The Shaker Heights City Council meeting on July 28, 2025, focused on proposed amendments to landscaping ordinances aimed at updating requirements for private property and tree lawns. The discussion was sparked by public comments, particularly from resident Kathy Smacklow, who raised concerns about the definitions and management of native plants in the community.

Smacklow emphasized that many native plants exceed the proposed height limit of 24 inches, which could conflict with the new regulations. She argued that allowing these plants to grow naturally until spring is beneficial for local ecosystems, particularly for insects and birds. Her comments highlighted the need for clarity in the definitions of "well-managed" and "overgrown" conditions, suggesting that the current language may prioritize aesthetics over ecological health.

City Law Director Mr. Guber presented the proposed ordinance, which aims to amend various sections of the city’s codified ordinances to ensure consistency across building, housing, and public works codes. He noted that previous proposals for a managed natural landscape policy had been removed due to public opposition. The current amendments are intended to clarify existing regulations and incorporate feedback from both the council and residents.

Council members expressed appreciation for the efforts to balance traditional landscaping preferences with those favoring natural landscapes. Council member Vixenstein requested that the sustainability committee be allowed to review the proposed changes before moving forward, indicating a desire for further community input.

Additionally, Council member Moore raised concerns about the terminology used in the ordinance, suggesting that terms like "overgrown" could be misleading. She advocated for clearer language to differentiate between neglected lawns and managed natural landscapes, emphasizing the importance of native plants in supporting local wildlife.

The council decided to postpone a vote on the ordinance to allow for further discussion and input from the sustainability committee, ensuring that the final regulations reflect the community's diverse landscaping preferences while promoting ecological health. The next steps will involve continued dialogue and potential revisions to the proposed amendments.