Due to the increased cost to the Town of Middletown when it is necessary to cut grass or engage in general cleanup of residential properties that are in violation of the Town's ordinance as to the length of grass and general physical condition of the property, it is necessary to raise the penalty charged for such activities.
[Adopted 9-9-2002]
The penalty for grass cutting and/or general cleanup of property that is in violation of the ordinances of the Town of Middletown regulating the length of grass and the general physical condition of residential property shall be $150 per hour.
[Added 6-7-2010 by Ord. No. 10-05-01]
A.
The following procedure will be followed: When the Town is notified about grass or other natural growth length exceeding 10 inches on any improved or unimproved real property in the residential zone as defined in the Town of Middletown Zoning Code or on any improved or unimproved real property assessed or taxed as residential property in any residential area in the Town of Middletown, through the Licensing and Inspection Department or by any other avenue, a measurement will be taken and documented by a Town code official.
B.
A notice documenting the issue will be sent by first-class mail to said owner or person responsible for the parcel in question. The Town shall also post a notice in a conspicuous place on said property. Such notice shall contain the requirement that the violation must be fully corrected within seven days from the date of the mailing of the notice. In the event the owner fails to do so within the seven-day period, the Town shall proceed in cutting, mowing, or otherwise improving the parcel. The Town shall give seven days 'notice once each calendar year (January 1 through December 31) per parcel and shall proceed, without further notice, to cut the grass and improve the property each time, during said calendar year, the property is inspected and found to be in violation of this article. The cost thereof, together with any fines and costs, shall constitute claim against the owner or owners of the lot or parcel of ground, and may be collected as any other fine or cost is collected. The Mayor and Council shall have the authority to revise, by resolution, the fees attached to this article.