Preparing A Landscape Ordinance by Wendelyn Martz and Marya Morris was one of the first documents published on the subject of landscape ordinances in the United States. This 26 page book was written as an American Planning Association Planning Advisory Service Report no. 431 and published in December of 1990.

Information in the book was based upon the experiences of the staff of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and much of the material in the book comes from the Prince Georges County Landscape Manual or from landscape ordinances in Florida and California.

The book contains three short chapters. The chapters cover reasons for landscaping the built environment and what types of land use problems are best solved through the use of a community landscape ordinance. Another chapter describes some of the most basic elements which should be included when drafting a landscape ordinance. Discussion concludes with an appendix that explores ordinances that are written based upon Xeriscape principles.

This is the place to start doing research on the topic of landscape ordinances. Although somewhat dated, this document published by the American Planning Association, sheds light on the subject and should be a short course primer for anyone wanting to draft a community ordinance.