ORDINANCE NO. BL2015-1280

An ordinance amending Section 16.24.330 of the Metropolitan Code to prohibit the excessive accumulation of wood chips/mulch.

WHEREAS, an excessive accumulation of wood chips and/or mulch derived from wood exists on certain properties in Davidson County; and

WHEREAS, the excessive accumulation of wood chips/mulch can cause contamination of the groundwater, as well as entice vermin onto the property; and

WHEREAS, dumping large quantities of wood chips/mulch also creates a haven for termites, which can compromise the structural integrity of adjacent homes and buildings; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council impose reasonable limitations on the excessive accumulation of wood chips/mulch.

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

Section 1. Section 16.24.330 of the Metropolitan Code is hereby amended by adding the following new subsection Q.:

“Q. Wood chips/Mulch. No owner or occupant of any parcel of property one-half (1/2) acre in size or greater shall permit more than five percent (5%) of the lot area to be covered with wood chips/mulch. This provision shall not apply to commercial establishments engaged in the sale of wood chips/mulch, nor to any government-owned property used for the collection and/or sale of mulch.”

Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Robert Duvall

Amendment No. 1
To
Ordinance No. BL2015-1280

Madam President:

I move to amend Ordinance No. BL2015-1280 by deleting Section 1 in its entirety and substituting with the following new Section 1:

Section 1. Section 16.24.330 of the Metropolitan Code is hereby amended by adding the following new subsection Q.:

“Q. Wood chips/Mulch. No owner or occupant of any parcel of property one-half (1/2) acre in size or greater shall permit more than five percent (5%) of the lot area to be covered with wood chips/mulch. Piles or mounds of wood chips/mulch placed within this five percent lot area limitation shall not exceed two feet in height. This subsection shall not apply to commercial establishments engaged in the sale of wood chips/mulch, nor to any government-owned property used for the collection and/or sale of mulch.”

Sponsored by: Robert Duvall

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Introduced:	July 7, 2015
Passed First Reading:	July 7, 2015
Referred to:	Codes Committee
Deferred to August 4, 2015:	July 21, 2015
Amended:	August 4, 2015
Passed Second Reading:	August 4, 2015
Passed Third Reading:	August 18, 2015
Approved:	August 19, 2015
By: