Fertilizer Restrictions Begin June 1

May 28, 2020

The City’s fertilizer ordinance regulates the application of fertilizer. Beginning June 1, the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus is prohibited.

This regulation was enacted to keep harmful nutrients found in fertilizer from washing off from lawns into storm drains during the rainy months. These nutrients impact the city’s canals and surrounding waters, leading to poor water quality and algal blooms. The fertilizer restrictions apply to citizens and commercial lawn services.

Here are the key points of the fertilizer ordinance:

• Fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus is not permitted between June 1 and September 30
• No fertilizer use is allowed of any kind if a storm watch or warning is in effect
• No fertilizers can be used within 10 feet of any body of water – measured from the top of a seawall.
• The percentage of slow-release nitrogen content in any fertilizer used during the remainder of the year (October-May) must be at least 50 percent.
• No grass clippings or vegetative debris may be swept or blown into stormwater drains, conveyances, bodies of waters, sidewalks or roadways.

The City’s fertilizer ordinance was adopted in 2010.