O.C. Homeowners Sued for Removing Lawn

In Orange, California, city codes require that front yards be 40% landscaping. After considerately adding drought-resistant plants and bark to save water, the city sued an Orange couple.

1 minute read

March 3, 2010, 11:00 AM PST

By Tim Halbur

Amina Khan writes, "Last summer, the couple tried to appease the city by building a fence around the yard and planting drought-tolerant greenery -- lavender, rosemary, horsetail and pittosporum, among others.

They sent a photo of the yard to city officials in October. But according to the city, their landscaping still did not comply with city standards.

"They put up a nice fence, but [the photo] didn't show anything about how they had complied with code, as far as the frontyard goes," Senior [Assistant City Atty. Wayne] Winthers said, "nor did it include a site plan."

Thanks to Ruben Perez

FULL STORY: Orange County Suing Couple Over Lawn

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 in www.latimes.com

Energy Environment Government / Politics Land Use Landscape Architecture Humor California Environment Drought Lawsuit Water Conservation Orange County City Code yard lawn View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Get 25% Off Your Subscription

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.