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An ordinance amending Sections 10.26.010, 10.28.010, and 16.24.330 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws pertaining to intentional designs for vegetative growth.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That Section 10.26.010 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws is hereby amended by deleting subsection B thereof in its entirety and replacing it with the following:
B. Natural landscaping may be allowed if an intentional design for vegetative growth is on file with and approved by the metropolitan beautification commission horticulturalist, provided there is a minimum three foot setback from the front property line and from any adjacent residential property line. All government-owned greenways, parks, recreation areas, and the facilities or grounds of any department of the metropolitan government shall be exempt from the provisions of this section.
Section 2. That Section 10.28.010 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws is hereby amended by deleting subsection C thereof in its entirety and replacing it with the following:
C. Natural landscaping may be allowed if an intentional design for vegetative growth is on file with the metropolitan beautification commission horticulturist.
Section 3. That Section 16.24.330 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws is hereby amended by deleting subsection E thereof it in its entirety and replacing it with the following:
E. High Weeds. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds in excess of twelve inches so as not to endanger the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the metropolitan government. "Weeds" shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants, and vegetation that grow without reasonable intent or purpose to cultivate, harvest, or use for human consumption, or are not otherwise trimmed or controlled. "Weeds" does not include ornamental grasses, trees, trimmed shrubs, or cultivated flowers and gardens. Natural landscaping may be allowed if an intentional design for vegetative growth is on file with and approved by the metropolitan beautification commission horticulturalist. All government-owned greenways, parks, recreation areas, and the facilities or grounds of any department of the metropolitan government shall be exempt from the provisions of this section.
Section 4. That this Ordinance shall take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Agenda Analysis
Analysis
This ordinance amends Chapters 10.26, 10.28, and 16.24 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws regarding intentional designs for vegetative growth.
The ordinance would amend Section 10.26.010.B by changing the minimum setback for natural landscaping from residential property lines. As amended, the proposal would allow natural landscaping if an intentional design for vegetative growth is on file with and approved by the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure’s chief traffic engineer or his/her designee and metropolitan beautification commission horticulturalist, provided there is a minimum three-foot setback from the front property line and from any adjacent residential property line. As amended, all natural landscaping must also be subject to Section 13.12.190 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws.The current code requires a 15-foot setback from the front property line and a 10-foot setback from any adjacent residential property line.
The ordinance would also amend Section 10.28.010 to replace the term “properties in a natural state” with “natural landscaping.”
The ordinance would lastly amend Section 16.24.330, regarding high weeds. The proposal adds an exemption from maintaining premises and exterior property free of weeds of more than 12 inches from facilities or grounds of any department of the Metropolitan Government. The current code already exempts all government-owned greenways, parks, and recreation areas from this requirement. Section 16.24.330 would also be updated to replace the term “properties in a natural state” with “natural landscaping.”