Zoning official presents Ordinance 27-07 to expand rules on unmaintained and nuisance vegetation

The Morton Village Board on a unanimous vote approved Ordinance 27-07, which amends chapter 6 of title 8 of the Morton Municipal Code to expand the village’s ability to address unmaintained and nuisance vegetation.

A zoning and code enforcement representative, speaking for staff, told trustees the change expands the list of prohibited vegetation while protecting maintained natural landscapes such as rain gardens and ornamental plantings. The official said the amendments are intended to give staff clearer legal footing to address invasive species and properties where overgrowth has generated repeated neighbor complaints.

Trustees asked whether the ordinance targets vegetation on property lines or entirely on private parcels; staff replied it covers both situations when property conditions create a nuisance or negatively affect the public right of way. The presenter said the ordinance allows natural landscaping when it is actively managed, and distinguishes those plantings from unmanaged growth that can be cited as a code violation.

The presenter said the amendment resulted from collaboration between his office and staff members named in the meeting, and that the ordinance aims to balance owner freedom with protection for adjacent properties and the public right of way.

The ordinance was approved by roll call (Parrot, Bluer, Cerilli, Hillyard, Middle). The ordinance text was identified in the meeting as "Ordinance 27-07, an ordinance making amendments to chapter 6 of title 8 of the Morton Municipal Code regarding unmaintained and uncontrolled landscape areas and foliage."