ORDINANCE NO. _____ SERIES 2022
TITLE
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 156 OF THE LOUISVILLE METRO CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATING TO THE CREATION OF MANAGED NATURAL LANDSCAPES (AS AMENDED).
BODY
SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL MEMBER ARTHUR AND PRESIDENT JAMES
WHEREAS, this amendment is made in an effort to promote the installation and maintenance of managed natural landscapes;
WHEREAS, managed natural landscapes which include native plants benefit the city's environment and its residents by improving stormwater retention, increasing water quality and biodiversity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and providing habitat for wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and other beneficial insects and species;
WHEREAS, to promote the installation and maintenance of managed natural landscapes in accordance with Plan 2040 goal 1.d for restoration of the tree canopy and integration of native species into the built environment are prioritized;
WHEREAS, Plan 2040 action 36 to incentivize the usage of native species, including those that provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, in landscaping on public and private land to reflect best practices for planting and protection; and
WHEREAS, this amendment will further the restoration of the city's tree canopy and incentivize the usage of native species, including those that provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, all reflecting the best practices for environmental protection.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: The following definitions have been added to the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances ("LMCO") Section 156.005 as follows:
MANAGED NATURAL LANDSCAPE. A planned, intentional, and maintained planting of native or non-native grasses, wildflowers, forbs, ferns, shrubs or trees, including but not limited to rain gardens, meadow vegetation, and ornamental plantings. Maintenance is ...
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