Greensboro adopted a native plants policy in March 2024 requiring 50% native species on city properties. Private property is not regulated.
On March 5, 2024, all nine Greensboro City Council members voted to adopt a native plants policy making native species a key component of all new city plantings. The policy requires the city to use at least 50 percent seeds and plants classified as native to North Carolina or the southeastern United States starting in 2025. The policy is triggered when the city installs new or replacement plant materials in outdoor landscaped areas of city-owned or maintained sites and facilities. Greensboro is the first city in North Carolina to adopt such a policy for municipal properties. This policy does not apply to private residential or commercial properties. For development projects subject to the Land Development Ordinance, Article 10 (Landscaping) contains plant material requirements but does not mandate the use of native species. Private property owners are free to plant native or non-native species on their land, subject to the general nuisance ordinance prohibiting vegetation over 12 inches.
The native plants policy is an internal city policy for municipal properties and does not impose penalties on private property owners. Non-compliance on private property is not a violation. However, all landscaping on private property must still comply with the 12-inch vegetation height limit under Chapter 17 of the Code of Ordinances.
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro has no city ordinance regulating year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family properties. The LDO sign standards ex...
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro has no zoning, building, or sign-code rule specifically targeting residential inflatable holiday displays. The LDO sign standards exempt seasonal ...
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro has no city ordinance restricting when residents may install or must remove holiday lights at single-family homes. The Greensboro LDO sign standar...
Greensboro, NC
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Greensboro require permits for gas lines, electrical, plumbing, and any roofed structure under NC General Statute 160D-1110. Bui...
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro has no ordinance specifically targeting backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens at single- or two-family homes. General nuisance auth...
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro enforces the 2018 North Carolina Fire Prevention Code, which adopts IFC Section 308. NCFC 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal burners and open-flame cookin...
See how Greensboro's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.