Proposed Laws Take Tough ‘Lawn Order’ Stance

PICO RIVERA â€”  Unsightly lawns are among the targets of proposed regulations intended to make Pico Rivera neighborhoods more attractive.

The regulations, which will come before the City Council Monday, would require property owners to landscape lawns in an effort to enhance property values, officials said.

“We’re looking to get the people who don’t maintain their front yard at all to do something,� said David Hertzig, a city planning supervisor.

The city’s interpretation of landscaping would be flexible, to allow for everything from traditional grass to low-water plants or even rock gardens.

“It has been defined very loosely so we can work with the people,� Hertzig said. “We’re trying to get people to maintain what they have--as long as they have a nice appearance for a front yard. If they try to usurp the code by putting in one cactus and a lot of gravel, we would have a problem there.�

Grass lawns would have to be watered, but Hertzig said the provision does not conflict with water conservation goals.

“My guess would be that the landscape-maintenance ordinance is probably going to affect only six to 12 people in the next year,� Hertzig said, adding that watering can be accomplished efficiently with timed sprinklers.

Defiance of the regulations could result in a misdemeanor charge, with a maximum penalty of a $500 fine and six months in jail. But officials said charges would be filed only as a last resort.

“We want to work with them,� Hertzig said. “We can grant extensions, but what we want is a commitment from them.�

To help senior citizens or the poor comply, the city would make contacts with local volunteers or charities.

The ordinances also would require homeowners to screen satellite dishes from view and would regulate the design and location of new carports. Even with the proposed new restrictions, officials said they hope to streamline the permit process, so that homeowners can make approved changes to their property more quickly.