Managed Natural Landscape Registration

Registration required. It is a public nuisance for any person to install, permit to be installed, or maintain vegetation constituting a managed natural landscape, except pursuant to a valid managed natural landscape registration with the City under this section. A managed natural landscape registration shall be valid for three years from the date of issuance.

Registration application. An application for registration can be filed with the City Administration. What you'll need:

1. A statement of intent and purpose in cultivating native vegetation;
2. A site plan showing lot lines, buildings, location of proposed native vegetation, the property’s legal description, corner visibility requirements, and right-of-way requirements;
3. Latin and common names of the species to be cultivated;
4. Maintenance requirements for the species to be cultivated; and
5. A maintenance plan containing the following:
   1. The location and mature height of all species;
   2. Detailed information on the upkeep of each species;
   3. Details of any long-term maintenance required for the native vegetation; and
   4. Details for the elimination of any non-native or invasive vegetation in the managed natural landscape.

Buffer required. No managed natural landscape or vegetation permitted as part of a managed natural landscape can be placed or encroach upon a 5-foot buffer from the back of any curb and a 3-foot buffer from any side or rear property lines.

Registration approval. City Administration will determine the completeness of the application and approve the registration unless:

1. The maintenance plan is incomplete or inconsistent the application requirements;
2. The managed natural landscape contains a plant classified as a noxious weed;
3. The managed natural landscape encroaches upon any public right-of-way or boulevard;
4. The applicant has unresolved City Code violations or administrative citations; or
5. The application is inconsistent with any provision of this section.

Maintenance plan. The holder of the registration is responsible for maintaining the vegetation in accordance with the maintenance plan submitted with the permit.

Inspection. City Administration may regularly inspect any property holding a managed natural landscape registration for compliance with the maintenance plan on file with the City. For any property not in compliance with the approved maintenance plan, notice will be sent by U.S. mail stating that the property must be brought into compliance with the maintenance plan within 30 days. If the managed natural landscape registration holder fails to bring the property into compliance with the maintenance plan, the City Administration may:

1. Revoke the issued managed natural landscape registration;
2. Declare the property a nuisance;
3. Order the removal of all improperly or unmaintained vegetation;
4. Declare the property ineligible for a managed natural landscape registration, unless the property is sold, for a period of one year; or
5. Assess the property for all fees and costs associated with inspection and removal of improperly maintained vegetation in accordance with City Code Section 6-33.