Janesville, WI Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Sec. 22-207(a) makes it lawful to grow native and beneficial plants, including ferns, grasses, forbs, aquatic plants, trees, and shrubs, provided they were not obtained in violation of local, state, or federal law. Subsection (b) then sets four conditions. First, natural landscaping on residential lots must stay "clearly managed and free of noxious weeds" and cannot disturb neighboring properties or the public right-of-way, so it is not an excuse to let the Sec. 22-204 noxious species take over. Second, rain gardens specifically must sit at least ten feet from any building foundation to keep infiltrating water from seeping into it, cannot go in utility rights-of-way or septic drain fields, must be set back five feet from every property line, and cannot divert water onto a neighbor's land.

Third, every naturally landscaped area needs a "definable edge," such as mown turf, a hedge, a fence, low native plants, or a stone or woodchip path, so it reads as a planned feature rather than neglect and does not let large native plants spread onto adjoining lots. Fourth, a prairie or other burn on a natural lawn needs the City Fire Chief's prior written authorization and must follow whatever dates, times, and methods the Fire Chief sets, and only natural lawn vegetation may be burned. The whole natural-landscaping option is off the table for vacant land under Sec. 22-207(b)(5).