Board tables decision on backyard artificial turf after neighbor complaint

The New Albany Board of Zoning Appeals voted to table a variance request for artificial turf at a single-family property in the New Albany Country Club subdivision after the homeowner did not appear and a nearby neighbor had registered a complaint.

Staff described the request as limited to about 5% of the lot area for a children’s play surface behind a single-family home east of Harrell Road and south of East Dublin‑Granville Road. Staff said similar materials have been approved previously in the city for community pools and some playgrounds, but those approvals were not identical to a residential front- or side-yard installation visible to neighbors.

The matter came to the city’s attention after a neighbor called to report possible stormwater impacts; inspectors found the artificial turf but did not identify actionable stormwater violations attributable to the turf. City staff said they issued code-violation letters to the property owner and notified neighbors within 200 feet; staff also said local practice has been to seek remediation or a variance before initiating municipal-court fines.

Board members expressed concern that the neighbor, who reported the issue, was not present and that the homeowner was also absent. Staff recommended tabling the item for one month to allow direct outreach to the homeowner, to solicit neighbor input and to explore options such as screening. The board voted 3–0 to table the application until the next regular meeting (June 24).