We went for a walk with our block club and some building inspectors
the other day to review properties with violations, most if which were
major or structural. The one that surprised me the most was that this
person had outdoor carpeting in there backyard instead of grass.
Apparently, that was a major issue for some people.

That is wrong for so many reasons. I don't understand because grass is so easy to grow there.
well, unclassy for sure in Buffalo, where it gets enough precipitation to not worry about water costs, I would think, but in another areas of the country these are practically encouraged because of stolen water fees and drought & fires and whatnot... I still coudn't dig it, even I did own a home. I'd rather have a cheap rock garden than astroturf. but a lot of people do that here.
I swear... you should have to pass a class before you are allowed to own a home.