NYC does not mandate native plant use on private property but strongly encourages it through DEP's green infrastructure programs, MillionTreesNYC successor programs, and GreeNYC initiatives. NYC Parks Department requires native species for street tree plantings and park restorations.
NYC has no ordinance requiring private property owners to use native plants, but the city promotes native landscaping through multiple programs. The NYC Parks Department's forestry division prioritizes native species for street tree plantings and maintains an approved street tree list that favors species adapted to the urban environment. DEP's Green Infrastructure Program specifies native and adapted plant palettes for bioswales and rain gardens installed in public right-of-ways. The Natural Areas Conservancy, partnered with NYC Parks, manages over 10,000 acres of natural areas and conducts habitat restoration using native species. GreeNYC and GrowNYC provide educational resources and native plant distributions. The NYC Building Code's stormwater management rules (15 RCNY Ch. 31) recommend native plants for required green infrastructure but do not mandate them for private landscape design.
No penalties related to native plant use on private property. Planting non-approved species in the public right-of-way without Parks Department approval can result in removal and fines. Unauthorized alterations to Parks natural areas carry penalties under Parks Rules.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
New York, NY
The NYC Noise Code prohibits excessive muffler/exhaust sound from motor vehicles on roads with a 35 mph or lower speed limit - defined by 'plainly audible' d...
New York, NY
Under Admin. Code Sec. 24-235, an animal owner may not permit unreasonable animal noise that is plainly audible inside any nearby residential property for 10...
New York, NY
Under Admin. Code Sec. 24-222, construction work is unlawful except on weekdays between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Limited weekend work (Sat/Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)...
New York, NY
Under Admin. Code Sec. 24-231, music from a commercial establishment may not exceed 42 dB(A) measured inside any nearby residential dwelling unit, nor 45 dB ...
New York, NY
New York City has no blanket 'quiet hours' curfew, but the Noise Code's general prohibition (Admin. Code Sec. 24-218) makes it unlawful to make any unreasona...
New York, NY
New York City bars street storage of boat trailers, mobile homes, and mobile medical diagnostic vehicles: under 34 RCNY 4-08(m)(8) none may be parked on any ...
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