During the period April 1 through October 31 of each calendar year, the Code Enforcement Officer or designee may determine that the growth of grass or noxious weeds on land for which a written notice of violation has been issued constitutes a hazard and/or a nuisance pursuant to Section 539.01 and that the person having charge or care of the land has failed to comply with the notice. Thereupon, the Code Enforcement Officer or designee may cause the grass or noxious weed offense to be remediated by any or both of the following methods:
(a) Abatement.
(1) The Code Enforcement Officer or designee may cause the grass or noxious weeds to be cut by use of City force and equipment or by the hiring of private contractors.
(2) Upon completion of the cutting and removal of grass or noxious weeds, the Code Enforcement Officer or designee shall determine the cost of cutting and removal and shall cause a statement thereof to be mailed to the owner of the land. Such statement of costs shall include:
A. City equipment charge;
B. City equipment operator charge;
C. Equipment transportation charge;
D. Administration and supervision charge;
E. Removal charge;
F. Contractual charges.
(3) The owner shall pay such costs as are charged in accordance with this chapter to the Finance Director within 30 days after the statement of charges has been mailed to the owner at the address of record in the office of the County Treasurer. Such payments shall be credited to the appropriation from which such cost was paid by the City. If the charge is not paid within 30 days after mailing, the Director of Finance shall certify the charges for services as provided in subsection (a)(2) hereof to the County Auditor, together with a proper description of the premises. Such amounts shall be entered upon the tax duplication, shall be a lien upon such lands from the date of the entry, and shall be collected as other taxes and returned to the City with the General Fund pursuant to Ohio R.C. 731.54. The recovery of its costs by the City pursuant to this section is a remedy in addition to the penalty provided in Section 539.99.
(b) Criminal Complaint.
(1) The Code Enforcement Officer may file a criminal complaint in a court of proper jurisdiction for any offense of this chapter.
(Ord. 06-20. Passed 6-20-06; Ord. 2015-19. Passed 6-2-15.)