Proposed Water Quality Priorities Whitepaper- (Rick Woodworth) — 13-B Marco Island, Florida Landscape Ordinance Reform — Waterways Advisory Committee (2026-05-21)

AI Summary

Marco Island proposes to amend Chapter 30 of its landscape ordinance to eliminate the mandatory requirement for conventional turf grass on residential, commercial, and institutional properties. The amendment would establish three equally valid ground cover options: conventional turf, Florida-Friendly native landscaping, or compliant synthetic turf, all permitted by right without special city approval. The change aims to reduce water consumption (which currently exceeds 50% of residential use), cut property owner maintenance costs ($2,000–$5,000 annually), and reduce fertilizer and pesticide runoff into Rookery Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands...