IA HF2367

Unit owners associations (HOAs) cannot prohibit property owners from planting or growing native vegetation on their lawns, provided the area is maintained free of weeds, invasive species, and trash.

Native vegetation is defined as plant species indigenous to Iowa that existed prior to European settlement, including native grasses, flowers, shrubs, and trees.

Native vegetation must not extend onto neighboring properties, sidewalks, pathways, streets, common areas, or interfere with traffic or utilities.

HOAs may adopt reasonable rules governing planned native vegetation landscapes but cannot impose height restrictions or rules that impair proper maintenance and care.

The protections apply only to individual unit owner lawns and do not extend to common areas or property owned by the association where unit owners lack landscaping authority.