(a) The Village promotes the establishment and maintenance of lawn areas as described above, as well as the creation of conservation areas as allowed in Section 909.06 (Conservation Areas) of the Village Code. The benefits of such ground cover are demonstrable and recognized.
(b) The Village does not condone the presence of feral, unkempt parcels that have come into being through simple neglect and are not managed for any recognized beneficial purpose.
(c) Therefore, a maximum lawn height of ten (10) inches is permitted on any parcel within the Village. This includes all grasses and forbs but excludes woody plants.
(d) This maximum height applies to areas of parcels that are clearly intended (or were formerly intended) to be turfgrass lawn but have been allowed to develop into a rank and decadent condition due to lack of mowing and other basic management actions.
(e) The following areas are exempted from this provision:
(1) Recognized conservation areas established under Section 909.06 of the Village Code (Conservation Areas)
(3) Areas within the recognized floodway of any perennial or intermittent stream as defined by the United States Geologic Survey (USGS) or Department of Agriculture (USDA)
(4) Parcels in use for hay production or other allowable, bona fide agricultural purposes that are under active management. A lack of mowing, raking, cultivation and other legitimate management practices for a period of two (2) years shall constitute abandonment of the land for agricultural purposes and require that the parcel meet the provisions of this chapter.
(5) Parcels enrolled in conservation, environmental, agricultural, and other similar easement or financial assistance programs through an agency of the county, state, or federal government, or through a bona fide conservation non-profit organization such as a land trust.
(6) Up to ten percent (10%) of the total parcel area that is being managed as a bona fide conservation area, even if this area is informal and not otherwise covered by Section 909.06 of the Village Code. This includes areas such as wildflower and pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and other similar areas acceptable to the Mayor.
(7) Any areas that are in active use for flower or vegetable gardens, household compost piles or bins, and any other legitimate and reasonable household or commercial purpose as determined by the Code Enforcement Officer.
(f) The provisions of this chapter shall be enforced by the Code Enforcement Officer.
(Ord. 2021-20. Passed 2-14-22.)