Irrigated Sod Requirement in Ocean City Likely to Dry Up

Curbside strips of grass in front of new or rebuilt homes would require irrigation systems under an ordinance tabled by City Council in Ocean City, NJ. A new recommendation would allow native plantings that don't require irrigation. A proposed law that would require Ocean City property owners to install irrigation systems to maintain grass between curbs and sidewalks appears destined for the graveyard or for a major change. The Ocean City Environmental Commission was scheduled to meet Tuesday night to discuss the proposed ordinance. But the meeting was not held for lack of a quorum. City Council first proposed the measure in September with the idea of  improving aesthetics and decreasing impervious coverage on a flood-prone island. The ordinance would apply only to newly constructed and substantially rebuilt homes (reconstruction costs more than 50 percent of assessed value). Several members of the public at the time opposed the ordinance in public comment, citing the cost, waste of water and lack of necessity. Before a second reading of the ordinance, Councilman Antwan McClellan asked for more time to investigate alternative ideas, and Council voted to table the measure. It was referred to the Environmental Commission for a recommendation. The Environmental Commission voted unanimously on Nov. 3 to recommend drought-resistant native plantings that do not require irrigation (as an alternative to sod) and mulch. The plantings could not be invasive, have thorns, barbs or toxicity. They would have to be salt-tolerant and maintained at a height no greater than 12 inches, according to the recommendation. Curb strips should not contain any hardscape material such as pavers, and the city should provide links to help owners search for suitable plantings, according to minutes for the Nov. 3 meeting. On Tuesday night, Commission Chairman Marty Mozzo said that the scheduled discussion would have been only an update on the status of the ordinance. The commission proposes no changes to what it has already recommended. City Council has not yet scheduled a reading of a new ordinance based on the Environmental Commission recommendation. Whether or not it does, it appears the idea of a required streetside irrigation system is doomed.