Sacramento Considering Lifting Ban On Artificial Turf

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Faced with a fourth year of drought, Sacramento city leaders are considering lifting the city's ban on synthetic turf in front yards.

The Sacrament Bee reports Saturday a Sacramento City Council committee this week voted 3-1 to consider lifting the city's ban on synthetic turf in front yards. The prohibition has been on the books in some form since 1984.

The main reason for the ban had been concerns the fake stuff looked too tacky. But with modern synthetic turf increasingly looking almost indistinguishable from real grass, Sacramento city officials are responding to the demand.

There is no restriction on synthetic turf for backyards.

Critics cite potential risks to human health, saying turf contains lead and other toxins. They also point out artificial turf may make Sacramento's blast-furnace summers even hotter.

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