[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Royalton
at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Streets and sidewalks — See Ch. 158.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Grass and
Weeds Law."
The Town Board of the Town of Royalton recognizes and declares
that the uncared for and neglectful attention to the growth of grass
and other vegetation within the Town of Royalton can result in risks
to public health and be a fire hazard. While it is recognized that
certain areas may be maintained for natural habitats and other legitimate
purposes, the failure of property owners to care for their property
through neglect or lack of concern requires that measures be taken
to ensure the maintenance of reasonable health and neighborhood standards.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Those lands within the Town of Royalton within a one-hundred-foot
perimeter of the residential structure on said land.
All grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees
or shrubs; provided, however, that this term shall not include cultivated
flowers and gardens.
It shall be the duty of the owner, occupant, tenant, mortgage
holder and person in control (hereinafter referred to collectively
and individually as the "responsible party") of every lot or parcel
of land upon which an improvement has been made to maintain the premises
so that all grasses and/or weeds shall not exceed six inches in height.
All noxious weeds shall be prohibited.
It shall be the duty of the Code Enforcement Officer to serve
a notice upon the responsible party requiring said responsible party
to mow premises with 10 days of the receipt of the notice either personally
served upon said responsible party or served upon said responsible
party by certified mail, return receipt requested, to said responsible
party at the last known address or at the mailing address listed in
the most recent assessment roll.
A.
Upon the
failure, neglect or refusal of any owner, person or agent so notified
to properly comply with this chapter within 20 days after the service
of notice as provided herein, the Code Enforcement Officer is hereby
authorized to cause the condition to be remedied and the grass, weeds
or other uncultivated vegetation to be removed.
B.
Any duly
authorized employee of the Town of Royalton or contractor hired by
the Town of Royalton shall be authorized to enter upon the property
in violation and cut and destroy the grass, weeds or other uncultivated
vegetation growing on the premises and shall charge the cost of such
removal to the owner or record of said property. The minimum cost
shall be $75. Every hour after the first hour shall be charged at
$75 (maximum of two hours).
C.
The Code
Enforcement Officer shall mail a statement to said owner of record
requesting the payment of such cost, which shall become due and payable
within 30 days from the mailing thereof.
D.
If such
cost is not paid within such time and interest not paid by November
1 of the year in which such cost is incurred, such cost and interest
at the rated charged on unpaid taxes applicable to said property shall
be collected in the same manner as any unpaid Town tax.
A violation of this chapter shall constitute an offense punishable
by a fine of not more that $250 or imprisonment for not more than
15 days, or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that such violation
occurs shall be deemed a separate offense and punishable as such.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall be authorized to bring proceedings
in Town Court.
