(A) All such grass and weeds shall be cut, pulled or destroyed whenever they shall exceed a height of eight inches.
(B) The following areas and types of vegetation are exempted from this provision if managed in a manner so as not to become infested with noxious weeds or to create a stagnant, foul smelling condition:
(1) Native wetland vegetation found in wetlands designated as part of the city’s wetland zoning district, or in floodplains, drainage ponds or ditches which store and convey storm water;
(2) Native vegetation found in natural areas which are part of public open space, parks and nature centers;
(3) Areas on any occupied lot or parcel of land having wetland-type vegetation because of neighborhood drainage patterns, where the drainage pattern is evident on contour maps and from field observation, and the vegetation is confined to a single lot, separated from adjacent lots and managed so as not to be a nuisance;
(4) An area where the land and vegetation appear not to have been graded, landscaped, mowed or otherwise disturbed by human or mechanical means at any time. The Director of Community Development shall use reasonable judgement in determining what constitutes this type of area based on the present appearance of the area and research as to the history of the area if the information is available; and
(5) An area of at least five acres used by an educational institution or public agency for prairie land restoration, if the prior vegetation is eliminated and the prairie vegetation is planted through transplanting or seed. The area shall be cut at least once per year to a height of no more than eight inches if weeds cover more than 25% of the area. If the mowing is necessary and the area is likely to be seen by the public, a sign shall be posted advising that a meadow or prairie is being established. The size of the sign shall be one square foot and it shall be no higher than three feet.
(Prior Code, § 606.02) (Ord. 594, passed 04-14-1997) Penalty, see § 91.999