South St. Paul Native Plant Ordinance (2019)
In response to similar conflicts, South St. Paul passed Ordinance 1354, explicitly legalizing native plantings. The law requires removing existing turfgrass, a 5-foot setback from property lines, and adherence to industry maintenance standards.
Resolved ambiguity for homeowners and inspectors by creating a clear, permit-free path for native gardens.
Provided a regional model for how cities can formally accommodate non-traditional landscaping.
South St. Paul's ordinance offers a ready-made template for Saint Paul. The current appeals might push Saint Paul to adopt similar formal rules instead of relying on individual case-by-case extensions.
