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Council advances draft ordinance to prevent bamboo encroachment; hearing to be advertised
Summary
Council reviewed a draft amendment to chapter 10 (weeds/vegetation) that would prohibit new bamboo plantings and require property owners to prevent bamboo from encroaching on neighboring lots; code enforcement would notify property owners and fines would follow standard processes. The ordinance is scheduled for advertisement and a December public hearing.
Council discussed a draft ordinance on Nov. 5 aimed at preventing bamboo encroachment while avoiding forced removal of existing plantings on private property unless they cross property lines.
Council and code committee members explained the draft would make it illegal to plant bamboo going forward but would permit existing bamboo to remain so long as owners take reasonable measures to prevent encroachment onto neighboring property. The draft language reads, in part, that "each property owner shall be required to take such measures as are reasonably expected to prevent any bamboo on its property from encroaching on any neighbor property." The measures suggested included physical barriers (metal sheathing), trenching or regular root management.
Council discussed enforcement and remedies: the code officer would notify a property owner when neighbors complain, provide time to cure and then follow the borough's standard enforcement process (notice, fines, district justice action) if the condition persists. Members also discussed environmental limits on herbicide use—particularly near stormwater basins and waterways—and noted trenching/barrier methods were preferred in many cases.
Council directed staff to advertise the ordinance for a December public hearing. Staff said the timing of the hearing will be coordinated with budget hearings to consolidate public‑notice costs where possible.
Next steps: advertise the draft ordinance for a Dec. public hearing, obtain engineer and code‑officer input on technical remedies (barrier depth, approved planting lists) and finalize enforcement language prior to the hearing.
