, but not all HOAs allow members to install it on their property. Arizona HOAs are encouraged to embrace the opportunity to give owners the option to switch from natural to synthetic grass. The benefits of artificial grass may have a positive impact on your community, and it is worth considering as a viable option for lawns. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. This guide is for property owners in the Lowry Community Master Association (LCMA). Artificial turf varies in manufacturing quality, life, and durability. By: Jaclyn Allen Artificial turf is to be contained with one of the following: concrete header, brick header, grouted stone, or steel edging set flush with grade. F. The owner will inspect the turf annually after the expiration of the warranty period to ensure the aesthetic properties are maintained. Certain protections were already in place to help homeowners use low-water landscaping. However, AB 349 that took effect in early 2020 addresses synthetic grass directly. When done manually, administrative condo work is taxing and time-consuming. Base and drainage. California also created a drought bill, Assembly Bill 349, that prohibits California HOAs from imposing unreasonable restrictions on artificial turf installation. guidelines. Typically made out of synthetic fibers and plastic derivatives, artificial grass originally became popular for sports fields and arenas- it could withstand heavy impact with little to no maintenance. theview of the front or rear license plates, the owner may be required to provide When the association sees the wider picture and realizes that you have a professional on your side, it may be enough to persuade them to change their thoughts. (avoid squares, rectangles, etc., except where the turf may abut the driveway or State Rep. John Kavanagh proposed a bill to override rules of a homeowner association that prevents the use of artificial grass. It can also reduce the presence of bugs and pests. If youre ready to take the first step in switching to an artificial turf lawn for your HOA home, contact Grizzly Turf for expert assistance. This new law applies only to planned communities and will become effective on September 24, 2022. If you get a hard no from your HOA, ask why the policy is in place. HOAs and Artificial Turf HOAs set significant rules and regulations that help protect the community and bring out its best appearance. Homeowners must still follow HOA rules and guidelines regarding landscape design, as long as the guidelines do not violate the laws established in Section 4735 of the Civil Code, which allows for low water-use plants, artificial turf, and the elimination of watering vegetation or lawns. Any lot in the community is limited to a maximum of 70% coverage in total using artificial turf (for the front, sides and rear). Three-color turf provides the most realistic-looking grass, so HOAs may want to mandate the use of two-colour or three-colour grass. How Can Your HOA Handle Residents Who Feed Stray Animals? Small improvements to lawns, plant beds, and gardens may be net improvements to landscapes that may not invoke a peep from your HOA. and serviceable condition. There are of course exceptions (we will cover these below), but the legislation makes it clear that HOA rules cannot be so strict as to bar all types of artificial grass. The US EPA says grass clippings account for a third of landfill material. ); and (c) if the planned community has unique vegetation and geologic characteristics that require preservation by the Association and in which the viability of those characteristics is protected, supported or enhanced as a result of the continued existence of natural landscaping materials. Prepare a list of reasons why switching to artificial grass is vital to you before approaching someone. Policy. Sod and dirt must be removed, and an aggregate base and soil stabilization fabric must be put in place to allow for proper drainage. All the HOAs who have review process for artificial grass approvals should have our products on their approved list. Our experienced HOA attorneys can quickly review your governing documents and assess any required updates. We would love to help you find the perfect artificial grass that fits within . The turf may not be installed directly up to the foundation of the We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Living in an area with an association might be beneficial because they are in charge of keeping your community in good shape. To see how we can help you and your HOA, contact us. The Rules and Regulations provide the interpretive . Can my HOA charge me a fee to review design plans for a drought-friendly garden? The state's Florida-friendly law is neither very Florida nor very friendly. Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP) HOA/Large Property Manual. Terms of Use and, We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. HOA's Artificial Turf Specification: Front Yard Should you be an HOA board member or not, we imagine you'd want to establish or expect for your community, a good standard for artificial turf or synthetic grass in your neighborhood. The attached examples may not include each element of . PHOENIX A bill making its way through the Arizona Legislature would require homeowner's associations to allow people to put in artificial grass where natural grass is permitted. More specifically: Artificial Turf The changes declare any section of the covenants, bylaws, or rules and regulations that prohibit the use of nonvegetative turf grass (artificial turf) in the backyard of a residential property as contrary to public policy and unenforceable. A higher quality product will be preferred as it will last longer, look better and wont retain liquids. Your family can breathe easier, too. Artificial Grass as a Viable Choice. What Are The Biggest Reasons To Buy A Multi-Court For A Family. Artificial . The Top 10 Things You Should Know About Community Associations. Answered - No. *Please be sure to follow your HOA's procedures for landscape renovation and design approval before starting any garden design or turf removal project.*. Artificial Turf Basketball Backboard Criteria Boating Boat Docks Borders and Headers Building Color Criteria Debris and Brush Collection Discharge of Water Driveway Extensions Driveways and Sidewalks Fishing Flagpoles Holiday Lights and Decorations House Numbers Garage Doors Guest House and Accessory Buildings Synthetic turf may not be installed against the front sidewalks because of the difficulty of retaining a natural look when abutting the concrete. maintain its appearance. * Planned communities can adopt and enforce reasonable regulations regarding installation, aesthetics, and appearance of the artificial turf, as long as those rules do not prevent installing artificial turf the same way that natural grass is allowed by the community documents. The bill has already passed the Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support and is currently pending action in the Senate. The color must be like the geographical area, as a blended, multi-color monofilament fiber and a minimum pile height of 1.5 inches. The bill faced substantial debate before being passed in the first Arizona legislative session of the year. Then you run into the HOA, who questions why youre eliminating your natural lawn. The cost savings from not having to water a grassy lawn alone are enough to make the switch from thirsty grass blades, but if you combine this with the savings in labor, your uptick in curb appeal, and the non-toxic elements of EasyTurf, artificial turf is a . Do you live in an HOA and are thinking about removing your turf? Now for the grey areas. Is IRWD working with HOAs to help them understand the need to conserve water during a drought? Not only does this use up a significant amount of water, but it is a time-consuming chore. This summer, Arizona HOA members can have greener grass without having to water it. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. On March 30, 2022, Governor Ducey signed HB2131: ARTIFICIAL GRASS BAN PROHIBITED; HOAs into law which adds a new section to the Planned Communities Act (A.R.S. The drought bill AB 349, signed by Governor Brown, prohibits California HOAs from imposing restrictions on artificial turf installation. Here are the most important aspects of HB2131 for HOAs and association members to understand: Planned communities in Arizona that allow natural grass on a members property cannot ban the installation or use of artificial turf on the property of any of its members. D. Professional installation is required and must include a weed barrier and a No mowing. Having a lush green lawn is every homeowner's dream- but it isn't always achievable. Turf manufactured with nylon may also have lead. Owners should avoid using any materials, including infill products, that use lead or similar heavy metal materials. Some projects may require more or less information. No more worries about yellowing or dry grass. HOAs are prohibited by state law from fining residents who allow their vegetation or lawns to turn brown during a declared drought emergency pursuant to section 4735 of the Civil Code. Bill AB 349 is an urgency statute, which means it would take effect immediately if signed by Governor Brown. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the University of Florida published the "Florida-Friendly Landscape Guidance Models for Ordinances, Covenants, and Restrictions," which provides guidance on drafting deed restrictions that encourage appropriate plant selection and landscape practices. I haven't heard HOAs in any other states not to accept artificial turf, but the best approach will be for you to fill out this online form, and we will help you to find out more information regarding this matter, or you can reach out to your HOA to see if there is any specific rules they might have toward artificial grass. But different communities will have different rules. The areas for possible installation are for any existing "developed" landscaped areas on the lot; whether existing turf, mulch beds, rock beds, islands, etc. This is a tough question, as we are very familiar with HOAs rules in state of California, but not necessarily all other HOAs throughout the the country. If your ideas are being thwarted, here are some methods you can take to work around the regulations and possibly persuade them to alter their thoughts. Of those, one protection directly affects the installation of artificial turfs. 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