Raleigh, N.C. — A Raleigh man who installed fake grass at his home said Thursday has been told by the homeowner’s association that his grass has to go.

Les Bernstein made the $6,500 investment this May, but it wasn't long before the Falls River Community Association weighed in. The homeowners association sent a letter telling Bernstein that he needed signatures from neighbors because he did not get prior approval for the artificial grass.

He said he gathered the signatures and presented them to the board, but he got back a letter saying he has to remove the artificial grass by Sept. 30.

Bernstein attended a Wednesday night homeowner’s association meeting to appeal the decision, but received another letter on Thursday saying his grass was not up to code. The association will make a final decision behind closed doors, he said.

Bernstein is contacting state and federal officials for help in keeping the grass.