Adopt Resolution #23-086, Suspending Grass Height Enforcement of Section 30.3 of City Code in Support of No-Mow-May

Council member Woestehoff and Council member Howell drafted Resolution #23-086 in support of a temporary exception to City Code Section 30-3 (10), Public Nuisance, allowing homeowners to grow grass in their backyards taller than eight inches during the month of May. Insects, especially bees, serve a significant and critical role as pollinators of plants, including agricultural plants. The ideal pollinator-friendly habitat is one comprised of plant species such as wildflowers, grasses, vines, shrubs and trees blooming in succession throughout the growing season.  The formative period for establishment of pollinators and other insect species, songbirds and other wildlife depends on the late spring/early summer as the plants emerge from dormancy. "No Mow May" encourages property owners to limit lawn mowing practices, so early season foraging resources are available for pollinators. 

For the duration of the month of May, the City of Ramsey will suspend the enforcement of City Code, Section 30-3 (10), Public Nuisance, to delay homeowner lawn-care practices until June, allowing pollinator species to emerge and early flowering grasses which may exceed the established ordinance height restrictions. This is to promote and educate the community about pollinators and pollinator-supporting habitat.





 

Staff recommends adopting Resolution #23-086 Suspending Grass Height Enforcement of Section 30.3 of CIty COde in Support of No-Mow-May

Motion to adopt Resolution #23-086 Suspending Grass Height Enforcement of Section 30.3 of City Code in Support of No-Mow-May