Madison's Zoning Ordinance prohibits synthetic or artificial material imitating turf, trees, shrubs, or other plants from being used in lieu of the plant materials required for landscaping. This applies to required landscaped areas on development and parking sites, not to a homeowner's personal use of turf.
Under the Plant Material Standards in Section 7-5-3, synthetic or artificial material in imitation of trees, shrubs, turf, ground covers, vines, or other plants shall not be used in lieu of the plant requirements of the ordinance. In other words, a developer cannot satisfy a required landscaped area with fake turf; living grass or approved permanent ground cover is required. The code does not ban a homeowner from installing artificial turf in their own yard for personal use, but such turf will not count toward any required landscaping and must still meet general property-maintenance standards.
Using artificial turf to satisfy required landscaping fails the Zoning Ordinance and can hold up a certificate of occupancy; landscaping is bond-secured until compliant.
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