City Updates Landscape Ordinance
At the Feb. 14 City Commission meeting, Pierre Commissioners changed the City’s commercial landscape ordinance to make it more flexible.
“Essentially, we’re making it less prescriptive,” said Commissioner Jamie Huizenga. “The updated ordinance gives property owners more choices for how they integrate landscape design on their property.”
Under the changed ordinance, 10% of commercial lots will need to be landscaped in accordance with a points-based system. The requirement can be met without tree plantings, and greenspace is no longer required along street frontage. Consistent with the old ordinance, the landscaping rules only apply to new commercial developments and major redevelopments of existing commercial property.
City staff who work with building and development services will help developers and property owners understand how the points-based system works and what needs to be done to comply with the new ordinance.
“The minimums are very achievable,” said Bryan Tipton, Park and Recreation. “And nothing in the new ordinance prohibits property owners from installing more landscaping than the minimums outlined in the ordinance.”
“We don’t want the ordinance to hinder development, but we also don’t want our commercial corridors to be
a sea of concrete,” said Kristi Honeywell, City Administrator. “These changes should give developers the flexibility they need while still encouraging some degree of ambiance and environmental health.”
The ordinance changes are effective March 10, 2023. Ordinance language can be found at cityofpierre.org.