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SUSTAINABILITY - ACTION ITEM - (1) Discuss a Presentation by the Current Planning Division on a Zoning Code Amendment to the Landscaping Ordinance; (2) Discuss a Presentation Regarding a Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Study; (3) Discuss Options Regarding Regulation of Artificial Turf; and (4) Provide Direction to Staff.
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Meeting Date: August 25, 2026
Contact Person: Gabriel Barreras, Senior Planner, Current Planning Division
Sean Singletary, Public Works Department, EPO
Contact: (310) 253-5776
(310) 253-6457
Fiscal Impact: Yes [ ] No [X] General Fund: Yes [ ] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [X] No [ ]
Public Notification: Email via GovDelivery (08/20/2026): Meetings and Agendas - Sustainability Subcommittee, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission; Stay Informed - Community Gardening, Sustainability and Environmental Issues, Urban Forest Management, Environmental Programs and Events
Dept Approval: Emily Stadnicki, Planning & Development Director (08/20/2026)
Nick Zornes, Acting Public Works Director (08/20/2026)
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RECOMMENDATION
The Standing Sustainability Subcommittee will:
* receive, discuss, and provide direction to staff regarding the status of a draft Zoning Code Amendment to the City's Landscape Ordinance;
* receive and discuss a presentation from a representative of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District regarding an ongoing study comparing grass and artificial turf field surfaces; and
* receive and discuss the options regarding regulation and enforcement of artificial turf and provide direction to staff and/or make a recommendation to City Council.
BACKGROUND/DESCRIPTION
The City's current Landscape Ordinance, codified in CCMC Section 17.310, was last updated on September 9, 2024, as part of the City's comprehensive Zoning Code Update. Since that time, staff from Planning and Development, Parks, Recreation and Community...
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