(A) Improved property. It shall be unlawful for any owner or occupant of a business building, single dwelling or multiple dwelling, or any property improved for residential or commercial use, to allow weeds, grass or similar vegetation to grow to a height of ten inches or more, and six feet in length for uncultivated briars, vines, or other similar vegetation. Such height constitutes a hazard or nuisance, real or potential, for harborage of vermin, accumulation of litter and debris or other unsightly or injurious conditions. Any lot which has been improved may not be allowed to revert to unimproved status. An unimproved lot is a lot upon which clearing and grubbing has not taken place. The following shall be exempt from this requirement:
(1) Any premises or part thereof on which such growth may be reasonably demonstrated to be for agricultural or horticultural use and which is properly attended;
(2) Wooded portions of rear or side yards where standard mowing equipment cannot maneuver because of density, except that any 20-foot strip adjacent to developed property or streets must have weeds, grass and vines maintained below the height limitation and providing such lot is not otherwise in violation of the provisions of this chapter; or
(3) Unimproved lots on which new permitted construction work is taking place and during such time as the actual construction is in progress, except for a ten-foot strip adjacent to any developed property, road or right-of-way.
(B) Unimproved property. An unimproved lot less than one acre that is in a residential neighborhood shall be maintained in accordance with improved properties outlined in division (A).
(C) Nuisances. Notwithstanding divisions (A) and (B) of this section, if any of the following conditions exist on any portion of a lot or parcel of any size, improved or unimproved, then such lot or parcel shall be deemed a nuisance and a detriment to health and safety:
(1) The lot contains any accumulation of debris, rubbish, junk, tree debris, tires or any type of refuse.
(2) The lot contains weeds or other growth which encroaches onto a public sidewalk or roadway within ten feet above the level of the sidewalk or 14 feet above the level of the street.
(3) The lot contains evidence of the harboring of unlawful activity.
(D) It shall be the duty of the owner of any such lot or parcel in violation of this section, including abutting owners of alleys in violation thereof, to abate the unlawful condition. Owners and occupants of properties which abut an alley shall be responsible up to the center point of such alley. Owners and occupants of properties which include a public street right-of-way shall be responsible up to and including the curb and gutter or street line.
(Ord. 2015-15, passed 12-17-2015)