Planning Group OKs Landscape Ordinance

The Ann Arbor planning commission, at its March 1, 2011 meeting, unanimously approved the recommendation of a revised city landscape ordinance. Among other things, amendments will prohibit the use of non-native invasive plants, encourage the use of native plants, provide design flexibility and modify how the conflicting land use buffer is applied. Other changes include requiring portions of interior landscape islands to be depressed and utilized as bio-retention to improve water quality.

The commission had heard an extensive presentation from staff about the proposed changes at its Dec. 7, 2010 meeting, but tabled action on the ordinance after concerns were raised. Commissioners asked city staff to address their concerns, which included a desire to give the commission more flexibility on landscaping issues during site plan reviews. At Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners had no additional questions or discussion on the revised ordinance. It now moves to the city council for consideration and final approval.

This brief was filed during the planning commission meeting at the Washtenaw County administration building, 220 N. Main St. A detailed report will follow: [link]