Number
220110
Version
SUBSTITUTE 3
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. DIMITRIJEVIC, BROSTOFF
Title
A substitute ordinance suspending enforcement of the tall grass and weeds ordinance during the month of May.
Section
80-17-2.5 cr
Analysis
This ordinance suspends enforcement of the tall grass and weeds ordinance during the month of May for property owners who have obtained “no mow May” permits.
Body
Whereas, “No Mow May” is an environmental initiative that encourages people to avoid mowing their lawns in the month of May to help bee populations and other pollinators to create habitat among dandelions and other flowers during a crucial time of year; and
Whereas, Many city governments in Wisconsin, such as Appleton, Greenfield, and De Pere, have adopted programs whereby homeowners obtain permits exempting them from fines for having grass that is taller than the normal height requirements during the month of May; and
Whereas, In one week of the initiative in Appleton, a sampling of participating untrimmed lawns indicated there was a fivefold increase in bee abundance and a threefold increase in bee diversity compared to nearby parkland that was mowed regularly; and
Whereas, The study also found that about 200 species were found growing in un-mowed lawns, including a number of rare plants; and
Whereas, The Department of Public Works could partner with the Zoological Society of Milwaukee to encourage residents to print their own yard signs indicating that they are part of a voluntary “No Mow May” program; and
Whereas, “No Mow May” yard signs in front yards would alert inspectors that property owners are exempt from enforcement of grass height requirements during the month of May and would serve an educational purpose by informing neighbors of the homeowners’ efforts to support pollinators; now, therefore
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 created to read:
2.5. EXEMPTION...
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