It is hereby the duty of the Street Superintendent or his duly authorized agent to view and inspect the sidewalk space within the corporate limits for growing weeds during the growing season, and if rank and noxious weeds are found growing thereon, the City Clerk shall notify the owner or occupant thereof, to cut down such weeds as close to the ground as can be practicably done and keep the weeds cut thereon in like manner during the growing season for weeds.
It shall be the duty of every owner of real estate in the Municipality to cut and clear the sidewalk space abutting the real estate of all weeds and worthless vegetation that are noxious, obstruct travel, or create a fire or health hazard. Such weeds and worthless vegetation shall be cut so as not to extend more than six (6) inches above the ground. Subsequent to the cutting all loose vegetation shall be immediately removed.
Upon failure of the owner, lessee, or occupant having control of any such real estate to cut and clear the said weeds and worthless vegetation as set forth hereinbefore, the City Clerk shall serve notice on the said owner, lessee, or occupant to do so. In the event that the weeds and vegetation have not been removed after a period of five (5) days from the date of the notice, the City Clerk shall order the same to be done, and the cost thereof shall be chargeable to the property owner. If the owner fails to reimburse the Municipality after being properly billed, the cost may be assessed against the real estate and the City Clerk shall certify the assessment to the County Clerk and the same shall be collected in the manner provided by law. In the event the property owner is a non-resident of the county in which the property lies, the City Clerk shall, before certifying any special assessment against that property, send a copy of any notice required by law to be published by means of certified mail, return receipt requested, to the last known address of the non-resident property owner. The last known address shall be that address listed on the current tax rolls at the time such required notice was first published. (Ord. No. 303, 10/4/88)