Managed Natural Landscapes are believed to require less water for vegetation growth and can provide the necessary food for pollinators, which is more important today than ever. For these these reasons, the City of Bartlesville encourages development of these landscapes for residents who are interested in doing so.
It is also important, however, that these properties are a positive addition to the neighborhood and do not become an eyesore or cause for concern for neighbors. In an effort to ensure that natural landscapes are developed and maintained accordingly, a City ordinance is in place to help maintain the freedom of residents to convert their yards to managed natural landscape areas while providing rules for these areas that attempt to preserve the aesthetic integrity of the city’s neighborhoods.
Managed Natural Landscaping Areas defined
“Managed natural landscaping area” only applies to yards if all or most of the yard is being converted to this turf grass alternative. This does not impact traditional yards, landscape beds, gardens, flower beds, trees, shrubs, or bushes.
A list of plants that may be used in a managed natural landscape area to include all plants that are identified by the Oklahoma State University Extension Office as appropriate for Oklahoma. (The Community Development director may make exceptions to the authorized plant list.)
In managed natural landscaping areas, plants may exceed 12 inches in height, whereas turf grasses in excess of 12 inches is prohibited by City ordinance.
Property visible from street, sidewalk, alley
Any managed natural landscaping area that is visible from the street, sidewalk, or alley must meet the following requirements:
- All turf grass must be eliminated
- Must be clearly defined by a solid, impermeable barrier such as a landscape border, edging, rock, brick, fence or similar material
- Must maintain a transition area that is at least 10 feet from the street or 5 feet from the sidewalk, whichever is greater, that cannot contain plantings taller than 12 inches
- Must maintain a transition area that is at least five feet from the side and rear lot lines that cannot contain plantings taller than 12 inches.
Exceptions to this include:
- The managed natural landscape area that contains plantings taller than 12 inches cannot occupy more than 50 percent of the visible yard.
- Plantings taller than 4 feet must be planted within 15 feet of a building or house.
- Must be cut at least once annually to a height no greater than 12 inches.
- Contains only approved plants
More information
For more information, contact the Community Development Department by calling 918.338.4238 or email ktnobles@cityofbartlesville.org.