NLV to take up turf-reduction ordinance

Tuesday, June 13, 2000 | 10:16 a.m.

A controversial turf-reduction ordinance already approved by Clark County and Las Vegas is going to be considered by North Las Vegas this week.

On Wednesday the Planning Commission will weigh the turf ordinance, which was pushed by the Southern Nevada Water Authority in an effort to increase water conservation.

The ordinance sparked controversy when passed by the other governments because, among other items, it limits golf courses to having an average of 5 acres of grass per hole.

Some residents also feared that it would limit their control over what they could do with their private property.

The new ordinance also prohibits turf in public-facility areas except for schools, parks and cemeteries, limits the use of turf in commercial zones to 25 percent and allows just half of a front yard to be landscaped with turf.

The North Las Vegas ordinance will only affect new developments and is identical to ordinances in Clark County and Las Vegas except that there is a waiver provision for special situations and an allowance for slightly more turf in connection with multi-family development.

The measure calls for more desert landscaping -- called xeriscaping -- to replace turf. Such desert vegetation requires significantly less water than grass.