Enacts the low impact landscaping rights act

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic2

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Rachel May says this is needed

As the effects of climate change intensify, individuals and households are increasingly driven to undertake lifestyle changes which will posi- tively impact the environment and the biodiversity of New York. One such improvement is the abandonment of homogeneous lawns consisting of turfgrasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and fescue. Residential lawns account for a great deal of localities' landscapes, and the uniformity which is anticipated and frequently required' of these residences is detrimental to our ecosystems. Turfgrass monocultures have an adverse effect on flora and fauna and provide little to no benefit for pollina- tors and other native wildlife. Moreover, the substantial usage of hazardous pesticides and herbicides, as well as the use of significant amounts of water, are often required to maintain grass lawns. Homeowners should not be prevented by homeowners associations from installing and maintaining beneficial low impact landscaping on their property. Lawns comprised of mixtures containing flowers, species of clover and thyme, and rain gardens attract and promote pollinator health, require less usage of pesticides and can reduce rainwater runoff. In the face of New York's fight against climate change, house- holds should be free to use these lawn landscaping techniques if they wish without interference from homeowners associations' bylaws requiring homogenous lawns covered in turf grass. This act is intended to be consistent with existing state law limiting unreasonable restrictions by homeowners associations on the installation and use of solar power systems and electric vehicle charging stations, and to extend similar protections to homeowners seeking to install and maintain beneficial low impact landscaping.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.