(a) It is hereby determined that all weeds, grasses, and other types of vegetation growing or being upon lots or lands within the City as hereinafter described in subsection (b) at a height exceeding eight (8) inches above the ground are a nuisance.
(b) No owner, lessee, agent, or tenant having charge of, or responsibility for, the maintenance of lots or lands within the City shall permit weeds, grasses or other types of vegetation to grow or be upon such lots or lands at a height exceeding eight inches above the ground.
(c) No owner, lessee, agent, or tenant having charge of, or responsibility for, the maintenance of lots or lands exceeding three acres within the City shall permit weeds, grasses, or other types of vegetation to grow or be upon the portion of such lots or lands which lies within twenty feet of a lot line adjacent to lots or lands upon which a residential or commercial building exists or lies within 100 feet of a public thoroughfare at a height of eight inches above the ground.
(1) Provided, however, the prohibition contained in this section shall not apply to any parcels of land exceeding seven acres that are currently used or have been used within the last three years for agricultural purposes. As used in this section, the term "agricultural purposes" means farming; ranching; aquaculture; apiculture; horticulture; viticulture; animal husbandry, including, but not limited to, the care and raising of livestock, equine, and fur-bearing animals; poultry husbandry and the production of poultry and poultry products; dairy production; the production of field crops, tobacco, fruits, vegetables, nursery stock, ornamental shrubs, ornamental trees, flowers, sod, or mushrooms; timber; pasturage; any combination of the foregoing; the processing, drying, storage, and marketing of agricultural products when those activities are conducted in conjunction with, but are secondary to, such husbandry or production. In any event the portion of all such lots or lands which lies within twenty feet of a lot line upon which a residential or commercial building exists or lies within one hundred feet of a public thoroughfare, said distance shall be considered a buffer area and all weeds, grasses or other types of vegetation therein shall be maintained at a height of eight inches above the ground.
(d) Between March 1 and April 30 of each year, a Notice shall be published by the City in a newspaper of general circulation within the City generally describing the requirements of its citizens and landowners to cut weeds and grass.
(Ord. 2015-85. Passed 11-24-15.)