Not only are unmanaged grass and vegetation unsightly, they can cause respiratory problems, especially in children. People can suffer serious allergic reactions, such as dermatitis and rhinitis or asthma from contact with plants and their pollen. In addition, unkempt properties with unmanaged vegetation is an open invitation to rodents. If is for these reasons and more that the city has enacted nuisance legislation to regulate grass and unmanaged growth on private property.
Chapter 553 of the city’s Codified Ordinances regulates grass, noxious weeds and rank, unmanaged vegetation on private property. Specifically, it states, “Between March 1 and December 31 of each year, no person or entity which is the owner of record of any parcel, lot or land within the city corporation limits shall permit any grass over eight inches, noxious weeds, or untended, rank, and unmanaged growth of vegetation to grow thereon. The failure to abide by the afore-stated prohibition is deemed to constitute a threat to public health, safety, or welfare, for which the remediation and intervention hereinafter provided, shall be declared necessitated…”
Chapter 553 also outlines the process the Code Enforcement Officer takes to notify the offending property owner, the procedure when the owner fails to comply as well as fees associated with the failure to comply. Fines and fees, in addition to the actual cost to correct violations are billed to the tenant or property owner.
Chapter 553 can be found online. Any questions on the topic should be directed to Code Enforcement Officer Arthur Franklin at 937.498.8133.