Property
owners and residents are expected to mow and maintain properties
(including vacant & undeveloped lots) so that they do not become
overgrown with any weeds or grass so as to constitute a public nuisance.
A public nuisance is defined as rank growth of vegetation i.e.,
Canada Thistle, Leafy Spurge, Field Bindweed or Creeping Jenny and
all weeds, grasses and plants over 12 inches in height, excluding
trees and shrubs, which; detract from the surrounding area and properties;
become a possible fire hazard as determined by the Fire Chief; become
a health hazard due to their pollen or a potential cover for disease-carrying
rodents and other small animals; are of infectious or poisonous
nature in or adjacent to a populated area, regardless of height;
become a potential hazard to vehicular traffic in vision clearance
triangles.
If a property owner fails to control
the growth of such weeds or rank growth of vegetation on their property,
the Village Building Inspection Department serves notice. If
the owner then fails to abate the nuisance within 5 days, the Building
Inspection Department takes action to abate the public nuisance.
If the Village Building Inspection
Department causes the removal of a nuisance, the actual cost, together
with an administrative fee equal to 15% of the actual cost, is charged
to the property owner. If the charges are not paid by November 15th
of the year in which they are billed, these charges, together with
an additional administrative fee for collection equal to 15% of
the total of such charges and fees, are extended on the next succeeding
tax roll as a tax charged against the property and collected in
the same manner as other taxes.
