City of Onalaska, WI Maintenance of Exterior Landscaping

Vegetation and landscaping shall present an attractive appearance in accordance with generally accepted landscaping practices and as follows:

Exposed soils, except exposed soil that is associated with a garden or cultivated farmland, shall be vegetated, landscaped, or paved consistent with this chapter to prevent soil erosion.

The Common Council finds that lawns, grasses and noxious weeds on lots or parcels of land which exceed eight inches in length adversely affect the public health and safety of the public in that they tend to emit pollen and other discomforting bits of plants, constitute a fire hazard and safety hazard in that debris can be hidden in the grass, interferes with the public convenience, and adversely affects property values of other land within the City. For that reason, any lawn, grass or weed on a lot or other parcel of land which exceeds eight inches in length is hereby declared to be a public nuisance, except for property located in a designated floodplain area, wetland area, or where the parcel of land is located within a subdivision where more than 70% of the parcels are unbuilt/vacant, or where natural landscaping as described below has been appropriately utilized. Native grasses and forbs that are part of a managed natural landscape are exempt from the height requirement of this provision.

Natural landscapes shall be permitted in all zoning districts. However, unmanaged vegetation that constitutes a nuisance or hazard shall be prohibited. The Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator or other authorized agent shall determine whether an existing landscape is a natural landscape or unmanaged vegetation that constitutes a nuisance or hazard. Natural landscapes include existing wooded areas, wetlands, prairies, and similar areas that are generally characterized by a diversity of species native to the area. Natural landscapes also include restored and managed plant communities and wildlife habitats that are comprised primarily of native ferns, grasses, forbs, aquatic plants, trees and shrubs. Where a natural landscape abuts a property or right-of-way that does not have a natural landscape, the property owner with the natural landscape shall provide an adequate grass lawn buffer or other acceptable buffer between the natural landscape and the adjacent property or right-of-way so as to prevent the natural landscape from being a nuisance or hazard or encroachment. Wherein the City is an adjoining property owner, the Public Works Director or other authorized agent shall act as a signatory to the waiver, so long as the vision triangle, public safety, and visibility of public infrastructure are not impacted.

When, in the opinion of the Fire Chief or their designee, the presence of a natural lawn may constitute a fire or safety hazard due to weather and/or other conditions, the Fire Chief or their designee may order the cutting of natural lawns to a safe condition by written order. A property owner shall be required to cut the natural lawn within three days upon receiving direction from the Fire Chief or their designee.

Natural lawns shall not be removed through the process of burning unless approval is received from the Fire Chief or their designee and a written permit to burn is issued by the Fire Chief or their designee. The Fire Chief shall establish a written list of requirements for considering each request to burn natural lawns, thereby ensuring the public safety. In addition, the property owner requesting permission to burn the natural lawn shall produce evidence of property damage and liability insurance identifying the City as a party insured. A minimum amount of acceptable insurance shall be $300,000.

Vegetation that may impede the proper functioning of a drainage swale shall be removed unless specifically approved, in writing, by an authorized agent of the City.

Vegetation (including gardens) shall be properly and routinely maintained or removed so that it does not present a hazard to structures, persons, or vehicles, impact vision triangles, and visibility/utility of public infrastructure. No person shall maintain, plant, or permit to remain on any private property situated at the intersection of two or more streets/alleys in the City any tree, shrub, or other growth which may obstruct the view or life safety of the operator of any motor vehicle or pedestrian approaching such intersection. No obstructions shall be permitted between the heights of 2.5 feet and 10 feet at an intersection measured 10 feet along both streets/alleys and forming a triangle by striking an imaginary line between said points. It is unlawful for any person to plant, cause to grow, allow to grow or maintain any trees, bushes, shrubbery, or vegetation of any kind which is an obstruction to the clear and complete vision of any traffic sign or driveway approach to a street in the City. It shall be the duty of every owner of such tree, bush, shrubbery or vegetation to remove such obstruction.

Any trees/bushes/shrubbery located upon any private premises adjacent to any public way or public property/areas shall be kept trimmed so not to impede travel. Trees and shrubs shall be kept trimmed so that the lowest branches projecting over the public right-of-way provide a clearance of a minimum of 14 feet. Clearance from sidewalk to lower branches shall be a minimum of 10 feet above the level of a sidewalk.

Brush. Piles of brush (tree branches, yard waste, etc.) shall not be allowed to accumulate and/or be stored on parcels of residentially zoned land, as said brush becomes habitat for vermin and other associated animals and can become a public nuisance.

The species listed herein are not native to Onalaska and have a tendency to prohibit the successful growth of native plant communities. These plants are not naturally occurring in Onalaska and become capable of spreading and developing a significant population that destroys ecologic relationships, habitats, and create an overall loss in plant diversity.

As listed herein, some of these species are prohibited while others are encouraged to be eradicated. In situations where the Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator or other authorized agent determines that a plant is causing or has the potential to cause negative impacts on neighboring properties, said plant(s) shall be properly removed and disposed.

Noxious weeds. Pursuant to § 66.0407, Wis. Stats., a person owning, occupying, or controlling land shall destroy and remove all noxious weeds on said land. View § 66.0407, Wis. Stats., for an updated list of noxious weeds in the State of Wisconsin.

Nuisance weeds. Pursuant to § 23.235, Wis. Stats., it is prohibited to sell, distribute, plant, or cultivate Nuisance Weeds. View § 23.235, Wis. Stats., for an updated list of nuisance weeds in the State of Wisconsin.

Prohibited and restricted invasive species. Pursuant to Ch. NR 40, Wisconsin Administrative Code, the listed prohibited invasive species of terrestrial plants are currently not found in Wisconsin with the exception of small pioneer stands and are prohibited. They shall be eradicated from properties and may not be transported, possessed, transferred (including sale), or introduced. Pursuant to Ch. NR 40, Wisconsin Administrative Code, the listed restrictive invasive species of terrestrial plants are already established in the state and are restricted. They may not be transported, transferred (including sale), or introduced. If they are already on your property, you are encouraged, but not required, to remove them. View Ch. NR 40, Wisconsin Administrative Code, for an updated list of prohibited invasive species and restrictive invasive species in the State of Wisconsin.