How Springdale Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide
Springdale maintains 87 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Springdale falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Weed Ordinances
Springdale bans unsightly weeds and plant growth on every lot in the city under Chapter 42's nuisance definition, and caps agricultural land bordering platted subdivisions or residential zoning at 12 inches within 12 feet of that boundary.
Key details: General rule: No unsightly weeds/plant growth. Ag-adjacent cap: 12 inches within 12 feet. Fence rows: Must stay clear of weeds/brush. Enforcement: Code enforcement, police, building official. Penalty basis: Each day is a separate offense.
Chapter 91 weed violations carry Section 1-9 penalties, and each day the condition continues is a separate offense: code enforcement, police or the chief building official can cite repeatedly.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Springdale requires a permit from the chief city inspector before any tree within the lines of a city street is planted or removed, with the tree owner paying the cost: narrower than a citywide protected-tree rule.
Key details: Permit authority: Chief city inspector. Cost: Paid by the tree owner. Removal notice: 10 days' written notice. Scope: Only trees within street lines.
Planting or removing a street right-of-way tree without a permit, or ignoring a ten-day notice to remove a hazardous tree, exposes the owner to the general penalty in § 1-9.
Tree Trimming
When a tree blocks travel on a Springdale sidewalk or street, the chief city inspector can have it pruned or removed at the abutting property owner's expense.
Key details: Governing section: § 110-4(a), (c). Who pays: abutting property owner. City notice before removal: 10 days written notice. Ordered by: chief city inspector.
No separate fine attaches to the pruning order itself; failure to comply lets the city remove the obstruction after ten days' notice and bill the abutting owner for the cost.
The Bottom Line
Springdale's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Springdale is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Springdale's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.