Photos & Article by Cydney Ross, Outdoor Education Manager
With unanimous support, the Kansas City, Missouri City Council passed a new ordinance on September 9th allowing for more native plantings in the City. Prior to this update, any plants over 10” tall were considered a “rank weed” per the City’s Nuisance Code (Chapter 48) and subject to fines if reported. With the amendment of the Property Maintenance Code, intentional native plantings are allowed to grow to their natural heights for the purpose of benefiting our natural environment. This new measure is a big win for native plant enthusiasts and community members.
Managed plantings must ensure turfgrass is no taller than 10” and demonstrate intentionality, or what I like to call “Cues for Care.” Landscaped areas must have defined boundaries – think mowed edge or edging. Vegetation cannot obstruct sidewalks, neighboring properties, or rights-of-way to ensure safety for pedestrian use and emergency service access. According to the docket memo, “These requirements help to maintain the aesthetics associated with life in a large metro area, while still allowing native plant yards and gardens so long as they are intentionally maintained.”
Deep Roots was part of a local stakeholder group that has been working with the City, organizations, and concerned community members to update this ordinance since 2020. I had the privilege of providing testimony in support of this update on behalf of Deep Roots when it came to a vote during the City and Neighborhoods Committee meeting at City Hall on Tuesday, September 9th. I was thrilled to hear many council members speak in support of this update and say they have native gardens themselves! Moving forward, Deep Roots will educate the public and train the City of Kansas City, Missouri’s “Community Engagement Officers” who enforce codes to navigate the updated ordinance and encourage cues for care. These workshops, with support from the City of Kansas City, Missouri and the Missouri Department of Conservation, will begin in 2026.
Thank you to all who submitted public testimony in support of this new ordinance. Native plantings in Kansas City aid in improving our air and water quality, absorbing carbon, reducing stormwater runoff, and creating sustainability. Stay connected with Deep Roots through The Pollinator and our other programs to learn more about future opportunities to support native plantings in your spaces!
