(a) Property to be Cleared. Every lot or parcel of land, whether improved or unimproved, shall be maintained free from weeds or grass growth in excess of ten (10) inches. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Such weeds or grass, by reason of their unsightliness, are injurious to the public health, safety or welfare of the citizens of St. Bernard and are declared a public nuisance.
(b) Keeping Down Weeds.
(1) For the purpose of Chapter 905, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:
A. "Noxious" means harmful or offensive.
B. "Rank" means luxuriant in growth.
C. "Weeds" shall include any and all vegetation that is not managed or maintained by the owner or person in control of the property on which all such vegetation is located which exceeds ten (10) inches in height restrictions, but shall exclude trees, shrubs, cultivated flowers, and vegetable gardens. In addition, grass of a height of ten (10) inches or more shall be deemed a weed under this definition, as shall all vegetation constituting a threat to the public health, safety, or welfare. This Section shall not apply to ornamental grasses grown as part of a landscape design.
D. "Litter" means garbage, trash, waste, construction debris, rubbish, ashes, cans, bottles, wires, paper, cartons, boxes, automobile parts, furniture, glass, or anything else of an unsightly or unsanitary nature.
E. "Owner" or "Person in control" shall mean the owner of the freehold estate of the premises; occupant; lessee or holder of a lesser estate in the premises; mortgagee or vendee in possession; receiver; executor; trustee; and any person, public or private entity, and/or its duly authorized agent(s), with the authority to bring a building or premises into compliance with the provisions of this code, including but not limited to any mortgagee that has filed an action in foreclosure, based on breach or default of a mortgage agreement, until title to the premises is transferred to a third party.
(2) Any owner or person in control of any lot or parcel of land which falls within the corporate limits shall keep and maintain such lot or land free and clear from all litter, noxious weeds, and rank vegetation, except trees, shrubs, garden variety flowers and farm crops, and shall keep all sidewalks, alleys, streets and other public rights of way free from any plant growth that hinders the public use thereof by cutting or other effective legal means of control to keep the growth thereof under ten inches. The owner or person in control shall have the duty to mulch or, in the alternative, rake and remove all clippings and waste resulting from the cutting of such weeds, grasses and vegetation. (Ord. 21-2023. Passed 8-10-23.)