Number
240298
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
220110
Sponsor
ALD. WESTMORELAND
Title
An ordinance relating to the enforcement of the cutting of tall grass and weeds.
Sections
80-17-0 am
80-17-2 rc
Analysis
This ordinance clarifies that the requirement to cut tall grass and weeds shall be enforced 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, 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, which creates eyesores for neighboring homes and businesses; and
Whereas, Because grass does not grow in winter, residents would generally not need to be concerned about enforcement of s.80-17-2 during the cold-weather months of November through March; and
Whereas, In March 2023, the Common Council passed File Number 220110, which allows residents to optionally apply for “no mow May” permits, permitting 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
The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee do ordain as follows:
Part 1. Section 80-17-0 of the code is amended to read:
80-17. [[Hay Fever Weeds, etc.]] >>Turf Grass and Weeds.<<
Part 2. Section 80-17-2 of the code is repealed and recreated to read:
2. TO BE CUT. a. 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.
b. The c...
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