TITLE V—SANITATION & HEALTH

CHAPTER 4—REMOVAL OF WEEDS AND REFUSE

(Amd. Ord. 1201, eff. 12/18/1992; amd. Ord. 1300, eff. 3/31/2000)

Sec. 5480 Duty to remove - From private premises. (Amd. Ord. 1201, eff. 12/18/1992)

(a)    It shall be the duty of the owner and of the owner’s agent, and of the lessee, occupant or person in possession of any property, in the City to keep such property free from all weeds, refuse, and rubbish, object or condition, which may endanger or injure neighboring property or the health, safety or welfare of the residents in the vicinity of such property.

(b)    Failure to maintain premises in accordance with Section 5480(a) shall constitute a public nuisance. Such condition shall be subject to abatement as provided for in Title V, Chapter 5 of this Code.

Sec. 5481 Same: From sidewalks, rights of way and alleys. (Amd. Ord. 1201, eff. 12/18/1992)

(a)    It shall be the duty of the owner and of the owner’s agent, and of the lessee, occupant or person in possession of any property in the City to at once remove from the sidewalk, right of way or alley abutting or adjoining such property all weeds, refuse, and rubbish, object or condition, which may endanger or injure neighboring property, or the health, safety or welfare of the residents in the vicinity of such property, or which may obstruct such sidewalks, right of way, or alleys, and thereby endanger or injure persons traveling thereon.

(b)    Failure to maintain sidewalks, rights of way and alleys in accordance with Sections 5481(a) shall constitute a public nuisance. Such condition shall be subject to abatement as provided for in Title V, Chapter 5 of this Code.

Sec. 5482 Definitions.

The following terms whenever used in this Chapter shall have the meanings as defined herein.

(a)    "Property" includes, but is not limited to, such areas as lots, parcels, tracts or pieces of land, improved or unimproved.

(b)    "Refuse and Rubbish" includes, but is not limited to, such items or conditions as waste material of every kind whether recyclable or not, material which may create a fire hazard, dead trees and yard waste, abandoned asphalt, concrete or other building materials, or other unsanitary or unsafe materials.

(c)    "Weeds" includes, but is not limited to, plants having the following characteristics or qualities:

1.    Plants which bear seeds of a downy or wingy nature;

2.    Dry grass, stubble, brush or any other plants which may become a fire menace;

3.    Plants which may constitute a menace to public health, such as poison oak or poison ivy;

4.    Plants which may constitute a public hazard.