[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Somerset as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Unsafe buildings — See Ch. 78.
Solid waste — See Ch. 161.
Zoning — See Ch. 205.
[Adopted 8-8-2006 by L.L. No. 3-2006]
This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Grass and Weeds Law."
The Town Board of the Town of Somerset recognizes and declares that the uncared for and neglectful attention to the growth of grass and other vegetation within the Town of Somerset 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 article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
PREMISES
Being those lands within the Town of Somerset within a one-hundred-foot area adjacent to the residential structure on said land.
WEEDS
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 and/or occupant, tenant or person in control 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 10 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 owner and/or tenant or agent in charge of said premises requiring said owner and/or tenant or agent in charge to mow premises within 10 days of the receipt of the notice either personally served upon said owner and/or tenant or agent in charge or served upon said owner and/or tenant or agent in charge by certified mail, return receipt requested, to said owner and/or tenant to 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 article 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 Somerset or contractor hired by the Town of Somerset 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 of record of said property.
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 rates charged on unpaid taxes applicable to said property shall be collected in the same manner as any unpaid Town tax.