Discuss Potential Development of Performance Standards for Managed Natural Landscapes

In 2007, the City of Ramsey amended Chapter 30 (Nuisances) of City Code to exempt natural landscape plant materials from the eight (8) inch height restriction for grass and weeds.  In 2023, the State of Minnesota enacted State Statute 412.925 (Native Landscapes), which specifies that statutory and home rule charter cities must allow private property owners to install and maintain managed natural landscapes on private property.  In 2024, Ramsey amended Chapter 30 (Nuisances) again, reiterating that natural landscapes are exempt from the vegetative height restrictions but also specifying that an approved management plan is required.  However, there are no other standards in place regarding these managed natural landscapes.

Potential standards could include the following:

• Require a setback from shared property lines with abutting properties
• Limiting the location of managed natural landscapes (e.g. prohibiting them from being in boulevards/rights-of-way)
• Requiring small signage to inform the public that the landscape is intentional, planned, and managed (either permanently or at least through 75% establishment)
• Maintenance activities such as:
  • Mowing (year 1: 1-3 mowings, year 2: 1 mowing, assess for need to spot spray, year 3 and beyond: 1 mowing per year and/or controlled burns if allowed and with the proper permit)
  • Routine weeding (should plan to do this at least weekly during the first 1-2 years of establishment) 

There is nothing that would require any amendments to City Code regarding natural/alternative landscapes.  However, there has been greater interest in this type of landscape over the past 1-2 years, which could potentially lead to an uptick in concerns from property owners nearby.  Thus, Staff thought it would be best to bring this topic forward to the EPB to see if there is any interest in drafting some standards for incorporation into City Code, which could be helpful in terms of enforcement actions. 

Staff has reached out to both the Board of Soil and Water Resources (BWSR) and Prairie Restorations, Inc. seeking any resources they may have regarding 'must haves' in any management plan.  As of the writing of this case, no responses have been received.

NA

No specific action is required.  The purpose of this case is to discuss whether the EPB sees any need or benefit to developing standards for establishing a natural landscape.