Norwalk, CT Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Chapter 58A, Blight Prevention (adopted February 27, 2024, amended November 26, 2024), defines a Managed Natural Meadow Landscape as a planned, intentional and maintained planting of primarily native grasses, wildflowers, ferns, sedges, shrubs or trees, distinct from ordinary Turf Grass, which becomes a violation once it exceeds nine inches. Under § 58A-3, an owner cited for a Property Maintenance Violation can claim the meadow exemption in writing to the Blight Prevention Officer within seven days of the citation. The exemption is granted only if the Officer determines, in their sole discretion, that the planting is genuinely intentional and maintained; does not hinder use of adjacent properties, block sidewalks or streets, obstruct road signs or utility lines, or interfere with a fire hydrant; and stays within the property's boundaries.

On request, the owner must also submit a Managed Natural Meadow Landscape Plan describing the planting's purpose, a site sketch, the dominant plant species used, and how it is maintained, on a form the Blight Prevention Officer develops and keeps in their office. Because approval and continuation are entirely discretionary, the Blight Prevention Officer may revoke the exemption at any time if the meadow no longer meets the conditions, reverting the property to blight-violation status.