(A) An owner or occupant of a lot or parcel of land located within the corporate limits of the city shall be notified by the Service-Safety Director or his or her designate to forthwith cut noxious or harmful weeds, vines or grasses growing upon his or her premises. Such notification shall be in writing by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by publication of legal notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county. The owner or occupant shall cut such weeds, vines or grasses within five days of receipt of notice, or as required by § 98.02(B). One notification per calendar year shall be deemed notice for all subsequent violations during the calendar year.
(B) If such property owner or occupant fails to cut such noxious weeds or vines within five days of receipt of the notice or publication, the Director or his designate may cause to be filed, through the office of the Law Director, criminal charges.
(C) Such notice is not a prerequisite to the filing of such charges, but such charges may be filed by private individuals at any time a violation occurs.
(D) In the event the owner, or his agent or occupant of the lot or parcel, neglects or refuses to cut the noxious or harmful weeds and vines, the Service-Safety Director or his designate may cause such noxious or harmful weeds and vines to be cut and removed, and charge the expense thereof to the owner. Upon being unpaid, the city may certify the unpaid amount to the County Auditor and the same shall act as a lien upon the property to be collected as a special assessment and/or may civilly collect the unpaid bill from the owner in a court of law.
(Ord. 45-90, passed 6-25-90; Am. Ord. 47-08, passed 7-14-08)