In a bold move towards water conservation, a couple in Agoura Hills, California, has installed synthetic grass in their home, directly challenging the regulations of their homeowners association (HOA). The HOA, which governs the Morrison Ranch Estates community of approximately 1,200 homes, has responded by imposing daily fines on the couple for defying its prohibition against synthetic turf installations.
Despite facing a $50 fine each day the artificial grass remains, the couple, Greenstein, has stood firm in their belief that synthetic turf is a viable solution for conserving water amidst ongoing drought conditions. They are hopeful that California's Governor will recognize the value of synthetic turf, similar to other drought-resistant landscaping options.
"You can’t put it in and then ask for forgiveness," stated Jan Gerstel, the president of the HOA, underscoring the association's strict stance against the installation of synthetic grass.
Determined not to cave to the fines, Greenstein remarked, "I refuse to pay. I just have to wait for Gov. Brown to sign off on artificial turf." Their patience paid off when Governor Brown signed legislation prohibiting HOAs from penalizing residents for installing synthetic turf. This legislation opened the door for approximately 4.8 million Californians to embrace the benefits of artificial grass without fear of repercussions from their HOAs.
By standing their ground, the Greensteins not only championed water conservation but also paved the way for other homeowners in similar situations to consider synthetic turf as a sustainable landscaping option. Their story highlights the growing acceptance of artificial grass as a practical solution for maintaining beautiful lawns while addressing the pressing issue of water scarcity.