Florida is generally a great location for an artificial turf field, as the ground is already mostly sand. Plus, the Florida terrain, particularly in Miami and other coastal regions, does not require removing large hills, nor filling in deep valleys.
However, there are a few zoning and permitting requirements, depending on the project. Here’s a few planning considerations if you’re interested in installing artificial turf inside the city of Miami:
Zoning Compliance and Permits
Any artificial turf installation inside the city limits of Miami will require a permit. The permit fees fund the inspectors and other personnel, and will determine the size, use, and location of the installation.
The government of Miami just wants to ensure there is not too much turf in a certain area, as it could potentially store too much heat. Soil expands and contracts with the ambient temperature, so it is good at absorbing heat, then reflecting it back out into the air.
Artificial turf installations are common in the surrounding areas too, such as Coral Gables, Hallandale, Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach, Miami Shores, Pinecrest, Westchester, and others. Each may enforce small changes, but each municipality will have the same basic requirements.
Location Restrictions:
Artificial turf cannot be installed within landscape buffers, visible from roads or streets, within permanent drainage features (like ponds or swales), or on waterfront property.
Aesthetics and Maintenance:
Artificial turf must be designed to look like natural turf in color and appearance, and owners are responsible for maintaining it free from dirt, weeds, stains, or tears.
Limited Impervious Surface Size
Artificial turf is considered an impervious material, which means the material itself does not efficiently absorb heat, nor moisture. This is why artificial turf playing fields include a drainage system to channel water away from the surface.
They also can have any number of substrates beneath them, which can affect the drainage capability. Each field is purpose built, so drainage efficiency and heat dissipation can be controlled as much as possible. Miami may impose zoning limitations, and require changes to the field’s design.
Drainage:
Artificial turf installations must have a minimum ability to manage rainwater, known as the surface’s permeability. This minimum permeability ensures that nearby asphalt or concrete do not create flooding and erosion, when combined with the runoff from the field.
Institutional and Public Uses
In Miami, artificial turf installations must be purpose built, and designed for their intended use. For example, if the project includes a public park, the turf must meet certain requirements. These can include keeping the space small enough so as to avoid creating a hot spot.
The regulations Miami enforces are primarily concerned with public safety and environmental impact. The city is also keenly interested in the appearance of the field, and will likely require routine maintenance.