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Council adopts natural‑landscaping certificate allowing limited native habitat areas with guardrails
Summary
The council adopted an ordinance creating a natural landscaping (habitat) certification that allows property owners to convert limited portions of yards to natural plantings under specified setbacks, height limits and a $35 application fee.
The Conway City Council adopted an ordinance establishing a natural‑landscaping habitat permit that allows residents to create low‑maintenance, native plant areas within defined limits and subject to an application and approval process.
The ordinance sets clear parameters: up to 25% of the rear yard and 10% of the front yard may be used for natural landscaping; all natural landscaping must be at least 5 feet from property boundaries; the maximum height for natural landscaping will be determined by adjacent fence height or capped at 6 feet when no fence exists; applicants must submit a site map and plan as part of a one‑time $35 application fee. The ordinance passed with the emergency clause, 8–0.
Why it matters
City staff said citizens already plant natural areas; the new certificate is intended to provide guidance and neighbor protections so “natural” plantings do not become nuisance or safety issues. Code enforcement will regulate compliance with the city certificate, but the city will not enforce private POA/HOA covenants—those remain the responsibility of homeowners associations.
What happens next
Public Works and Code Enforcement staff are to publish the application form and guideline materials and begin accepting applications. The ordinance passed with an emergency clause; staff said the objective is to give residents a clear, regulated pathway for natural landscaping while balancing neighbor interests.
Ending
Councilmembers who had worked on the proposal said the rule strikes a balance between supporting ecological landscaping and protecting neighbors’ expectations.
