Bill > A01890

This bill establishes the Low Impact Landscaping Rights Act, which prevents homeowners' associations (HOAs) from prohibiting or imposing unreasonable restrictions on certain environmentally friendly landscaping practices. The bill defines "low impact landscaping" as including pollinator gardens, rain gardens, habitat gardens, and natural gardening using native New York plants. Specifically, HOAs cannot create rules that effectively ban or severely limit a homeowner's ability to install and maintain these types of landscaping. The legislation is motivated by concerns about traditional turfgrass monocultures, which require significant water and chemical inputs and provide minimal ecological benefit. While HOAs are generally prohibited from restricting low impact landscaping, they may still prevent such landscaping if it is on common property, not reasonably maintained, or poses safety concerns. If an HOA rejects a homeowner's low impact landscaping proposal, they must provide a detailed written explanation of their specific concerns. The act aims to encourage biodiversity and support more sustainable residential landscaping practices by giving homeowners more flexibility in how they manage their outdoor spaces.

Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1890