(A) (1) Permit. An owner, authorized agent, or authorized occupant of any privately owned lands or premises may, consistent with this section and all other applicable laws, statutes, rules, and ordinances, install and maintain a landscape significantly different from neighboring properties. Before the installation of the landscape, a permit for such a landscape is required. Detailed plans must be submitted to the city for a permit. The city administration shall refer the plans to a Landscape Review Committee of three qualified residents appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the City Council. The Committee shall determine whether the plan is compatible with surrounding landscapes. A denial of a permit may be appealed to the Code Enforcement Board.
(2) The permit shall cost $50.
(B) Setback. The proposed landscape shall be set back from the street by at least five feet and shall not encroach adjoining properties. The setback shall not apply to small mailbox gardens. Turfgrass or ground cover shall be used in the setback.
(C) Planned and maintained. A managed natural landscape is not a formerly mowed lawn allowed to grow wild, does not contain noxious weeds or invasive species. It is regularly tended, weeded, trimmed, and pruned and has a defined border, such as a dug border, or the use of edging material like stone, brick, metal, or plastic. It may contain trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, ornamental grasses, and/or ground cover. Dead trees and shrubs shall be removed by the end of the current planting season.
(D) Managed natural landscape. The proposed gardens, including natural landscapes that are in public view, shall be permitted in both front and back residential yards, but limited to not more than 50% of the square footage of each excluding driveways, patios, and sidewalks. The balance of the landscaping in front and back residential yards shall be turf grass, ground cover, or similar in nature to that of the properties of the that neighborhood in general.
(Ord. 632-2023, passed 12-18-23)