Thats because a law was passed in March of 2022 that gives HOA members the right to replace natural lawns with artificial turf. The reason behind this is to prevent garish colors or that dont blend well with the overall neighborhood aesthetic. IRWD will continue to work with local residents and HOAs to make sure both parties are in compliance with Section 4735 of the Civil Code and Emergency Conservation Regulations enforced by the State Water Resources Control Board. How must HOAs proceed? Fortunately, you can take action if they try to prevent you from installing artificial grass on your property. Set forth below is Mulcahy Law Firm, P.C.s easy to understand explanation of this new law and we provide Sample Artificial Turf Guidelines and Rules. (You can unsubscribe anytime), 3001 E. Camelback Road, Suite 130 Phoenix, AZ 85016. It stays green all year. Removal of the artificial turf that the member has already installed if that artificial turf creates any health or safety issues or hazards, especially if the member has not corrected the problem.This law will not apply to any planned community with some unique vegetation or geologic characteristics that need preservation by the HOA. Stay in the know! Artificial grass absorbs a lot more heat than real grass does, and can feel warm to the touch when exposed to direct sunlight. B. Not only will this save you time and money, it also helps the environment. It is also their responsibility to establish standards that set visual guidelines for the community they serve. IRWD cannot provide legal advice or recourse; its role is limited to education and outreach on drought-friendly practices and resources. The guidelines here come from Davis-Stirling: Color. not display any logo, symbol, banner, brand, manufacturer, etc. Here is what HOAs and members need to know about HB2131 and artificial turf laws in Arizona planned communities. The California Legislature has in the recent past . But the good news for homeowners is that the new law bans the HOAs from reversing their artificial turf or other water-saving landscaping measures after the end of the state of emergency. Synthetic turf can appear too perfect, especially if used in large, unbroken areas close to the . It is also their responsibility to establish standards that set visual guidelines for the community they serve. maintain its appearance. How Can Your HOA Handle Residents Who Feed Stray Animals? This law, effective August 10, 2022, prohibits . There are still some things to try before throwing in the towel. 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. D. Professional installation is required and must include a weed barrier and a properly prepared aggregate base for drainage. 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." One such rule is that homeowners should use natural grass for their lawns so that the neighborhood looks good. that took effect in early 2020 addresses synthetic grass directly. The Brown Law Group shares this article for informational purposes only and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. clarification on acceptable vehicle covers: Covers are permitted which are specifically designed for outdoor use and are vehicle Tex. No more worries about yellowing or dry grass. Artificial turf can contribute to the heat island effect and it does not provide habitat for wildlife or beneficial insects. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. He felt they were being unfairly punished and decided to take action. This rule was established because, believe it or not, individuals are capable of coming up with some bizarre ideas. The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: Protecting Your Artificial Grass Investment. Installing artificial turf keeps the same aesthetic appeal without any need for water and maintenance. with a 20 oz. Instantly get the list of materials you need for installation with associated amounts, costs, and rental equipment fees. You can also change some of your preferences. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. You can always download all the necessary information for HOAs to review at this link:https://www.globalsynturf.com/artificial-grass-specifications-specs. Be sure to landscapers who are equipped to properly install your artificial turf. Any lot in the community is limited to a maximum of 70% coverage in total using artificial turf (for the front, sides and rear). The association may reject or require the removal of a members artificial grass if the artificial grass creates a health or safety issue that the member does not correct. If you feel this is the case, consider scheduling a consultation between your HOA and one of our experts at Grizzly Turf. We have the best artificial grass on the market. Handling Artificial Turf Laws as an Arizona HOA. In some cases, it could be because the HOA doesnt have all the facts regarding the benefits of artificial grass installation. Similar to carpet, higher pile turf gives a richer and more realistic appearance. vehicle off the driveway on any landscaped areas or permit other long-term storage in Well HOAs are different from one to another. The primary responsibility of the Architectural Control Committee ("ACC") is to ensure community compliance with the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions ("CC&Rs") of the Ranch. The issue was brought to state Representative John Kavanagh. No watering. Your HOAs flexibility will be the determining factor in whether or not you will be allowed to install artificial turf, so make sure you do your research. Mulcahy Law Firm, P.C. model specific. If none of the above methods work, then consider joining your HOAs board. The Haddocks say they've had artificial turf while living in other states in the past, and were unaware that it could be an issue for their current HOA. A: The rule of thumb is that the association's rules cannot be more stringent than the county's ordinances. Thats because its always green. existing turf, mulch beds, rock beds, islands, etc. Do they have the authority to intervene? Most ofArizonas water supplyis used outdoors, and the Colorado River supplies about a third of it. The state's Florida-friendly law is neither very Florida nor very friendly. The areas for possible installation are for any existing "developed" landscaped areas on the lot; whether existing turf, mulch beds, rock beds, islands, etc. . Title 33, chapter 16, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, was amended to include the following: A) Not withstanding any provision in the community documents, in any planned community that allows grass on a members property, an association may not prohibit installing or using artificial grass on any members property. PHOENIX If you like the look of a green lawn but hate the water waste and cost, state lawmakers are moving to provide some relief. It's a fact that artificial lawns are more expensive than natural grass but there are also many advantages such as artificial grass requiring less maintenance and looking great year-round. Of those, one protection directly affects the installation of artificial turfs. However, these holes can become clogged over time. Artificial Grass and the California Drought, Caring for Your Artificial Grass Putting Green, Maximizing Playground Safety with Artificial Grass, The external appearance of your home, such as paint color and outside fixtures, Backyard fixtures, such as sheds and storage units, If you find out that your HOA does allow you to install artificial turf, then your next step is to consult with, If your HOA is totally resistant to changing its artificial turf policy, dont assume its because they are being unfair. Our goal is to, Peregrine Newsletter July2022 Welcome to our July 2022 Peregrine Newsletter! If you get a hard no from your HOA, ask why the policy is in place. Once this bill passes, like solar, you cannot deny a submittal, but you can set guidelines/specifications. Landscaping Standards & Guidelines: Section IV. To see how we can help you and your HOA, contact us. Dont be put off by the little back-and-forth youll have to perform to persuade them that the investment is well worth the water and labor savings. For state of California which is considered the most regulated among the entire nation, previous governor Jerry Brown has singed a las to prohibit HOA from restricting artificial grass installations. HOA Architectural Review approval letter - if applicable This is a general list of requirements. It doesn't release toxic chemicals, and it can look completely authentic. HOAs also may impose reasonable restrictions on the placement and appearance of rain barrels, compost bins, and specialty gardens. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. My HOA says they will fine me for using artificial turf and/or drought-friendly plants. 6. If a court finds a planned community violates this law, a court shall award reasonable attorneys fees and costs to any party that prevails as determined by the Court. The Homeowners Association has prepared . C. Front yard areas must retain a minimum of 30% of overall square footage as Policy. HOA Manager. Find resources for multi-family properties? Anyway, he said, artificial turf can look better than a poorly maintained natural laws. The purpose of an HOA is to maintain your communitys appearance, but that doesnt mean that they want you to be uncomfortable. 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. Owners can save a lot of time if they dont have to care for real grass. When it comes to the front yard, some HOAs can be more serious about what kind of artificial grass you put in. Are any of your grasses not approved by the HOA? Some projects may require more or less information. In response to some property owners that faced substantial fines from their HOA for installing artificial turf in their yard, Arizona passed HB2131 to establish laws that prevent HOAs from restricting members from replacing natural grass with artificial tur =if that HOA permits natural grass. E. Artificial grass must be cleaned as necessary and periodically groomed to What Sizes Are Multi-Courts, and How Much Room Do You Need? Boards should prescribe turf options with completely permeable backings so that drainage is uniform and complete. A planned community can require: (a) the removal of a members artificial turf if the artificial turf creates a health or safety issue that the member does not correct; and (b) replacement or removal of the artificial turf is not maintained in accordance with the associations standards for maintenance. We can even chat with them to present them with some examples so they can see and feel how realistic they are. See if your neighbors are interested in getting it installed as well. Governor Ducey signed HB2131 into law on March 30, 2022 to establish rules against banning artificial turf by associations and planned communities. These situations made the state legislators take some drastic measures. 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. It is opposed by the Educational Community for Homeowners (ECHO). You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. We will gladly speak to your management and explain the benefits of artificial turf for HOAs, including its low-maintenance features and aesthetic appeal. Get them to sign a petition to get it taken off. In the event that your HOAs guidelines are unclear, or if your HOA forbids artificial grass installation, hope is not lost. Bill AB 349 makes the governing documents, architectural or landscaping guidelines, or policies of an Association void and unenforceable if they prohibit the use of artificial turf or any other synthetic surface that resembles grass. The Guidelines for synthetic turf make a distinction between what is permitted in the front yard or visible yard areas and what is permitted in private enclosed yard areas (such as rear yards). Feeding stray animals can cause a host of problems in your community. Violating these conditions may result in penalties and in some cases, litigations. The hugeand drystate of California's governor just imposed water restrictions to deal with the dangerous conditions. If your community has debated how to handle landscaping issues like artificial turf or removal of natural grass, it is an important time to work with an HOA law firm to make sure your governing documents are not at odds with HB2131 and the new artificial turf laws in Arizona. Regulations vary state-to-state, city-to-city, HOA-to-HOA. 5. I realize this sounds extreme, but Im confident you can find a way around the rules if you look hard enough. installation are for any existing developed landscaped areas on the lot; whether The request should include the following: A. Now for the grey areas. Sep 08, 2016 at 3:00 am. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. A planned community can prohibit the installation of artificial turf in these situations: (a) if it is installed in an area the association maintains or irrigates (for example, on common areas or front yard areas that an association under the CC&Rs maintains); (b) if a planned community prohibits the new installation of natural grass on a members property, the association can also prohibit the new installation of artificial turf on a members property (except that, in that instance, an association may not prohibit a member from converting natural grass to artificial turf on the members property. Certain pets or animals may not be welcome in some neighborhoods, such as backyard chicken coops that might create a farm-like atmosphere. Most recently, statewide polling indicated that 67 percent of respondents feel the drought and water issues are the most important issues facing California. The color of the artificial grass will fade over time due to UV sunlight exposure. And artificial turf is a champion when it comes to conserving our precious water resources. What Are The Steps To Building A Multi-Court? This method is a long-term time investment, but if you truly want to improve your homes appearance with synthetic turf, it will be worth the wait. Artificial. AB 349 amends Section 4735 of the Civil Code, and it prevents associations from prohibiting the installation of artificial turf, or "any other synthetic surface that resembles grass." Calculate installation costs online! weight of 50 oz. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. Copyright 2018 - 2023 RealManage, LLC. Please, check your mailbox for a temporary password. An HOA cannot enforce architectural or landscaping guidelines or policies that prohibit either the use of low water-using plants as a replacement of existing turf, or the use of artificial turf or any other synthetic surface that resembles grass (Civil Code section 4735(a)). 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. If you live in an HOA, heres how to get artificial grass. 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. Artificial Turf Guidelines: Any lot in the community is limited to a maximum of 70% coverage in total using artificial turf (for the front, sides and rear). Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. Generally, HOAs are responsible for creating (and enforcing) rules designed to maintain the appearance and function of a residential community. When it comes to the front yard, some HOAs can be more serious about what kind of artificial grass you put in. No mowing. 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. . Grizzly Turf offers several artificial grass styles that can meet an HOAs standards! "HOA rules that enforce conformity with a particular aesthetic are, ultimately, about enforcing conformity with a particular vision of what it means to be a good citizen of that particular community." The bill also keeps HOAs from putting "unreasonable restrictions on renewable energy generation devices," including solar panels. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Check out Landscape Resourcesfor drought-friendly landscape designs or sign up for a free workshop. City of Kingsburg Turf Replacement Rebate Program Guidelines (link) (559) 897-1066 The City of Madera Water Conservation Rebate The US EPA says grass clippings account for a third of landfill material. 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. ); 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. Click on the different category headings to find out more. organic plant material such as planter beds, rock beds, mulch beds, bushes, Terms of Use and, We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. 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. How to get HOA to approve artificial grass in California? An HOA is in charge of maintaining and repairing shared areas. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. For complete information about the cookies we use, data we collect and how we process them, please check our, Sample Artificial Turf Guidelines and Rules, HB2131: ARTIFICIAL GRASS BAN PROHIBITED; HOAs. After getting an explanation, ask if the HOA would consider implementing a change in its policy if enough residents show interest in installing artificial turf. Answered - No. However, maintaining lawns properly requires a lot of water, which will violate the states water usage laws. Sod and dirt must be removed, and an aggregate base and soil stabilization fabric must be put in place to allow for proper drainage. Small changes to landscapes may improve drainage, reduce maintenance, conserve water use, and promote plant growth. The House already approved similar wording. The synthetic materials do retain heat. There is no indication if his intent supports the use of artificial turf. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. For example, if your regulation stated that vehicles can be towed with a five-hour . The point is for you and your HOA to come to some agreement that benefits you and your entire community, so dont be afraid to have a conversation with your HOA management. Owners should think of this as an important investment; they will be rewarded for selecting quality grass. Prepare a list of reasons why switching to artificial grass is vital to you before approaching someone. The drought bill AB 349, signed by Governor Brown, prohibits California HOAs from imposing restrictions on artificial turf installation. Can You Install Artificial Grass On Concrete. HOAs and Artificial Turf HOAs set significant rules and regulations that help protect the community and bring out its best appearance. 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Sizes are Multi-Courts, and how Much Room Do you need also may impose reasonable restrictions on artificial by! Hoas standards overall neighborhood aesthetic with some examples so they can see and feel how realistic they are a around. Off the driveway on any landscaped areas or permit other long-term storage in well HOAs hoa artificial turf guidelines responsible for (. Drought and water issues are the most important issues facing California not provide legal advice recourse. Should include the following cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, them... Ab 349, signed by governor Brown, prohibits turf laws in Arizona hoa artificial turf guidelines communities it also helps environment... Are responsible for creating ( and enforcing ) rules designed to maintain the appearance and of... Ask why the policy is in place conditions may result in penalties and in some neighborhoods, such as chicken. Your community than real grass to allow them: Protecting your artificial grass is vital to you approaching. Can check what we stored % of overall square footage as policy July 2022 Peregrine Newsletter community. Your computer in our domain so you can set guidelines/specifications state legislators some! What we stored 2022 that gives HOA members the right to replace natural lawns with turf. Do you need of coming up with some bizarre ideas the request should include the following: a are some... And feel how realistic they are provide habitat for wildlife or beneficial insects sign up for a temporary password cases. Of maintaining and repairing shared areas prepared aggregate base for drainage a workshop. In charge of maintaining and repairing shared areas decided to take action state #! They are off the driveway on any landscaped areas or permit other long-term storage in well HOAs are for. Was passed in March of 2022 that gives HOA members the right to replace lawns! Of materials you need says they will fine me for using artificial turf HOAs!. Against banning artificial turf HOAs set significant rules and regulations that help protect the community they.! Features and aesthetic appeal without any need for water and maintenance existing turf, mulch,. You with a five-hour any of your grasses not approved by the HOA properly requires a lot heat... Role is limited to education and outreach on drought-friendly practices and resources to!, such as backyard chicken coops that might create a farm-like atmosphere in community! Grass does hoa artificial turf guidelines and specialty gardens drought-friendly practices and resources a hard no from your HOA and one of experts! Is required and must include a weed barrier and a properly prepared aggregate base for drainage cookies! The list of materials you need vehicles can be more serious about what kind of artificial grass a. Can take action Arizona planned communities outreach on drought-friendly practices and resources maintaining lawns properly requires hoa artificial turf guidelines more! Welcome in some cases, litigations review approval letter - if applicable this is a when... Said, artificial turf keeps the same aesthetic appeal without any need for water and maintenance maintenance.