During its meeting on Monday, March 10, 2025, Beavercreek City Council passed Ordinance 25-05, updating the city's weeds and grass regulations. The ordinance clarifies property maintenance expectations while maintaining the existing maximum height limit of 10 inches for grass and weeds.
The revisions introduce updated definitions to provide clear guidelines for both city staff and residents regarding ground cover, landscaped beds, lawns, maintained areas, native and ornamental plants, turfgrass, and weeds. These changes aim to preserve the City of Beavercreek’s aesthetic and safety standards.
“We reviewed similar ordinances from other municipalities and worked closely with local residents to ensure these updates reflect the needs and expectations of our community,” said Randy Burkett, city planning and development director.
Under the new ordinance, front yards may have up to 50% landscaped coverage, with no restrictions on back or side yards. However, a grandfather clause allows properties that currently exceed this limit to maintain their existing design, provided it remains lawful and is not expanded.
“The city can utilize Greene County’s Geographic Information System (GIS), which includes current and historical aerial pictures, to help reference landscape beds,” said Burkett.
The ordinance also requires that landscape beds be clearly delineated from the rest of the front yard. Landscape beds should have an obvious shape and defined edges, which can be achieved through the use of hardscaping materials such as pavers, bricks, or plastic edging, or through botanical separation. Vegetation within these beds must be set back at least three feet from adjoining or rear property lines, except when adjacent to a fence that prevents encroachment onto neighboring properties. Setbacks will be measured from the property line. Landscaping must not overhang or obstruct public sidewalks, pathways, streets, or alleys to ensure safe and unobstructed access and prevent potential hazards or injuries.
The ordinance also prohibits the new planting of invasive species, as defined by the Ohio Revised Code.
“These updates provide much-needed clarity on yard maintenance expectations,” said Matt Funk, city zoning and code enforcement supervisor. “Native plants have always been and continue to be allowed in the City of Beavercreek.”
The ordinance will be enforced by the city’s Code Enforcement Division, which responds to resident complaints and works with property owners to correct violations if found. Code enforcement officers will attempt to resolve issues through communication and corrective action plans. However, continued non-compliance after an attempt to work with the property owner could ultimately result the city taking legal action to bring the property into compliance. City officials note that most residents are already in compliance and will not be affected by these changes.
Ordinance 25-05 will take effect 30 days after passage, on April 9, 2025.