June 9, 2010


Here is what you should know!

The number one property maintenance complaint from City residents concerns high grass and weeds in a neighbor’s yard. Last year, there were 509 high grass/weed notices issued. To address such issues, the City modified its Property Maintenance Code last year, and we wanted to make you aware of the new regulations. The duty to maintain the yard and grass applies to ALL properties, both residential and non-residential (i.e., commercial and industrial), whether the structures are occupied or vacant. All grass shall be kept below ten (10) inches between April 1st and November 1st. The duty to maintain extends to the street– this means the property owner is responsible to cut the area between the street and the sidewalk, or up to the street edge if there is no sidewalk.

Written notice will be sent to a property owner whose property is in violation of these regulations. Please note that only one notice will be issued per property; if another violation occurs the City may have the grass cut without sending another notice. If a property owners fails to comply with the notice, the City will clean up the property and the City’s costs, together with an administrative fee of $200, will be charged to the property owner. If the bill is not paid within ten (10) days, the City will inform the County Auditor to place that amount, along with a fifty dollar ($50) penalty, as an assessment of the property tax bill.

Property maintenance concerns can be addressed by calling 1-888-433-4642.
Image by ogimogi via Flickr