As used in this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
CHEMICAL CONTROL: The application of a herbicide (weed killer) in strict accordance with the directions on the product and the regulations of the code of Iowa and the Iowa administrative code, as amended.
CONSERVATION AREA: An area of property that is planted with ground cover plants of a size and texture compatible with the environment and maintained accordingly.
DEVELOPED LOT OR AREA: An improved or commercial lot; an improved area of land.
FIRE MARSHAL: The city fire marshal or designee.
GROUND COVER: Plants with the growth and root capacity to cover and stabilize an area of soil and to prevent erosion.
LAND: Includes land, buildings, structures, tenements, hereditaments and all rights thereto and interests therein, equitable as well as legal.
NATURAL AREA: An area of land allowed to retain native plant material in a natural prairie state.
NOXIOUS WEEDS: Primary and secondary classes of weeds as defined by the code of Iowa and the Iowa administrative code, as amended.
PARKING: That part of the street, avenue or highway in the city not covered by sidewalk and lying between the lot line and the curb line; on unpaved streets, that part of the street, avenue or highway lying between the lot lines and that portion of the street usually traveled by vehicular traffic.
PLANT: Shall include all manner of vegetation, including, but not limited to, grass, shrubs, trees and weeds, excluding cut firewood and compost piles.
RIGHT OF WAY: The entire width of a platted street or alley, whether the width is in use for travel or is undeveloped.
SOIL EROSION CONTROL: A method of planting and cultivation, or lack of same, designed to retain soil and to prevent soil movement caused by natural or human causes.
UNDEVELOPED LOT OR AREA: An unimproved lot or area of land.
UNMOWED OR UNTENDED AREA: An area of land allowed to grow without care and supervision, where weeds and grasses are more than ten inches (10") in height.
WEED OFFICIAL: Person designated by the city manager to enforce this chapter.
WEEDS: Any plants growing uncultivated and out of context with the surrounding plant life with a height of ten inches (10") or more or when such plant has a seed head forming or formed. (1978 Code §34-70; amd. 1994 Code; Ord. 06-4232, 9-5-2006; Ord. 11-4429, 5-17-2011)