For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meaning ascribed to them in this section:
PERSON
Includes individual, partnership, firm or corporation in the singular
or plural.
WEEDS
Includes all rank vegetable growth, including but not limited to,
grass, ragweed, dandelion and such other vegetation commonly referred to as
weeds or brush which may exude unpleasant noxious odors or pollen, or which
may conceal deposits of filth or serve as breading places for mosquitoes,
other insects or vermin.
No person owning, holding or in possession of any real estate shall
allow or maintain on any lot or tract of land within the boundary of the Borough
of Coopersburg any growth of weeds to a height of over one foot, and such
growth of weeds is hereby declared to be a nuisance, injurious to the health,
cleanliness, comfort and safety of the residents of the Borough of Coopersburg.
The Borough of Coopersburg shall notify any person in writing of the
violation of this chapter. In the event of the failure of the person so notified
to cut and destroy or remove such weeds within five days after having been
so notified, the Borough may cut, destroy or remove or have such weeds cut,
destroyed or removed and bill such person with the cost thereof in accordance
with further provisions of this chapter. In the event of subsequent violations
in the same calendar year, the Borough shall be authorized to cut, destroy
or remove or to have such weeds cut, destroyed or removed without further
notification to the person and bill such person for the costs thereof. In
the case of neglect or refusal by the person to pay such bill within 30 days,
the bill shall be subject in all respects to the general law provided for
the filing and recovery of municipal liens.
The cost for weed violation remedy service of the Borough of Coopersburg
shall be determined from time to time by Borough Council by resolution. Such
resolution shall establish a lump sum service charge which shall compensate
the Borough for both direct and indirect costs and expenses incurred in weed
removal together with an additional charge based on the time involved in such
weed removal.
[Amended 4-23-1996 by Ord. No. 509]
A. It is declared to be the policy of the Borough of Coopersburg
that, upon notification of a violation of this chapter, the property owner
shall proceed to abate the nuisance himself, or be subject to the penalties
imposed by this chapter. Borough action to abate the nuisance shall be taken
only in the interest of protecting residents of the Borough from the continued
harm from the effects of neglect or refusal to cut the weeds.
B. Any person who shall violate any provision of this chapter
shall, upon conviction thereof, be sentenced to pay a fine not exceeding $600
and costs and, in default of payment thereof, shall be subject to imprisonment
for a term not to exceed 30 days. Each day that a violation of this chapter
continues shall constitute a separate offense.