The commission voted on the amended ordinance at a Jan. 28 meeting. This follows a November public hearing in which city staff proposed the amendments.
According to city documents, the ordinance amendments are the following:
1. Prohibit artificial plants, but allow artificial turf in certain areas depending upon the land use.
2. Artificial turf within single-family requires no quality or maintenance standards; however, it is regulated to green in color. The turf is not permitted in the front yard; turf is permitted within areas enclosed by a fence.
3. Artificial turf within urban living is allowed. There are requirements that all of the turf be within the minimum standards set forth in the chart, including pet waste disinfectants. Property owners must adhere to inspection and maintenance standards;
4. Artificial turf within nonresidential and multifamily development is only allowed as part of a designated open space area. Property owners must adhere to inspection and maintenance standards
5. Artificial turf is allowed for use on sports fields and playgrounds for public/private schools and city parks.
The city defines artificial turf as “a carpetlike surface of synthetic fibers designed or intended to resemble or imitate natural grass and used for sports, residential and commercial applications,” per city documents.
At the meeting, city Development Services Director John Lettelleir said he is confident city staff has created a system that protects the city’s look.
Commissioner Brittany Colberg applauded city staff for a detailed report for the amended ordinance.
“I know one of the things that keeps Frisco great is the high development standards and careful attention to detail,” she said at the meeting.
