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An Ordinance amending Chapter 22 ("Streets and Sidewalks") of the Oak Park Municipal Code by Adopting Regulations for Maintenance of Parkways Fronting or Abutting Parcels or Lots
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Introduction
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The attached ordinance adopts regulations for the maintenance of parkways fronting or abutting parcels or lots. The intention of this ordinance is to allow for the planting of gardens in the parkway for the purpose of increasing native plant species while addressing the needs and concerns of users of the streets, sidewalks, and parkways.
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Recommended Action
Staff recommends the Board adopt the proposed ordinance.
Prior Board Action
The Board of Trustees received a draft of the attached ordinance and a presentation during a study session at the March 11, 2025, Board meeting. The ordinance here reflects comments received during that meeting, most notably:
* Revising the definition of Cultivated Garden to remove references to weeds and deleting the Weeds definition.
* Removing the 30" restriction in clear sight areas and instead referencing the section of Chapter 25 which regulates clear sight areas.
Background
The 2024-2025 Board Goals include goal 5.1.h "Advance Village policies and programs to support the transition of the Village's and community's land to green infrastructure." The CROP plan includes the goal "Prioritize Native Species Over Non-Native Species" with action NN01 "Adopt an ordinance allowing residents to garden on the parkways they maintain with sustainable and native plantings."
The intention of the attached ordinance is to clarify the maintenance responsibilities of the Village parkways and to allow property owners to plant gardens in the parkways that are adjacent to their properties. The Village has the intent to promote, in particular, the planting of native gardens and will provide education, outreach, resources, and incentives to support native gardening in the parkways.
The Environment & Ener...
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