Pollinator-supportive landscape is permitted in all zoning districts of the City of Carbondale. However, pollinator gardens, bee lawns, and native planting areas must adhere to the established limitations of each.
A. Pollinator Gardens are permitted on public or private property in compliance with sight visibility standards 15.4.6.
B. Bee Lawns are permitted on public or private property in compliance with the maintenance requirements of 11.4.1.
C. Native Planting Areas are permitted only if the property owner or agent demonstrates all the following conditions are met:
1. The area is not within the site’s required front yard. For the purposes of this section, corner lots are deemed to have two front yards.
2. The area is set back not less than five feet from the side and rear lot lines. No set back is required on the side or rear lot lines if (1) there is an impermeable and opaque fence at least five feet in height installed between the native plants and the side or rear lot lines OR (2) the native plants abut a neighboring native planting area that meets this Section.
3. The area is maintained according to current industry standards for the kind of vegetation being grown, to include seasonal cutting as appropriate.
4. Turfgrass, noxious weeds, and invasive species are immediately eliminated, and the area is planted through transplanting or seed by human or mechanical means.
5. Soil erosion is controlled while the ground is bare of plant growth that is sufficient to inhibit erosion.
Pollinator-supportive Landscape Comparison | ||||
Type of landscape | Allowed in front yard | Must be 100% Native Species | Must be kept under 8 in (11.4.1) | Must comply with site visibility standards (15.4.6) |
Pollinator Garden | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Bee Lawn | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Native Planting Area | No | Yes | No | Yes |
(Ord. 2023-19)