Bill > S07358

This bill enacts the Low Impact Landscaping Rights Act, which aims to protect homeowners' rights to create environmentally friendly landscapes by preventing homeowners' associations (HOAs) from unreasonably restricting certain types of landscaping. The bill defines "low impact landscaping" as pollinator gardens, rain gardens, habitat gardens, and natural gardening using native New York plants. Specifically, HOAs cannot adopt or enforce rules that would prohibit or unreasonably limit the installation and maintenance of these types of landscaping. The legislation recognizes that traditional turfgrass lawns negatively impact biodiversity and require significant water and chemical inputs. The bill does allow HOAs to restrict low impact landscaping in limited circumstances, such as on commonly owned properties, if the landscaping is not properly maintained, or if it poses safety concerns or encroaches on neighboring properties. Additionally, if an HOA denies a homeowner's low impact landscaping proposal, they must provide a detailed written explanation of their specific concerns. The law is designed to encourage biodiversity, support native wildlife and pollinators, and reduce environmental strain caused by traditional lawn maintenance practices.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7358