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Shrewsbury aldermen approve ordinance limiting planter heights despite resident objections
Summary
On Dec. 10 the Shrewsbury Board of Aldermen approved Bill No. 4029, amending the zoning code to impose a 24-inch height limit on planter boxes and certain yard structures; residents and multiple presubmitted commenters said the restriction would hinder raised edible gardens and pose accessibility problems for people with mobility limitations.
The Shrewsbury Board of Aldermen voted Dec. 10 to adopt Bill No. 4029, an amendment to the city zoning code that establishes a 24-inch maximum height for certain structures in residential yards, including planter boxes. The final passage vote was 5–1, with Alderman Presley Barker casting the lone opposing vote.
The ordinance, sponsored by Alderman Grant Diel, advanced through required readings at the meeting. Alderman John Odenwald and Alderperson Bette Welch handled procedural motions for readings and passage as recorded in the minutes.
Residents submitted written comments and several spoke during the meeting to oppose the height restriction. Multiple presubmitted commenters argued the 24-inch limit would prevent many residents — including older adults and people with mobility impairments — from using raised beds and planter boxes that make gardening accessible. One presubmitted filing said of neighborhood gardens and yard features, “It’s home.”
Dan Schook, whose raised garden at 7707 Lansdowne Avenue had drawn complaints, told the board he was "disturbed that the Board of Aldermen passed Bill No. 4029," said the 24-inch limit is too restrictive and noted that when he first discussed his garden with city staff he was told he did not need a permit. Schook also cited the International Building Code during his remarks and raised practical concerns about protecting beds from wildlife with netting and the limits a 24-inch rule would impose.
Supporters of the ordinance argued it clarifies and standardizes rules for structures in front yards; opponents said the rule as written does not reasonably account for disability accommodations, sunlight access, erosion and netting that can add height to functional raised beds.
The minutes do not record any vote-by-name for every ordinance step but show the final tally on Bill No. 4029 as 5 in favor, 1 opposed. Several residents who filed written comments had requested that the city exempt edible planter boxes or allow greater heights for accessible gardening; the adopted text does not include those exemptions as recorded in the meeting minutes.
The board will reconvene Dec. 17; the minutes note a Finance public hearing that night ahead of the FY2025 budget second reading and final passage.
