The Beverly Hills Planning Commission at their May 22 meeting voted to approve a ban on synthetic turf in the city’s front lawns.
The ban would prohibit the installation of new synthetic turf and allow existing owners of synthetic turf 15 years to remove it. Residents will still be allowed to have synthetic turf in their side and backyards.
The commission approved the ordinance in a 3-0 vote, with Vice Chair Jeff Wolfe and Commissioners Lou Milkowski and Gary Ross voting in favor. Chair Terri Kaplan and Commissioner Myra Demeter were not present at the meeting.
The ordinance will now go to City Council for final approval.
The issue of synthetic turf was brought before the commission at a Jan. 30 Study Session. Commissioners at that meeting instructed the city to prepare a draft ordinance.
Synthetic turf was banned in Beverly Hills until 2015, when state lawmakers passed a bill requiring cities to allow the landscaping in response to drought conditions. In 2024, a state senate bill restored authority over the matter to local authorities.
According to the city staff report presented at the May 22 meeting, the current draft ordinance is designed to conserve water, promote sustainability and keep intact the aesthetics of residential areas.
Synthetic turf permit holders who feel they need more time to remove the landscaping will be allowed to request extensions for removal from the City Council.
At the May 22 meeting, commissioners heard comments from several stakeholders both in favor of the ordinance and against.
Myung-Soo Seok, a representative of the Painters and Allied Trades District Council 36, asked the commission to reconsider the ban, noting that it will affect jobs for members of the organization.
“This proposed ban will have a negative impact on the regional market, as well as our members and their ability to work on these types of projects,” he said.
Diane Woelke, a board member for Safe Healthy Playing Fields, spoke in favor of the ban, saying that synthetic turf presents health and environmental concerns for communities. She encouraged the commission to implement a full ban on the materials, including in side and backyards.
“Allowing [synthetic turf] in back and side yards does not prevent it from polluting neighboring yards, surface and groundwater, storm drains and the ocean,” she said. “It does not prevent microplastics created from synthetic turf from lofting into the air, carrying for miles and re-lofting over and over … we urge you to institute a complete ban.”
If the ordinance is approved by City Council, the Planning Division staff and the Sustainability Team from the Public Works Department will conduct outreach efforts to artificial turf permit holders. Those efforts will include mailed letters and emails, as well as periodic reminders.
City staff recommended that residents affected by the ordinance consider installing alternative landscaping, such as native and water-efficient, non-native plants.
To encourage such changes, staff directed interested parties to the Beverly Hills Garden Handbook, which offers over 125 plant recommendations, four landscaping styles consistent with Beverly Hills architecture and practical tips.
