Explanation: Capitals indicate matter added to existing law.
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill
Introduced by: Councilmember Conway
A Bill Entitled
An Ordinance concerning
title
Managed Natural Landscapes
For the purpose of permitting certain plants and grasses to exceed 8 inches in height under certain circumstances; requiring the promulgation of certain regulations; defining certain terms; and generally relating to managed natural landscapes.
body
By repealing and re-ordaining, with amendments,
Article - Building, Fire, and Related Codes
Section 2-103 (IPMC § 305.2.1)
Baltimore City Revised Code
(Edition 2000)
By repealing and re-ordaining, with amendments,
Article - Health
Section 5-702
Baltimore City Revised Code
(Edition 2000)
By renumbering
Article - Health
Sections 5-703 to 5-705
to be
New sections 5-704 to 5-706
Baltimore City Revised Code
(Edition 2000)
By adding
Article - Health
New section 5-703
Baltimore City Revised Code
(Edition 2000)
Section 1. Be it ordained by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, That the Laws of Baltimore City read as follows:
Baltimore City Revised Code
Article - Health
Title 5. Nuisance Control
Subtitle 7. Weeds
§ 5-702. Cutting grass, weeds, etc., required.
[No] Except as provided for in § 5-703 {“Managed natural landscapes”} of this subtitle, no person in charge of any land may allow:
(1) any grass, weeds, or other rank vegetation on that land to reach a height of
8 inches or more; or
(2) any grass, weeds, or other rank vegetation on an abutting sidewalk, gutter,
or alley to reach a height of 4 inches or more.
§ 5-703. Managed natural landscapes.
(a) Definitions.
(1) In general.
In this section, the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) Managed natural landscape.
“Managed natural landscape” means a planned, intentional, and maintained planting of native or non-native grasses, wildflowers, forbs, ferns, shrubs, or trees, including rain gardens, meadow vegetation, and ornamental plants.
(3) Meadow vegetation.
(i) In general.
“Meadow vegetation” means grasses and flowering broadleaf plants:
(A) that are native to or adapted to the State of Maryland; and
(B) that are commonly found in meadow plant communities.
(ii) Exclusion.
“Meadow vegetation does not include noxious weeds.
(4) Noxious weed.
(i) In general.
“Noxious weed” means an annual, biennial, or perennial plant that the
Health Commissioner designates to be injurious to public health, the environment, public roads, crops, livestock, or other property.
(ii) Inclusions.
“Noxious weed” includes:
(A) ragweed;
(B) wild mustard;
(C) wild lettuce;
(D) wild parsley;
(E) common thistle; and
(F) poison ivy.
(5) Ornamental plants.
“Ornamental plants” means grasses, perennials, annuals, and ground covers purposefully planted for aesthetic reasons.
(6) Rain garden.
“Rain garden” means a native plant garden that is designed:
(i) to reduce the amount of stormwater and accompanying pollutants from entering any local watershed or outflow point, including:
(A) a reservoir;
(B) a bog; and
(C) the ocean; and
(ii) to aesthetically improve real property.
(7) Turf grass lawn.
(i) In general.
“Turf grass lawn” means a planted area comprised mostly of grasses commonly used in regularly cut lawns or play areas, intended to be maintained at a height of no more than 8 inches.
(ii) Inclusions.
“Turf grass lawn” includes a planted area described in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph that is comprised mostly of:
(A) bluegrass blends;
(B) fescue blends; and
(C) ryegrass blends.
(b) Requirements.
(1) In general.
A managed natural landscape may include plants and grasses in excess of 8 inches in height.
(2) Exclusions.
A managed natural landscape:
(i) may not include noxious weeds;
(ii) must be maintained to exclude unintended vegetation;
(iii) may not include any plantings which, due to location and manner
of growth:
(A) constitute a hazard to the public; or
(B) may cause injury or damage to persons or property where
such growth is in violation of the City Building, Fire, and Related Codes Article; and
(iv) may not include a turf-grass lawn left unattended for the purpose
of returning to a natural state.
(c) Rules and regulations.
Subject to Title 4 {“Administrative Procedure Act - Regulations”} of the City General Provisions Article, the Health Commissioner, in collaboration with the Department of Housing and Community Development, shall adopt and enforce rules and regulations to carry out this section.
Article - Building, Fire, and Related Codes
Part VII. International Property Maintenance Code
Section 305 Exterior Sanitary Maintenance - General
305.2 Grass and Weeds
305.2.1 “Weeds” defined. In this section, “weeds” includes all plants and vegetation
other than:
1. trees or shrubs, [or]
2. cultivated flowers and [gardens.] gardens, or
3. a managed natural landscape, as described in City Health Article
§ 5-703 {“Managed natural landscapes”}.
Section 2. And be it further ordained, That this Ordinance takes effect on the 30th day after the date it is enacted.