Alhambra : Rules for Front Yards

Residents whose front yards are made up of less than half vegetation, and those who fail to maintain their front yards, will soon face stiff fines under a new ordinance given initial approval Monday by the City Council.

The ordinance requires yards facing streets to be at least 50% vegetation in good condition. The remaining half of the yards can be composed of decorative stone, brick, gravel and bark. But materials such as concrete, asphalt and artificial turf are forbidden.

Residents whose yards are not properly maintained will have 90 days from the date of final approval, expected Oct. 10, to correct the problem. Those with concrete, asphalt and artificial turf yards will have a year to comply.

Those who do not comply face fines of $50 to $250.