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Harris supervisors weigh rewriting 1978 grass-and-weeds rule, consider exemptions for natural plantings
Summary
Staff proposed updating the township’s 1978 grass-and-weeds ordinance (current limit: 12 inches) to modern standards and to include exemptions and a process for naturalized/pollinator areas; board members emphasized clearer enforcement language and penalties for repeat offenders.
Staff told the board the grass-and-weeds provisions in the Harris Township code date to 1978 and that neighboring municipalities limit growth to 6–8 inches. The administration recommended updating height thresholds, clarifying exemptions, and adding procedural language for property owners who wish to designate natural vegetative areas for pollinators.
Supervisors and residents debated the practical enforcement challenge of repeat noncompliers and whether the ordinance should be measured by height (inches) or hazard/nuisance standards. Several residents urged allowances for pollinator gardens and other natural plantings but asked for formal application and maintenance plans to prevent spread into neighboring properties. Staff said other Center Region municipalities have more formal language for natural areas and offered to prepare draft ordinance language for the May meeting.
Why it matters: the change would bring township regulations in line with denser residential development, address public complaints, and create a clear, administrable process for both enforcement and approved natural plantings.
What’s next: staff will draft proposed ordinance language — including clearer exemptions, maintenance requirements for natural areas, and examples from neighboring municipalities — for board review.
