The owner of any lot or parcel of land within the City shall cut or destroy or cause to be cut or destroyed any noxious weeds, vines or grass growing upon such lot or parcel of land to prevent the same from either blooming, going to seed or exceeding a height of eight inches, within three days after receipt of a written notice of the existence of the violation served in the manner provided for service of process in civil actions, except that when the residence of the owner is unknown, service shall be given by publication of such notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in the City.