Title
ORDINANCE NO. 26o-04-106: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CITY’S LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS BY AMENDING ARTICLE III, ENTITLED “ZONING DISTRICTS,” SECTION 6.8 ENTITLED “TREE PRESERVATION AND ABUSE AVOIDANCE STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS,” BY ALTERING THE DEFINITION OF ARTIFICIAL TURF; MODIFYING SCHEDULE J ENTITLED “LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION, IRRIGATION AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS,” SECTION 1.2.2 SUB-SECTION “J” BY MODIFYING THE PROCEDURE AND CONDITIONS FOR INSTALLING ARTIFICIAL TURF; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Body
Request Action:
Requesting consideration of a text amendment to the Land Development Regulations (LDR) prepared by Staff.
Need Summary Explanation/ Background:
Staff has prepared an amendment to the Land Development Regulations related to "Artificial Turf" The proposed amendment establishes standards to allow the synthetic alternative to a natural lawn or grass provided certain criteria can be met. At a City Commission Workshop, held on October 20, 2025, Staff made a presentation to the City Commission about Artificial Turf. The presentation included an overview of the current regulations, the changes to the State Law (HB683), and some recommendations on how to move forward. The City Commission provided direction to the Staff to work with the City Attorney’s office to prepare an amendment to the City’s Land Development Regulations to be consistent with the changes in the law effective July 1, 2025.
Artificial turf has become increasing in popularity nation-wide within municipal landscape regulations and permitted-use frameworks. In general, artificial turf refers to manufactured, grass-like surface materials designed to replicate the appearance of natural turf grass and is typically regulated as a landscape treatment rather than a structural improvement. In certain areas, artificial turf is being evaluated alongside sod, grass, mulch, and hardscape, and may be permitted, limited, or prohibited based on zoning district, yard location, or design standards. It’s growing relevance reflects broader shifts in how cities approach water use, landscape maintenance, and climate resilience.
The Development Review Report (DRR) prepared by staff outlines the in greater detail the purpose and intent of the changes. The item was considered by the Planning & Zoning Board at the Meeting held on February 24, 2026. The Board unanimously recommended approval to the City Commission with a vote of 4-0.
Staff is recommending approval of the amendment to the Land Development Regulations.
Cost Summary/ Fiscal Impact:
N/A - there is no direct cost or fiscal impact related to this request
Attachments:
Attachment A - Development Review Report (DRR)
Attachment B - Excerpt of the February P&ZB Minutes (2-24-2026)
Budget Code Number(s): __________________________________
Procurement Information: [check all that apply]
[ ] RFP/Bid [ ] Emergency Purchase [ ] SBE
[ ] Proposal/Quote [ ] State Grant Funds [ ] Local Preference
[ ] Piggyback Contract [ ] Federal Grant Funds
[ ] Sole Source [ ] Matching Required