New rules could greenlight natural landscaping in Findlay

FINDLAY — Findlay officials are considering a change in city code that would give residents a path to natural landscaping. The timing of the proposed change aligns with the city's own plans to convert five acres of floodplain property along East Main Cross Street into a blooming urban prairie. The project, backed by the Blanchard River Watershed Partnership and the Toledo Zoo's Wild Toledo Native Plants Program, would feature native plants, pollinator habitats, walking paths and educational signage. An ordinance outlining the new rules for residents was introduced to Findlay City Council earlier this month, after a review and recommendation by council's Planning and Zoning Committee. In a letter to council, dated Oct. 14, Matt Cordonnier, director of the Hancock Regional Planning Commission, said the city's existing weed ordinance does not allow property owners to establish naturalized areas on their lots. "The addition provides a clear process for residents to designate and maintain natural areas, while ensuring such areas are properly managed and do not create nuisances," said Cordonnier. City code currently requires property owners to keep grass and weeds trimmed to avoid creating a public nuisance. Under current rules, overgrown vegetation is treated uniformly as a violation, regardless of intent or ecological value. The new ordinance would allow residents to maintain portions of their property with native plants and natural features, provided the area is properly managed and does not pose safety or nuisance concerns. Permit holders would be partially exempt from the city's weed control requirements. To qualify, property owners would need to submit a site plan and maintenance schedule. Applications would be reviewed administratively, with city staff considering visibility, drainage, curb appeal and neighborhood impact. Approved natural areas would be subject to setbacks and design standards to ensure they don't obstruct sight lines or encroach on public rights-of-way. Unlike the current code, which mandates regular mowing, the proposed rules would allow natural areas to remain unmowed—except in cases where the city deems it necessary for public health, safety or aesthetics. In such cases, the city could require trimming up to twice per year, with vegetation cut to a height of 12 inches or less. The ordinance also adds new definitions to the city code, distinguishing between "natural areas" on private property and "designated natural landscape areas" maintained by the city. Findlay's proposed East Main Cross Street urban prairie will cost about $98,000 to establish, which includes installation, plantings, signage and first-year maintenance. Additional options include planting trees along sidewalks and funding two more years of maintenance to ensure the prairie becomes well-established. The city's Public Works Department would take over long-term care of the site, with training in prairie management techniques such as weed control and prescribed burns. Urban prairies are becoming a popular trend among Ohio's municipalities, reducing the need for mowing and maintenance and labor, fuel and equipment expenses.