INCLUDING NEW NATIVE PLANT REQUIREMENTS
The City of Parkville has announced the adoption of new site and landscape standards aimed at promoting sustainable development practices and enhancing Parkville’s natural beauty. The new standards will apply to all new development projects within the city limits.
In October 2023, the city embarked on a project to add architectural design standards to the development code, which was approved on Aug. 20, 2024. Discussion by the project steering committee identified the need for updated site and landscape standards to support the building design vision of the architectural standards.
A key highlight of the new standards is the emphasis on the use of native plant species. Developers will be required to incorporate a minimum of 70% native plants in their landscaping plans. This requirement is intended to support local biodiversity, conserve water, and reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
“We believe that sustainable development is essential for the future of our city,” said Mayor Dean Katerndahl. “These new standards will help us preserve and enhance a more beautiful, resilient, and environmentally-friendly community for all of our residents.”
In addition to the new native planting requirements, the city’s new standards include:
·Open space landscaping: Ensuring adequate landscaped green space in all new developments.
·Parking lot design and landscaping: Promoting the use of landscaping to mitigate the visual and ecological impact of parking lots.
·Outdoor lighting: Requiring aesthetic consistency and minimizing light pollution and glare.
·Stormwater management: Encouraging the use of green infrastructure to manage stormwater runoff.
The City of Parkville encourages residents and developers to familiarize themselves with the new site and landscape standards, which are available on the city’s website at https://parkvillemo.gov/community/city-projects/site-landscape-design-standards/.
The city says it is committed to working with developers to ensure that all new projects meet these standards and contribute to a more sustainable future for Parkville.
For more information about the new site and landscape standards, contact Community Development Director Stephen Lachky at (816) 741-7676.
