Kansas City Councilmembers Advance Update to Nuisance Code Supporting Native Landscaping

Kansas City is moving forward with an important update to its Nuisance Code, adding a new exemption for "managed natural landscapes." This change provides clearer guidance for residents and property owners who choose to use native plants, reflecting the City's commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and community beautification.

To complement this code update, Kansas City has secured a $49,000 grant from the Missouri Department of Conservation. The funding will expand education and outreach, giving residents the tools they need to successfully plan and maintain native plant landscaping in line with the new ordinance.

The grant will support:

• Two trainings for Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) Community Engagement Officers
• Four community education sessions across the City-North, Central, and South regions, plus one virtual session
• 1,500 native plant vouchers redeemable at local nurseries
• 300 personalized consultations to help residents design and sustain their landscapes

Community sessions will begin in early Spring 2026, with full details to be shared in the coming months.