County considers revised limit for golf course grass

Wednesday, March 8, 2000 | 9:55 a.m.

A compromise ordinance limiting the amount of grass on golf courses was likely to be introduced at the Clark County Commission meeting today.

The ordinance is similar to another proposal that provoked opposition from golf course managers, designers and landscapers last month. The earlier version set the amount of turf at 75 acres.

The revised version sets turf at 100 acres -- 90 acres for 18 holes plus 10 acres for a driving range. David Carleton, a golf course irrigation system salesman, said the higher level is one that people in the golfing industry are happy with.

"That was the number we were originally asking for," Carleton said.

The 100-acre limit mirrors the turf limitation in place for the city of Las Vegas.

Richard Wimmer, deputy general manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority, said regulatory agencies, especially the Clark County Planning Department, and golf industry professionals agreed on the 100-acre limit through discussions.

The turf limitation is suggested as a way to save water. It was originally part of a larger package setting new landscaping standards in an effort to control air pollution as well as cut water use.

The ordinance is scheduled for a public hearing and likely vote March 22.

Wimmer said the 100-acre limit is a good step, but he added that the cities of Henderson and North Las Vegas do not have any turf limitations. He said the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition, an advisory body of all the city governments plus the county, will discuss making the limitation regionwide.