Consider the Draft Managed Natural Landscapes Ordinance Amendment

Periodically over the past year or so, the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) has been working on an ordinance amendment pertaining to natural landscapes.  At the November 2025 meeting, the EPB reviewed a draft ordinance.  Based on that discussion, Staff was directed to add clarifying language that smaller rain gardens and pocket pollinator gardens would be exempt from the management plan requirements and to reassess the proposed 3-year timeframe for establishment.  Staff has made those revisions and also sent the draft ordinance to Anoka Conservation District's Restoration Ecologist for review and comment, which resulted in some minor tweaks to some of the existing language.  Staff believes the draft ordinance is now ready for consideration.  The revisions since the EPB last reviewed the document have been highlighted in yellow for ease of review.

Assuming the EPB is comfortable with the draft ordinance, the next steps will be a Public Hearing with the Planning Commission (a portion of the text will fall within the Zoning Chapter) and then two (2) readings by the City Council.

This is being handled as part of Staff's regular duties.

Staff recommends approving the ordinance.

Motion to recommend approval of the ordinance.