Resident reports repeated code complaints over native plantings; committee offers support

Heather Mark, who previously served on the committee, told members she has faced repeated complaints from a neighbor about her native-plant landscaping and asked the committee for support.

"I have a gentleman who does not live here in the city, but his mother does. And he has been continuously harassing my family for about a year, little over a year," Mark said, asking whether the committee could lend support for her native plantings. Staff and committee members confirmed that code enforcement has inspected her yard and determined the plantings comply with code.

Members suggested steps Mark could take to reduce conflict, including obtaining a yard-review certification, posting signage that identifies the plot as a native habitat, and using clean edges or flower plantings to make the yards intention clearer to neighbors. Committee members said they will support coordination with city staff and Chris (the arborist) and encouraged documentation and outreach to the neighbor where appropriate.

Mark said the neighbor may be listed on the deed even though he does not live at the property; staff confirmed that state statute requires named complaints for code enforcement to investigate. The committee noted its stated priority to promote native plantings and said it would record on the public record that it supports the practice as consistent with city goals.