ORDINANCE NO. BL2014-819

An Ordinance amending Sections 10.26.010 and 16.24.330 of the Metropolitan Code pertaining to the definition of high weeds.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. Chapter 10.26 of the Metropolitan Code is hereby amended by deleting Section 10.26.010 in its entirety and substituting with the following new Section 10.26.010:

10.26.010 High weeds and debris.
A. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds in excess of twelve inches so as not to endanger the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the metropolitan government. "Weeds" shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants, and vegetation that grow without reasonable intent or purpose to cultivate, harvest, or use for human consumption, or are not otherwise trimmed or controlled. “Weeds” does not include ornamental grasses, trees, trimmed shrubs, or cultivated flowers and gardens.
B. Properties in a natural state may be allowed if an intentional design for vegetative growth is on file with the metropolitan beautification commission, provided there is a fifteen feet setback from the front property line and a ten feet setback from any adjacent residential property line. All government-owned greenways, parks, and recreation areas shall be exempt from the provisions of the section.
C. No owner or occupant shall permit the accumulation of debris, trash, litter or garbage, or any combination of those elements on exterior property or premises; such condition is declared to be a public nuisance and a danger to the public health, safety, and welfare.

Section 2. Section 16.24.330 of the Metropolitan Code is hereby amended by deleting subsection E. in its entirety and substituting with the following new subsection E.:

E. High Weeds. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds in excess of twelve inches so as not to endanger the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the metropolitan government. "Weeds" shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants, and vegetation that grow without reasonable intent or purpose to cultivate, harvest, or use for human consumption, or are not otherwise trimmed or controlled. “Weeds” does not include ornamental grasses, trees, trimmed shrubs, or cultivated flowers and gardens. Properties in a natural state may be allowed if an intentional design for vegetative growth is on file with the metropolitan beautification commission, provided there is a fifteen feet setback from the front property line and a ten feet setback from any adjacent residential property line. All government-owned greenways, parks, and recreation areas shall be exempt from the provisions of this subsection.

Section 3. This Ordinance shall take effect from and after its enactment, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Anthony Davis

Amendment No. 1
To
Ordinance No. BL2014-819

Madam President:

I move to amend Ordinance No. BL2014-819 by deleting the sentence:
“Properties in a natural state may be allowed if an intentional design for vegetative growth is on file with the metropolitan beautification commission, provided there is a fifteen feet setback from the front property line and a ten feet setback from any adjacent residential property line.”

wherein it appears in Section 1 and Section 2, and substituting with the following sentence:
“Properties in a natural state may be allowed if an intentional design for vegetative growth is on file with and approved by the metropolitan beautification commission horticulturalist, provided there is a fifteen feet setback from the front property line and a ten feet setback from any adjacent residential property line.”

Sponsored by: Anthony Davis

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Introduced:	June 17, 2014
Passed First Reading:	June 17, 2014
Referred to:	Codes Committee
Amended:	July 1, 2014
Passed Second Reading:	July 1, 2014
Passed Third Reading:	July 15, 2014
Approved:	July 17, 2014
By: