Agenda - Council - 08/10/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Allshouse stated that he believes 100 square feet is very limiting. He commented that his wife has had a garden for ten years that exceeds the ten -by -ten limit. Chairperson Gengler asked for clarification on whether this applies to a flower bed or garden or just natural landscaping. Senior Planner Anderson confirmed that typical flower gardens and vegetable gardens are not included in this. He explained that this would apply to a managed natural landscape. He commented that staff is not finding issues with rain gardens or pockets around trees, but with people who attempt to do natural landscaping for their whole yard but do not actively manage it and it becomes unsightly. Chairperson Gengler asked for more information on whether there is a list of what is a weed and what is not. Senior Planner Anderson explained that is why the management plan is important, as a weed is something that is not intended to be established where it is growing. He stated that if after three years, more than 25 percent of the area contains things that were not intended to be there, it would be deemed a failure. Commissioner Musgrove recognized that this is a State mandate and asked if this would already be addressed in the nuisance Code. She stated that people like to have their property looking nice, and when things become overgrown, she did not believe it was for lack of want but for another reason that may arise. She asked if other cities have similar types of regulation. Senior Planner Anderson stated that the City had provisions allowing this type of landscaping before the State mandated it, but there is more interest in it because it has become more known. He commented that there have been problems related to the failed establishment, but without specificity of what is included in the management plan, it has become difficult to enforce. He stated that they are being mindful and not being onerous, while also ensuring that they can successfully enforce the Code when needed. Commissioner Musgrove stated that she would like to add the word continuous as previously discussed. She commented that she would like to see feedback on what has worked or has not worked as they implement this. Senior Planner Anderson stated that the intention is to solidify the Code, so they can specify that this is allowed and what would need to be provided to the City. He stated that the management plan would ensure that they can have enforcement when necessary. He reiterated that if there is discomfort with the 100 square foot area, they could use a percentage of the lot size. Commissioner Bauer asked and received confirmation that someone could have a pocket pollinator garden of 100 square feet or less without requiring a management plan. Chairperson Gengler asked how many lots within the MUSA exceed the average 80-foot-wide lot.