(A) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide a mechanism whereby developed residential, commercial and industrial property in unincorporated areas of the county may be required to be maintained free of tall weeds, noxious growth, brush and rank vegetation more than two feet in height which constitutes a hazard or nuisance, real or potential, for harboring vermin, the accumulation of litter, garbage, rubbish, solid waste, bulk, debris or other unsightly or injurious conditions. Permitting rank vegetation and overgrowth in violation of this section is hereby declared to be a public nuisance. Regulation of such property within the unincorporated area of the county is necessary and in the public interest:
(1) To encourage a positive visual environment;
(2) To promote the economic well-being of the county by creating a favorable physical image;
(3) To protect property values within the county;
(4) To promote the safety of persons and property by providing that lots do not create fire or traffic hazards; and
(5) To promote the health, safety and welfare of the public by ensuring that such property does not become a breeding ground for or infested with vermin, mosquitoes, insects, noxious diseases or present physical dangers to the safety and well-being of the public.
(B) Overgrown improved property. It shall be unlawful for the owner, agent or occupant of any improved property located within a developed residential, commercial or industrial part of the unincorporated area of the county to:
(1) Permit or allow weeds, noxious growth, brush, or similar vegetation to grow to a height of two feet or more except for natural or agricultural uses;
(2) Permit such growth to a height, which constitutes a hazard, real or potential, for the harborage of vermin or insects;
(3) Permit the accumulations of litter, garbage, rubbish, and/or solid waste, which constitutes a hazard, real or potential;
(4) Permit other unsightly or injurious conditions to such an extent as to create a nuisance or potential health hazard for adjoining property or the general public.
(C) Unimproved property. It shall be unlawful for the owner, agent or occupant of any vacant unimproved property in developed residential, commercial or industrial unincorporated areas of the county which abut developed property or public streets on at least two sides to:
(1) Permit or allow weeds, noxious growth, brush, or similar vegetation to grow to a height of two feet or more except for natural or agricultural uses;
(2) Permit such growth to a height, which constitutes a hazard, real or potential, for the harborage of vermin or insects;
(3) Permit the accumulations of litter, garbage, rubbish, and/or solid waste, which constitutes a hazard, real or potential;
(4) Permit other unsightly or injurious conditions to such an extent as to create a nuisance or potential health hazard for adjoining property or the general public.
(Ord. 722, passed 1-18-22)