Lima, OH Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Lima does not restrict native-plant or pollinator landscaping. The Property Maintenance Code definition of "weeds" expressly covers "all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees, shrubs and cultivated flowers and gardens," so intentionally cultivated native beds and gardens fall outside the weed prohibition. However, the 8-inch grass/weed height limit (Section 1806.09) and the ban on noxious or harmful weeds still apply to unmanaged growth, and a bed can be cited if it becomes overgrown or harbors listed noxious species. Maintaining and clearly delineating a native planting helps demonstrate it is a cultivated garden rather than neglected weeds.