(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
NOXIOUS WEED. A terrestrial, aquatic, or marine plant designated by the Oregon State Weed Board under O.R.S. 569.615 as among those representing the greatest public menace and as a top priority for action by weed control programs.
NUISANCE WEED. Any trees, plants, shrubs, grass, brush, weed, or other vegetation growing upon any property, which:
(a) Has grown and died or has dried or is in a desiccated state and has become a fire hazard and/or a menace to public health, safety, and welfare; or
(b) Are weeds or grass, except ornamental grasses, averaging more than ten inches in height.
PERSON. Any natural person, firm, partnership, association, legal entity, or corporation.
PERSON IN CHARGE OF PROPERTY, PERSON IN CHARGE OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY, or other similar phrase. Any one or more than one occupant, lessee, contract purchaser, owner, or person having possession of, control of, occupancy at, or title to, the subject property.
(B) Responsibility. A person in charge of property shall have responsibility for all vegetation on the subject property.
(C) Nuisances. Noxious or nuisance weeds existing anywhere within the city limits are declared to be a public nuisance.
(D) Enforcing authority. The City Council shall have full authority of law to enforce the provisions of this chapter. The City Council may delegate any portion or all of this authority to its agents. Nothing herein shall limit the responsibility, authority, or powers of enforcement given under other city ordinances or other state law. The term COUNCIL as used in this chapter, shall mean the City Council or its agent.
(E) Prohibition. No person in charge of property may allow nuisances to exist on the property. It shall be the duty of a person in charge of property to remove nuisance and noxious weeds in violation of this chapter as often as needed to prevent them from becoming a fire or health hazard, or to prevent them from going to seed. A breach of any of these stated duties shall be a violation of this chapter. Failure to abate a nuisance within the time required by this chapter shall also be a violation of this chapter.
(Ord. 544, passed 12-8-2014; Ord. 547, passed 4-13-2015; Ord. 564, passed 11-8-2021) Penalty, see § 98.99