Number
240078
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. WESTMORELAND
Title
Resolution directing the Department of Public Works, Operations Division-Forestry Services, to enforce the tall grass and weeds ordinance year-round.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Department of Public Works, Operations Division-Forestry Services, to enforce the tall grass and weeds ordinance year-round.
Body
Whereas, Section 80-17-2 of the Code of Ordinances stipulates that no turf grass or weeds of any kind shall be permitted to grow or stand more than 7 inches on any property in the city; and
Whereas, By preventing grass and weeds from excessive growth, this provision of the Code helps to prevent the spread of hay fever in people who come into contact with pollens; and
Whereas, Properties with tall grass and weeds quickly become neighborhood eyesores that reduce the quality of life in the surrounding area; and
Whereas, The Department of Public Works, Operations Division-Forestry Services does not generally begin enforcing s. 80-17-2 of the Code until late spring, when some lawns have already been overgrown for weeks, potentially creating hay fever problems for some people and eyesores for neighboring homes and businesses; and
Whereas, Because grass does not grow in winter, residents would not need to be concerned with enforcement of their lots during the rough period of November through February; and
Whereas, In March 2023, the Common Council passed File Number 220110, which allows residents to optionally apply for “no mow May” permits, allowing them to forgo cutting their grass during the month of May; and
Whereas, Enforcement of the tall grass and weeds ordinance year-round would have no effect on the “no mow May” program, which would remain available to those residents who wish to avoid mowing their lawns in the month of May; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of Public Works, Operations Div...
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