[Adopted 10-5-2016 by Ord. No. 10052106]
This article shall be known and cited as the "Denton Township
Tall Grass and Weed Ordinance."
The Township finds that tall grass and weeds can have a blighting
effect on neighborhoods and can provide a refuge for vermin and insects.
As such, this article is hereby created to secure the public health,
safety and general welfare of the residents and property owners of
the Township by regulating the height of grass and weeds on land subject
to this article, in all zoning districts of the Township.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
GRASS
Vegetation consisting of typically short plants with long
narrow leaves, growing wild or cultivated on lawns and pasture, and
as a fodder crop, and shall exclude ornamental grass or shrubs.
LAND USED FOR AGRICULTURE
The active use of land for tilling of the soil, the raising
of field or tree crops or animal husbandry as a source of income.
WEED or WEEDS
Any plant defined or identified in the Noxious Weeds Act,
Public Act 359 of 1941, as amended, or other plants that in the discretion of
the Township Board come under the provisions of the Noxious Weeds
Act.
It shall be unlawful for any landowner, occupant or any person
in possession of any land within the jurisdiction of the Township
to permit or maintain any growth of grass or weeds that has grown
to a height greater than 12 inches on the average, except as provided
below:
A. An undeveloped lot in which no building has been erected and that
is located within a platted subdivision or condominium; or
B. Land being actively used for agricultural purposes; or
C. Portions of lots used for flower gardens, shrubbery, vegetable gardens,
greenbelts, and natural waterfront shoreline; or
D. Naturally wooded areas, regulated wetlands or meadows; or
E. Areas designated as undeveloped open space.
The landowner, occupant, or person in possession may appeal,
in writing, the Denton Township's notice of violation to the
Township Board within five days from the date the notice of violation
was served upon the landowner, occupant, or person in possession.
Upon receipt of a written appeal, the Denton Township Board shall
fix a date for a hearing to determine whether a violation of this
article has occurred. At the hearing, the owner, agent, or lessee
shall be given the opportunity to show cause why the notice of violation
and this article should not be enforced. The Denton Township Board
shall approve, disapprove, or modify the notice of violation. If the
notice of violation is approved or modified, the landowner, occupant,
or person in possession shall comply within three days after the date
of the hearing under this section.
If after notification or an approval or modification of the
notification, the landowner, occupant, or person in possession of
any land in violation of this article fails, neglects, or refuses
to completely bring the land into compliance, or otherwise permits
the violation to continue, the Township, or its authorized contractor
or other designee(s), is authorized and empowered to enter the land
to mow and cut as necessary to bring the land into compliance. The
Township shall keep accurate account of all expenses incurred with
respect to each parcel of land entered upon in carrying out the provisions
of this article.