About the Ordinance 

There is a strong interest in gardening by the citizens of Falcon Heights.  In December 2020, the Council unanimously passed amendments to the Native Landscaping Ordinance the removes barriers by diversifying landscaping options. This ordinance adds new definitions for edible landscapes and residential gardens. In addition, it defines where a resident may place a residential garden and states that retail sales of produce from edible landscaping activities cannot occur on the property. 

 To view the ordinance, click here: Ordinance 20-07

Outreach and Ordinance Drafting Process

Following approval of the Native Landscaping Ordinance in February 2020, it was discovered that the zoning code changes did not address gardens which had been limited in size and placement.  In May 2020, the City Council approved Interim Ordinance 20-04 to allow Staff time to study gardening in Falcon Heights.  Shortly after the adoption of the Interim Ordinance, the City Council asked City Staff to convene a subcommittee of City Commission members to lead the effort in drafting a new Ordinance.  The garden subcommittee was made up of members from the Environment and Planning Commissions.  A survey during the month of August gathered input from residents about gardening in our city. Survey responses were part of the discussion of crafting a new ordinance about gardening activities, both private, residential gardens as well as community gardens. The garden subcommittee met in September and October to review the draft ordinance, and a public hearing was held on October 27 before the Planning Commission, after which the commission voted to recommend approval of the ordinance as drafted. The ordinance was approved unanimously by City Council on December 9, 2020.

Subcommittee Meeting Agenda Packets

• Meeting 1 agenda 071520
• Meeting 2 agenda 072920
• Meeting 3 agenda 090120
• Meeting 4 agenda 091520
• Meeting 5 agenda 092920

Additional Resources

• Native Landscaping
• Falcon Heights Community Garden