A. Generally:
1. Notice to abate any violation of this chapter may be given by personal service, by certified mail which is addressed to the residence or usual place of business of the owner or person in control or possession of the property, or by posting a sign regarding the violation on the premises of the property in violation.
2. The Village may give notice to abate a violation by posting a sign in a conspicuous place near the main entrance of a structure. The posted sign shall be at least fourteen inches (14") in height and eight inches (8") in width and at the top thereof, in large letters, shall state the words "Notice To Abate". The text of the notice shall contain a reference to the provision of this chapter violated and may contain such other information respecting the nature of the violation as advisable. It shall be unlawful for anyone to deface, tamper with, or remove the "Notice To Abate" sign from the property where it is posted unless authorized by an employee or agent of the Village.
3. If the notice to abate sent by certified mail is returned to the Village by the United States Post Office because of its inability to make delivery thereof, the Village is authorized to cut the vegetation, grass or weeds and remove the cuttings from the property without further notice, and the owner or person in control shall be liable to the Village for its costs.
4. Upon failure of the owner or persons in control or residing in the premises to comply with a notice to abate and cut vegetation, grass or weeds within five (5) days from the date the notice is served, the Village may cut or cause the cutting of any vegetation, grass or weeds and remove same from the premises without further notice, and the owner or person in control shall be liable to the Village for its costs.
B. Weeds On Vacant Premises: The Village shall cause to be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the Village limits once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks, only between March 21 and August 31 of each year, a notice informing all owners and persons in control of any vacant lot, or any lot or any home with an unoccupied structure that the growth of vegetation, grass or weeds on any such lot or parcel of land is contrary to this chapter. The notice shall further inform the public that should the vegetation, grass or weeds ever grow to more than ten inches (10") in height, the Village may cut the vegetation, grass or weeds without further notice, and the owner or person in control shall be liable to the Village for its costs. This notice shall be a display advertisement.
C. Citations: Nothing in this chapter shall preclude the Village Chief of Police or his official designee and/or Village Code Enforcement Officer from issuing a citation for any violation of this chapter without providing any prior notification. The Village may also obtain an injunction or other appropriate equitable relief through the County Circuit Court to prevent or remedy any violations of this chapter. (Ord. 2017-1519, 9-5-2017)