AN ORDINANCE
BY MR. STEPHENS
NO 4960
AMENDING CHAPTER 551, WEEDS, OF THE OAKWOOD GENERAL OFFENSES CODE BY UPDATING THE TITLE THEREOF TO LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT, ADDING RELEVANT DEFINITIONS, REORDERING EXISTING PROVISIONS, AND INCORPORATING NEW PROVISIONS TO AUTHORIZE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MANAGED NATURAL LANDSCAPE AREAS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY.
A copy of the ordinance, having been placed on the desks of each member of Council prior to introduction, was read by title.
Mr. Stephens explained that this is the second reading of an ordinance to update Oakwood’s laws on noxious weeds and mowing. It does not make significant changes to the existing requirement that grass and weeds be mowed or maintained at a height of 8” or less. However, Council recognizes that there is a growing movement to think about landscaping in new or non-traditional ways, particularly with regard to the use of native plants, rain gardens, and butterfly gardens. These kinds of plantings have always been permitted in Oakwood, but have not been clearly addressed in the Code, which is the purpose of the ordinance is being introduced.
This ordinance makes the following changes:
1.
It updates the title of the chapter from “Weeds” to “Landscape Management.”
2.
It adds relevant definitions, as well as a statement of purpose that reads:
“The purpose of this chapter is to encourage the use of vegetation throughout the City to maximize ecological and aesthetic benefits while respecting existing community values regarding landscaping to include well-maintained yards, preservation of sight lines, compatibility with existing structures, and public safety. Ecological benefits of “managed natural landscapes” include enhancement of pollinator support habitat, stormwater management, carbon sequestration, erosion control, and preservation of biodiversity.”
3.
It eliminates the species-specific list of weeds contained in the current ordinance. Instead, it defines “weed” in a manner that encompasses any type of vegetation that is neglected or overgrown.
4.
For properties that are placarded due to high grass or weeds and mowed by the city, the new ordinance will allow a streamlined notice process that makes it easier to deal with subsequent violations after the first violation.
5.
It adds provisions to expressly authorize property owners to establish “managed natural landscape areas” on their property. It is important to note that this does NOT give homeowners permission to neglect their yards or allow them to “go wild.” The key concept behind a managed natural landscape area is that it must be “managed and maintained” as required by the new ordinance.
Thereupon, it was moved by Mr. Stephens and seconded by Mrs. Hilton that the ordinance be passed.
Upon call of the roll on the question of the motion, the following vote was recorded:
MR. WILLIAM D. DUNCAN
YEA
MR. STEVEN BYINGTON
YEA
MR. ROBERT P. STEPHENS
YEA
MRS. ANNE HILTON
YEA
MRS. LEIGH TURBEN
YEA
There being five (5) yea votes and no (0) nay votes thereon, said ordinance was declared duly passed and it was so ordered.