[HISTORY: Adopted by the Common Council of the City of Lancaster
as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 8-15-2005 by Ord. No. 2005-06 as §§ 11.06
and 11.20 of the 2005 Code]
In order to prevent the growth and pollination of weeds and
grasses which cause or produce hay fever, exhale unpleasant or noxious
odors, conceal filthy deposits or create unsightly and vermin-infested
areas, every property owner shall mow, or cause to be mowed, upon
his premises and parkways abutting his premises all grasses or weeds
growing within the corporate limits on land not solely used for agricultural
purposes to a height not to exceed 12 inches.
The Director of Public Works shall enforce this article, and
if any person shall fail to comply herewith, the Director of Public
Works shall, after five days' written notice to the owner, cause
the premises to be mowed and report the cost thereof in writing to
the City Clerk/Treasurer, and the City shall recover such costs through
an action or in any other manner provided by the Wisconsin Statutes.
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this article shall, upon conviction of such violation, be subject to a penalty as provided in § 1-4 of this Municipal Code.
[Adopted 11-17-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-05]
Yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings, and soil/sediment
can cause significant water quality problems when it is blown or directed
into the stormwater system. Water quality problems include algal blooms
and aquatic weed growth, oxygen depletion, fish kills, and impaired
aquatic habitat. In addition, when the stormwater system is clogged
with yard waste, it can cause street and property flooding.
A.
It shall
be unlawful for any person to intentionally or purposefully rake,
sweep, blow, wash, direct or place any debris, including but not limited
to yard waste, grass clippings, leaves, sediment, trash, or debris
of any kind, into the storm drainage system of the City, including
any streets, storm drains, ditches, swales, streams, culverts, rights-of-way,
and dedicated easements, or in any other area where it might impede
the flow of water through the storm drainage system of the City.
B.
It shall
be the duty of all property owners within the City to take adequate
precautions on their property to ensure positive drainage on their
property. Such drainage may be provided either through natural or
artificial drains found to be adequate by the City's Public Works
Director. The owner shall keep all ditches, drains, swales, and drainage
routes free from obstructions which impede the flow of water.
A.
Any condition
in violation of this article shall constitute a public nuisance, subject
to abatement as set forth in the City of Lancaster Code of Ordinances.
B.
The Public
Works Director shall enforce the provisions of this article.
C.
The Public
Works Director shall have the right to enter upon all lands for inspection,
observation, measurement, sampling and testing and taking other actions
to determine compliance with this article.
D.
No person
shall obstruct, hamper or interfere with the Public Works Director
or designee while he/she is carrying out official duties.
