Title
Common and Noxious Weed Policy Update
Body
Summary and Background Information:
On January 12, 2015, staff outlined a variety of issues related to common weeds and noxious weeds. At that study session, Council provided direction to staff on many of these issues, and the purpose of this study session is a follow up to this direction, so that Council may review the implementation steps.
Background
As directed, staff contacted multiple developers to get their feedback on possible changes to the weed standards. Overall, the developers reported that while they could live with the changes that Council outlined prior, they strongly encouraged the city to not return to the standards and approach that existed prior to 2012. Specifically, they expressed support for treating large parcels differently from individual lots. Further, they felt they could live with the priority corridor concept, and the clarified 20-foot standard adjacent to right-of-way.
Common Weeds
Per Council direction, staff has attached an updated version of the weed ordinance that includes two changes:
- Require that large parcels (greater than 5 acres) maintain weeds lower than 8 inches along the perimeter when adjacent to developed land, such as homes
- Clarify the language that requires large parcels maintain the 20 ft. perimeter is measured from the ROW and not edge of roadway
Additionally, staff created a draft Priority Corridors map, which is attached. The corridors identified in the map will receive priority attention, and the property owners along the corridors will receive notice early in the weed season so that they are aware of the status. Finally, public works will be updating the maintenance plan for city-owned open space. In general, the emphasis will change from a regular moving schedule every five weeks, to more of an as-needed basis to ensure that the city property meets the city standards.
Noxious Weeds
As discussed in in the January study session, the state mandates that local jurisdictions have their own local plan for how to control and contain noxious weeds. This state mandate also requires that local plans include certain aspects of noxious weeds maintenance. Staff looked at approved plans from Adams county and nearby jurisdictions for guidance. As result of this research, the draft plan has been composed and is attached for review. The outline of the draft plan is as follows:
• Introduction, Purpose, Authority, Scope, and Definitions
- Sets out legal framework for document
• Noxious Weed Overview (state and local level)
- Describes state classification of noxious weeds
- Includes common noxious weeds at local level
• Objectives and Goals
- Overall principles relating to noxious weeds
- Establishes goals of plan, based on short (1-5 years) and mid-term (5-10 years)
• Plan of Work and Implementation
- Includes opportunities for education, partnerships, mapping, and prevention
• Enforcement
- Process will be similar to existing enforcement
- Includes prioritization
For city-owned open space, public works is evaluating three different options for addressing noxious weeds:
- Identifying, spraying and cutting noxious weeds by city staff. This option would eventually include additional training, equipment, and other expenses.
- Contracting for these same services with a private 3rd party.
- Negotiating and signing an intergovernmental agreement with Adams County. This option has certain advantages because the county already has much of the expertise and equipment.
Neighborhood services is also evaluating contracting options when abatement is needed for noxious weeds on private property. Voluntary compliance will still be the preferred practice, but when necessary, use of abatement might be necessary. Initially, staff has identified the following application:
- A List noxious weeds will require abatement quickly
- B List noxious weeds can still result in abatement, but as a last resort
- C/D list noxious weeds will not result in abatement
Next Steps
Coming out of this study session, staff will work to implement these policies through these next steps:
1. Return to Council with weed ordinance changes, which include a clarification of the 20 foot measurement, and a change requiring the 20-foot strip adjacent to developed properties.
2. Send letters to developers and large parcel owners alerting them to:
i. Priority Corridor Map
ii. Change in weed ordinance
iii. Provide a heads up on noxious weeds
3. Create hand-outs that focus on education about these weed issues for property owners
4. Finalize the various contracts with either Adams County or contractors for service.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Chris Cramer, Community Development Director
Staff Member Presenting: Chris Cramer
Financial Impact: $TBD
Funding Source: General Fund
Staff Recommendation: None at this time. Discussion Only.