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Ivins to ask planning commission to align city code with state on invasive reed
Summary
Following a county and university review that identified a tall, 'bamboo'‑like plant as a state‑listed noxious weed, Ivins council asked planning staff and the planning commission to revise city code to bring it into compliance.
Ivins City Council on Thursday directed staff to ask the Planning Commission to review and revise several municipal code provisions after Utah State University and Washington County identified a tall reed — previously referred to locally as “bamboo” — as a species on the state noxious weed list.
City staff told the council the plant in question is not true bamboo and that the county had mailed notices to roughly 93 property owners across the county who have the species on their land. The county’s effort invites property owners to propose removal plans before the county takes further action; county staff may seek state grant funding to help with eradication work.
Council and staff said Ivins’ existing ordinances had effectively permitted the plant on a few properties under earlier code language. Staff recommended, and council agreed, that the Planning Commission compare the city code to state rules and draft amendments to make city requirements consistent with the state and the county eradication program. The mayor and council emphasized that the change is intended to eliminate confusion between municipal and state rules and to reduce the fire risk the reed poses in dry months.
City staff suggested three code sections for review (7.04.102, 7.06.203 and 16.11.140) and said at least one section would likely require amendment to remove a screening definition that currently allows the species in certain circumstances. Councilmembers asked planning staff to coordinate with county weed officials and to consider reasonable timelines and replacement landscaping options as part of the draft ordinance.
No ordinance amendment was adopted Thursday; the council’s instruction was to forward the matter to the Planning Commission for review and recommended language.
