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Council committee backs amendment to weed code to protect 'Virginia‑friendly' native landscaping
Summary
The committee forwarded Ordinance 2026‑113 to council with a recommendation to approve after the Office of Sustainability added native‑plant exceptions, removed homeowner certification requirements, and added outreach and 'cues to care' to avoid accidental fines for intentional native landscaping.
Daniel Klein of the Office of Sustainability presented revisions to the proposed weed ordinance that add native plants to the list of exceptions for lawn‑height enforcement and simplify earlier language that would have required homeowner certification.
"We've struck the language that has to do with individuals certifying their yard and we've simply added native plants to the list of exceptions," Klein said, explaining additional changes to how woody debris and indicators of intentional stewardship would be treated. The amended draft also adds a customer‑facing webpage and plans for outreach and district‑level engagement following adoption.
Public comment included support from native‑plant advocates. "The amended 2026‑113 is a better ordinance... it has great bones and will be a great tool to promote our beautiful Richmond native plants and their pollinators," said Robin Allman, a member of Wild Ones of Greater Richmond. Council members sought clarification that native landscaping still requires seasonal maintenance; Klein confirmed native yards will still need upkeep and that staff will provide guidance on appropriate cadence and practices.
The committee approved a motion to forward Ordinance 2026‑113 to council with a recommendation to approve with amendment; staff said the ordinance includes a 90‑day rollout period during which training for code enforcement and public education will begin.
