St. Pete Catalyst, Published By: Mark Parker
Whether they have difficulty maintaining yards, or concerns regarding harmful nutrients found in fertilizers, homeowners increasingly want to eschew grass and implement synthetic turf, shells, or rock.
However, St. Petersburg administrators consider those materials impervious, and harmful to stormwater systems and only permit yards to feature a small percentage of nonpermeable landscaped green space. City council members, business leaders, and zoning, engineering, and stormwater officials discussed expanding grass-alternative allowances at a recent committee meeting.
Councilmember Copley Gerdes requested the business item due to confusion and concerns over what is permissible.
“This couple can no longer mow their yard,” said Gerdes, referring to a home in west St. Pete’s District 1, at the May 11 meeting. “And they would like to have a green yard. I just don’t think that’s unreasonable.”
City regulations state that “yards shall be maintained as permeable landscaped vegetative green space with the exception of driveways, walks, patios, and similar paved areas … which areas combined shall not exceed 25% of the required yard area for corner lots and 45% of the required for inside lots.” Read more
