Please sign this petition to help update Lansing's outdated ordinances.

Lansing's outdated ordinances define aspects of responsible gardening to be a nuisance and a property violation. While neighbors may support these responsible gardening practices, it only takes one complaint from a realtor, who prefers grass over gardens near their property listings, to cause upheaval in the neighborhood culture of eco-friendly gardening.

Outdated Ordinances to Change:

1. Residential right of ways (the strip between sidewalks and streets) should no longer be required to have only grass planted.

Low-growing plants that do not obstruct views or access to underground utilities should be allowed. (Plantings may be removed with or without warning for repairs or maintenance of public infrastructure.)

Ordinances were already updated to allow plantings in the right of way in our non-residential areas. It's time to do the same for our residential areas.

2. Garden enclosures should be allowed without requiring them to meet standards for regular fencing. Fences are for privacy and follow property lines. But garden enclosures are designed for agricultural protection and encompass partial areas of a property.

Other cities have ordinances that can tell the difference between garden or agricultural enclosed and perimeter fencing.

3. Sticks, branches, and logs used as garden edging, raised beds, trellises, etc. should not be considered "yard debris" and a nuisance that automatically needs to be removed.

Firewood that is stacked outside may also be considered "yard debris" depending on subjective interpretation of ordinances.

Current ordinances do not adequately address use of natural materials in gardens and planted areas.Ordinances were already updated to allow plantings in the right of way in our non-residential areas. It's time to do the same for our residential areas.

4. Deadlines for mowing and leaf removal need to account for pollinator lifecycles. Bees and fireflies need their habitats protected through early spring. Protecting their habitats should not be considered a nuisance

5. When in doubt as to whether something is yard debris/weeds or not, the presence of "cues of care" can be used to determine when something is purposeful and intentional, rather than a nuisance or sign of neglect.

It's time to update the City of Lansing, MI ordinances to protect our pollinators, home gardens, and our use of natural items in our gardening. Other Michigan cities have updated their ordinances to reflect our growing awareness of the importance of home food production, natural spaces, and reducing carbon emissions with fewer areas of grass to mow.