CYPRESS : City OKs More Grass in Landscaped Areas

Grass landscaping soon will have a better than even chance in the city.

The City Council on Monday night gave first reading to an ordinance change that will end the city’s current ban on landscaping that is more than 50% turf, or grass. The city in 1992 put a limit on turf used for landscaping as part of its effort to conserve water.

Kelly said nothing in state law requires limits on how much turf is allowed in landscaping. She said Cypress simply decided the requirement would decrease water use.

“They (state government) wanted us to conserve water,” said city Planning Director Chris Kelly. “We passed our own ordinance.”

The existing city ordinance says no more than half the landscaping of a home or business built after 1992 can be grass. The rest must be some other type of “ground cover,” such as ivy, Kelly said.

Kelly asked the council to amend the ordinance because “some of these restrictions conflict with the landscaping requirements contained in other city ordinances,” and allowing developers to landscape with more grass “provides more people area.” She said grassy areas invite picnics and other activities.

The amended ordinance still will require developers to use drought-tolerant turf.

The council is scheduled to give a second and final reading to the ordinance change at its meeting May 22. The measure would become effective in late June.