City Council

NB 1. Adoption and Funding of the YardSmart Lancaster Program Recommendation(s): 1. Approve the establishment and initial General Fund allocation for the YardSmart Lancaster Program, a citywide beautification and water-conservation initiative designed to assist property owners in converting front-yard turf into drought-tolerant, low-maintenance landscaping. 2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to authorize and sign all documents related to the program. YardSmart Lancaster is a City-funded beautification and water-conservation initiative created to support Lancaster’s sustainability, water-efficiency, and neighborhood revitalization goals. The program provides direct grants to property owners to replace water-intensive turf with drought-tolerant landscapes, improving curb appeal while encouraging voluntary compliance with City landscaping and property maintenance standards. The program is designed to be proactive rather than punitive, offering financial and technical assistance to help bring visible properties into compliance while enhancing neighborhood aesthetics. COUNCIL REPORTS