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7.03: Introduce Ordinance #26-11 Amending Chapters 30 (Nuisances) and 106 (Zoning <br />Code) of City Code Related to Managed Natural Landscapes <br />Planning Manager Larson presented Ordinance #26-11 amending Chapters 30 (Nuisances) and <br />106 (Zoning Code) of the City Code related to managed natural landscapes. <br />Councilmember Specht questioned whether the proposed managed natural landscape regulations <br />were necessary or were primarily prompted by an isolated situation. <br />Mr. Larson explained that the existing Code provides few standards, making it difficult to <br />distinguish intentional natural or pollinator landscapes from lawns that are no longer maintained. <br />Councilmember Specht also questioned how the proposed 25 percent weed limitation would be <br />enforced. <br />Mr. Larson clarified that staff would use a visual assessment rather than precise measurements and <br />work with property owners when corrective maintenance or reestablishment appeared necessary. <br />Councilmember Peters asked whether the proposed regulations were modeled after ordinances <br />used by other municipalities. <br />Mr. Larson confirmed that staff reviewed regulations from other communities and worked with <br />the City Attorney in developing the standards. <br />Councilmember Specht asked how the amendments would affect existing managed natural <br />landscapes. i <br />Mr. Larson explained that properly established landscapes should generally comply and <br />emphasized that the amendments primarily clarify application, maintenance, and establishment <br />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 />