Corvallis, OR Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Naturescape defined at
- CMC § 9.02.080.04(45)
- Exempts from
- 10-inch weed-height nuisance rule
- Applicable window
- May 15 to September 30
- Fire and safety grounds
- Still apply regardless of Naturescape
- Also exempted
- Dead bushes/trees on naturescaped lots
Summary
In the City of Corvallis, a Naturescape yard, landscaping and gardening that uses predominantly native plants for wildlife habitat, is defined in Corvallis Municipal Code Section 9.02.080.04(45) and gets a specific exception from the city's weed-height nuisance rule. Under Section 9.02.090.06.020.065, a property that qualifies as Naturescape is exempt from the rule that treats grass and weeds over 10 inches tall as a public nuisance between May 15 and September 30.
45)Naturescape. Landscaping and gardening approaches that use predominantly native plants for the purpose of creating improved outdoor habitat for native insects, birds, and mammals and reducing the need for pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and summer watering. ... (1)The City Council declares that rank vegetation, weeds, tall grass, or other noxious vegetation are a public nuisance under any of the following conditions: ... c.When grass, weeds, noxious or rank vegetation is in excess of 10 inches between May 15 and September 30.i.Exceptions can be granted for parcels of land used for agricultural purposes or that qualify as Naturescape.
Full Breakdown
Corvallis Municipal Code Section 9.02.080.04(45) defines Naturescape as landscaping and gardening approaches that use predominantly native plants to create improved outdoor habitat for native insects, birds, and mammals while reducing the need for pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and summer watering. That definition matters because Section 9.02.090.06.020.065 otherwise declares grass, weeds, or other rank or noxious vegetation over 10 inches tall between May 15 and September 30 a public nuisance citywide, and makes it unlawful for an owner or anyone in possession or control of a lot to maintain a nuisance property.
The same section carves out an express exception: land used for agricultural purposes or land that qualifies as Naturescape does not have to meet the 10-inch mowing standard. A related exception appears in the trash and debris standard of Section 9.02.090.06.020.07, which allows dead bushes and trees to stay if the property is being maintained as part of a naturescaped property and the material does not otherwise create a nuisance. The Naturescape exception does not excuse a property from the separate rules on noxious weeds regulated by the Oregon Department of Agriculture's noxious weed list, referenced in the definitions at Section 9.02.080.04, nor from the fire-hazard and public-safety nuisance grounds in Section 9.02.090.06.020.065(1)(a) and (b), which apply regardless of landscaping style.
Violations & Fines
Claiming Naturescape status does not exempt a property from the fire-hazard or public-safety grounds for a nuisance finding under Section 9.02.090.06.020.065(1)(a) and (b), and noxious weeds on the Oregon Department of Agriculture's list remain regulated regardless of landscaping style. A dispute over whether a yard genuinely qualifies as Naturescape, rather than simply uncut grass, is resolved through the same correction-notice and appeal process the city uses for any other exterior nuisance violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a Naturescape yard in Corvallis?
Can I let my grass grow tall if I plant native species?
Does a Naturescape exemption cover noxious weeds too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Corvallis
Compare Corvallis to another location·View the Oregon landscaping rules overview
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