Othello mulls new rules for new lawns

OTHELLO — If you buy a brand-new house in Othello, remember, you have a year to put in a front yard.

Or you could get a ticket.

“Landscaping for residences is not required for a year after the issuing of a certification of occupancy,” said Othello Community Director Anne Hemming. “But we’ve not followed up, and we’re going to start doing enforcement.”

Hemming spoke at a regular meeting of the Othello City Council on Monday.

Several council members have expressed concern over the number of new homes that do not have front yards. Currently, city laws make landscaping the responsibility of the home buyer, rather than the developer, requiring front lawns to be in place within a year of the issuing of a certificate of occupancy.

However, one option the city is considering is requiring lawns prior to issuing certificates of occupancy.

“As a builder, I go through a process,” said Angel Garza, a member of the city council who spoke as a private citizen and housing developer. “It takes three and a half to four months to build a house, and occupancy starts the closing process.”

Garza told council members that he would rather not have to wait any longer than necessary to sell a home.

“Once I close a deal, it’s not my issue,” he said.

Garza said it’s tough enough finding construction workers without also having to hire landscapers.

A lawn can also add an additional $5,000 to the price of a new home.

“That’s enough to stop a sale,” Garza added.

The Othello city code defines landscaping as “the addition of lawn, trees, plants, shrubs, and other natural and decorative features.” Eighty percent of a yard must be “living plant material” but the city also encourages the use of drought-tolerant plants.

The council decided to ask the city’s planning commission to make a recommendation at its next meeting and for the city council to then hold a public hearing on proposed changes to landscaping regulations.

“This would be a good issue for the city to hold a public hearing on,” said City Attorney Kelly Konkright.

“We’ve got to hear from more people on this,” said council member John Lallas.

The Othello Planning Commission next meets at 6 p.m. Monday, May 21, in the City Council Chambers at 500 E. Main St. in Othello.