City of Milwaukee - File #: 260227

• File #: 260227
• Version: 2
• Type: Ordinance
• Status: Passed
• File created: 6/2/2026
• In control: COMMON COUNCIL
• Final action: 7/31/2026
• Effective date: 8/20/2026
• Title: A substitute ordinance relating to native plants.
• Sponsors: ALD. BROWER, ALD. SPIKER
• Indexes: SPECIAL PRIVILEGE PERMITS, WEEDS

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
8/19/2026	2	CITY CLERK	PUBLISHED
8/3/2026	2	MAYOR	SIGNED
7/31/2026	2	COMMON COUNCIL	PASSED; Minutes note: Ald Spiker asked to be added as co sponsor. There were no objections.	Pass	15:0
7/22/2026	1	PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE	AMENDED; Minutes note: Appeared Erin Stoekl (DPW-Forestry Services Manager) Ms. Stoekl supported the ordinance but noted the need to distinguish "intentional" native gardens from neglected lawns. Ald. Brower made a motion to amend to require an annual registry for native plant gardens. There were no objections.	Pass	5:0
7/22/2026	2	PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE	RECOMMENDED FOR PASSAGE; Minutes note: Appeared Erin Stoekl (DPW-Forestry Services Manager) There were no objections.	Pass	5:0
6/2/2026	0	COMMON COUNCIL	ASSIGNED TO

Number

260227

Version

SUBSTITUTE 2

Reference

Sponsor

ALD. BROWER, SPIKER

Title

A substitute ordinance relating to native plants.

Sections

80-17-2.5                     rc

Analysis

This ordinance suspends enforcement of the tall grass and weeds ordinance for native plant landscaping, provided:

1. The plants used in the landscaping are native to, or cultivars of plants that are native to, the midwestern United States.

2. The landscaping is done intentionally as part of a deliberate design.

3. The landscaping is free of invasive or noxious weeds in accordance with state statutes.

4. The landscaping does not encroach on or obstruct the visibility of any sidewalk or other public right-of-way.

5. The property owner registers the native landscaping with the department of public works.

Body

The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee do ordain as follows:

Part 1. Section 80-17-2.5 of the code is repealed and recreated to read:

80-17. Turf Grass and Weeds.

2.5. EXCEPTIONS.

a. “No mow May.” The provisions of sub. 2 shall not apply during the month of May for any property owner who has obtained an annual “no mow May” permit from the commissioner. A property owner shall reapply annually to participate in the “no mow May” program. The department shall provide signage to each homeowner who has received a “no mow May” permit. The sign shall be displayed on the homeowner’s lawn. The department shall report the results of the “no mow May” program to the common council during the first quarter of each year.

b. Native Plantings. The provisions of sub. 2 shall not apply to native plant landscaping, provided:

b-1. The plants used in the landscaping are native to, or cultivars of plants that are native to, the midwestern United States.

b-2. The landscaping is done intentionally as part of a deliberate design.

b-3. The landscaping is free of invasive or noxious weeds in accordance with s. NR 40.05, Wis. Adm....