(A) The owner or person in control of any private property shall at all times maintain the premises free of litter; provided, however, that this section shall not prohibit the storage of litter in authorized private receptacles for collection.
(B) It is unlawful for any owner, or any other person in possession or control of any lot, tract or parcel of land situated wholly or in part within the corporate limits of the town to allow trash or weeds to grow, stand or accumulate upon such premises and it is the duty of such owner to remove or destroy any such trash or weeds.
(C) Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be fined in an amount not exceeding $250. Each day such violation is committed or permitted to continue shall constitute a separate offense and shall be punishable as such under this section.
(D) Any officer or employee of the town who discovers an accumulation of trash or growth of grass and weeds, or both these conditions, upon any premises within the limits of the town, shall report the condition to the Code Enforcement Officer or designated officer.
(1) The Code Enforcement Officer or designated officer may issue a notice to the person responsible for the property to clean and mow said property.
(2) Upon receipt of such notice the owner or person responsible for the yard shall have 14 days to clean, mow and remove all trash or rubbish from the yard.
(3) If, the owner has not complied with the notice within the 14 days, then the town will be allowed to clean and dispose of any and all trash. Upon completion of the clean up of the property by town employees or contracted labor, the Clerk shall prepare a report on the cost thereof. Such report may be itemized as to follows: labor, machinery rental or depreciation, fuel and supplies, cost of notice and other allowable costs. The Clerk shall forward a statement and demand payment of the total cost by mail to the owner of the property at the address shown by the current tax rolls in the tax office of the county.
(4) If the costs of the work performed under this chapter are not 30 days from the date of mailing the notice hereof, the costs will be forwarded to the County Clerk for collection.
(E) If the town causes property within the town to be cleaned of trash and weeds or grass to be cut or mowed in accordance with the procedures provided for in this section, any subsequent accumulations of trash or excessive weed or grass growth on the property occurring within a six-month period may be declared to be a nuisance and may be summarily abated without further prior notice to the property owner. At the time of each such summary abatement, the town shall notify the property owner of the abatement and the costs thereof.
(F) This section is being adopted by the Town Council that perceives this as an immediate health hazard and this section shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication.
(Ord. 1-3-2011-6-1, passed 6-6-2011)