Not only are high grass and unmanaged vegetation unsightly, they can become a health and safety risk. People can suffer serious allergic reactions, such as dermatitis and rhinitis or asthma from contact with noxious plants. In addition, unkempt properties with unmanaged vegetation can provide nesting places and food for pests and vermin. If is for these reasons and more that the city has enacted nuisance legislation to regulate grass height and unmanaged growth on private property.
Chapter 553 of the city’s Codified Ordinances regulates grass and weeds 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…”
Any questions on the topic should be directed to Rangers Arthur Franklin or Derek Harmon at 937.498.8133.