Draft zoning code creates natural landscape option and new maintenance rules for 'wild yards'

Staff said the draft zoning code imports a "natural landscape area" provision to allow native and wild landscaping while addressing frequent neighborhood complaints about overgrown yards. The draft would allow a maximum portion of a yard to be natural landscape (staff cited a 50% cap on previous service required in one example), require a 15‑foot buffer from property lines for wild landscaping in some contexts and include maintenance requirements and enforcement mechanisms.

The presenter said the language was developed with input from the Urban Forestry Commission and that the draft requires a landscape plan showing the natural area and demarcation (edging or fencing) so neighbors can see the boundary. "We borrowed some from Talmadge. I think Akron has some. So we took that in, modified it to what works for us," staff said.

Committee members asked how ornamental perennial grasses and typical landscaping features would be treated; staff said the intent is to allow carefully designed native landscaping while preventing unmaintained lots and nuisances. The draft will specify maintenance standards, allowable area and setbacks and will include an enforcement approach for properties that do not maintain the natural landscape areas.

No action was taken; staff will finalize the natural landscape language and include clear diagrams for the Sept. 22 open house.