For the purposes of this chapter, the words set out in this section shall have the following meanings:
DESTROY The complete killing of weeds or the killing of plants above the surface of the ground by cutting, at such time and in such manner as will effectually prevent such plants from maturing to the bloom or flower stage, and no later than the time that such weeds and plants reach the height of eight inches. If property records show a previous violation within a twelve-month period, weed or plant growth shall be maintained no greater than six inches.
NOXIOUS WEEDS AND RANK GROWTH OF VEGETATION Includes the following:
A. Canada thistle, leafy spurge, field bindweed (creeping Jenny), quack grass, purple loosestrife, multiflora rose, and any other weed that the State of Wisconsin declares to be noxious.
B. Any weed, grass or similar plant growth that, if allowed to pollinate, would cause or produce hay fever in human beings or would cause a skin rash through contact with the skin.
C. Grass or vegetation exceeding eight inches in height, or the accumulation of dead weeds, grass, or brush. Such rank growth of grass and vegetation or accumulation of dead weeds, grass or brush may constitute a fire hazard or allow debris to be hidden, affecting the public safety, and may adversely affect property values of other land within the Village. Trees, shrubbery and garden areas that are reasonably maintained are not included in this definition.
The Village Clerk shall annually, on or before May 15, publish as required by state law a notice that every person is required by law to destroy all noxious weeds and rank growth of vegetation on lands in the Village which he or she owns, occupies or controls. The notice shall also state that, in the event that noxious weeds and rank growth of vegetation are not destroyed, the Village may destroy the noxious weeds and rank growth of vegetation, and the costs will be charged to the land, and, in addition, citations for failure to comply with this requirement may be issued.
In addition to such other remedies as may be available as set forth herein, violations of this chapter are subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions described in Chapter
1, Article
II, of this Code.