Unless otherwise expressly provided, the following words shall, for
the purposes of this chapter, have the following meanings:
PERSON
Any natural person, partnership, firm, corporation or other legal
entity, including singular and plural, male and female.
WEEDS
Any thistle, nettle, poison ivy, sumac, goldenrod, ragweed, tall
grasses (in excess of eight inches in height) or any other plant or vegetation
whatsoever not edible or planted for ornamental or agricultural purposes.
From and after the passage of this chapter, it shall be unlawful for
any person owning or having present interest in any real estate in the Township
of West Whiteland to permit weeds to grow or remain on the premises owned
by them in the Township of West Whiteland within 100 yards of any dwelling,
and all such weeds are hereby declared to be nuisances and detrimental to
the health, safety and comfort of the inhabitants of the Township.
All weeds permitted to grow or remain contrary to the provisions of
this chapter shall be cut and removed by or under the direction of the Board
of Supervisors, or any other person designated by the Board of Supervisors,
and the costs thereof, together with the penalties provided by law, shall
be collected by lien or by action in assumpsit, or any such other manner as
may be provided by law.
[Amended 6-10-1997 by Ord. No. 257]
Any person, firm or corporation who violates or permits the violation
of any provision of this chapter shall be subject to a fine in the amount
of at least $25, but not to exceed $600, plus all court costs, including reasonable
attorney fees incurred by the Township. Each twenty-four-hour period during
which a violation of this chapter continues shall constitute a separate offense.
Upon a finding of liability for committing said violation or permitting said
violation, in a civil enforcement proceeding commenced by the Township, the
defendant shall pay the fine, plus all court costs, including attorney fees.
No judgment shall be imposed until the date of determination of a violation
by a District Justice. If the defendant neither pays nor timely appeals the
judgment, the Township may enforce the judgment pursuant to the applicable
Rules of Civil Procedure.