Laserfiche WebLink
Councilmember Specht also questioned how the proposed 25 percent weed limitation would be <br />enforced. <br />Planning Manager Larson clarified that staff would use a visual assessment rather than precise <br />measurements and work with property owners when corrective maintenance or reestablishment <br />appeared necessary. <br />Councilmember Peters asked whether the proposed regulations were modeled after ordinances <br />used by other municipalities. <br />Planning Manager Larson confirmed that staff reviewed regulations from other communities and <br />worked with the City Attorney in developing the standards. <br />Councilmember Specht asked how the amendments would affect existing managed natural <br />landscapes. <br />Planning Manager Larson explained that properly established landscapes should generally comply <br />and emphasized that the amendments primarily clarify application, maintenance, and <br />establishment requirements rather than substantially changing what the City permits. <br />Councilmember Specht expressed support for natural landscaping and pollinator habitat and <br />indicated he did not want the regulations to discourage residents from establishing these areas. He <br />was satisfied that the proposed standards addressed legitimate enforcement concerns without <br />creating an excessive burden. <br />Acting Mayor Riley summarized that the ordinance would require residents to demonstrate that a <br />natural landscape was intentionally established and maintained rather than simply allowing a lawn <br />to become overgrown. <br />Motion by Councilmember Buscher, seconded by Councilmember Olson, to introduce Ordinance <br />#26-11, Amending Chapters 30 (Nuisances) and 106 (Zoning Code) of the City Code Related to <br />Managed Natural Landscapes. <br />A roll call vote was performed: <br />Councilmember Buscher aye <br />Councilmember Riley aye <br />Councilmember Olson aye <br />Councilmember Specht aye <br />Councilmember Peters aye <br />Mayor Heineman aye <br />Motion carried. <br />7.04: Adopt Ordinance #26-15 Amending Chapter 22 — Fire Prevention and Protection <br />City Council /August 10, 2026 <br />Page 7 of 9 <br />