SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio -- City officials opened a public discussion Monday (March 10) on a proposed departure from historically stringent lawn care policies to a more sustainable approach. Council met in a work session to go over a “Managed Natural Landscape Policy” that would provide more options to residents than the standard turf lawns where grass must be kept under six inches in height. “It’s high time we look at these ordinances, one way or the other,” City Law Director William Ondrey Gruber said of a process that could make Shaker Heights the first community in Cuyahoga County with a codified policy on natural lawns. For example, “we require residents to manage their tree lawns, but we give them very little direction” on how to do so, Gruber added. The "Grow Not Mow" initiative has also taken root to address sustainability issues, along with the new free citywide composting program scheduled to commence on Earth Day (April 22). Public Works Director Ramona Ferrell doesn’t want the city to be strictly reactive in its response to complaints from neighbors, such as removing leaves from tree lawns where residents wanted them kept for their ecological benefits. Major concerns may involve fire hydrants obstructed from view, blind spots for children playing near the street, added brick or stone work and water from retaining walls freezing on sidewalks. At the same time, “there are challenges under the current ordinances that put the city in a difficult position,” Building and Housing Director Kyle Krewson added. The city is also looking at definitive prohibitions not only on weeds, but invasive species, with a proposed “Do Not Plant” list already compiled by the city’s Tree Advisory Board. Gruber wants to develop a plan that’s “managed across the board -- not just letting the grass grow three feet high and then see what happens.” At this point, the city does not propose permits or prior approval, Gruber said. While Councilman Sean Malone suggested looking at other cities' permitting requirements, Councilwoman Tenille Kaus said it might be simpler to have residents register free of charge, if need be. That “happy medium” could include a small sign issued by the city denoting the effort by the resident, Kaus said. Noting that council may be ahead of the game on an ambitious undertaking, Malone also asked for a clearer definition of “invasive species.” ‘Garden City’ Councilwoman Nancy Moore said it’s time to look at the city’s landscape ordinances with a more “critical, updated view.” Noting that Shaker’s founders were “enthralled by the English 'Garden City' movement," replete with “manicured, golf course-style lawns,” Moore said their upkeep remains more expensive and less practical. With concerns about the tone of updates to its ordinances, Moore said she would rather the city “err on the side of ecological diversity and sustainable landscapes.” Moore and Councilwoman Kim Bixenstine also questioned a 50 percent limitation on natural landscaping in front yards and 75 percent in rear yards. “It seems arbitrary to me,” Bixenstine said. “This is a great beginning, but I would ask for the chance to get more comment from the public,” starting with the Sustainability Committee that she chairs. Moore objects to “quantifying the amount of yard allotted to native plants, which would be hard to enforce,” adding that a “dormant” garden is still a healthy one. “I would hate for the city to come in and cut down a native garden because a neighbor complained that it looked nasty,” Moore said. “And I really find objection to regulating rear yards at all.” Vice Mayor Carmella Williams cited several points that stuck with her, namely residents having different definitions of an “ideal landscape,” coupled with balancing safety for residents while providing sustainability. Appreciating more biodiversity while understanding safety concerns with kids running around, Councilman Ifeolu A.C. Claytor asked whether the proposed policy could affect “point-of-sale (POS)” inspections. Krewson said the POS requirements focus more on dead trees, sidewalk and driveway apron violations. Councilwoman Anne Williams asked whether the natural landscape policy would be a boon to the city’s upcoming Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) recertification. She also sought further clarification on what constitutes “managed ornamental plantings.” Residents' comments A citizen member of the Sustainability Committee and the Tree Advisory Board, Tim Kalan pointed to the aerial map of Shaker Heights in council chambers, noting that at one time, it was all forest. “When you look at it now, there’s not a lot of room left for what belongs,” Kalan said, reiterating ecological importance, “although I’m not saying aesthetics shouldn’t be a consideration.” While it may be very well-intentioned environmentally, Jim Neville added during public comment that maintaining a garden is still a lot of work. “It’s very easy to overcommit on something you cannot maintain,” Neville said. “We need a commitment to manage the garden -- not just plant it and then be too busy to care for it.” Randy Metzger agreed that maintenance seems to be a very big issue, adding that “yards can be sustainable even with a ‘manicured’ garden.” Jason Cole said he remains excited about the prospect, but still “very concerned about micromanagement.” Also a member of the Tree Advisory Board, Nicole McCall reminded council that “there’s a difference between native landscapes and neglected landscapes,” with potential traffic-calming benefits as well. Nick Fletcher ran down a long list of invasive species, including plantings along the Greater Cleveland RTA rapid train tracks. Many hedges could also be considered invasive, with barberry mildly toxic to humans and more so to dogs. Fletcher also described barberry as a “tick magnet.” With butterfly populations on decline, some pollinator proponents noted that the city could consider going higher than the 24 inches currently under preliminary review. Mayor David Weiss thanked everyone for their input, which will be continued. “We’ll have multiple opportunities for people to weigh in on this,” Weiss said after closing public comment. “We will start on our committee process and go from there.” Read more from the Sun Press.