H-1 - Ordinance 2022-493 - Weeds and Noxious Growths

asdesignated by the Tiffin City Council, need not be mowed and shall be left in their natural state, except that noxious weeds shall be removed or controlled. 3. Public Ways. Sidewalk or other public ways that lie adjacent to or extend through a natural or conservation area must be open and free from any obstructions to pedestrians or vehicular traffic. 52.07 EXEMPT PROPERTY. 1. Property within the City of Tiffin and owned by the State of Iowa is exempt from the provisions of this chapter. 2. Property within the City of Tiffin which is owned by a railroad company and currently used for the operation of the railroad system is exempt from the provisions of this chapter. 52.08 PENALTYVIOLATION AND NOTICE. Upon a determination that Any property which is found to be in a violation of this chapter has occurred, the City will send written notice by certified and regular mail to the property owner. Such notice will set forth that the property owner has seven (7) days from the date of the notice to have the weeds and grass cut so that the height conforms to this chapter. The notice may instruct the property owner that the notice constitutes ongoing notice for the balance of the calendar year with respect to violations of this chapter for that property may be mowed by the City or their agent. All associated costs for such mowing, plus a surcharge of $100.00, will be charged to the property owner. The minimum charge will be for one hour of work at a rate of $75.00 per hour plus the surcharge of $100.00. Any property owners who fail to mow their properties, thus allowing the same to be mowed by the City or their agents, and who do not provide payment for the mowing as required, will be assessed by the City for such costs, which will be collected in the same manner as general property taxes. 52.09 FAILURE TO CUT AND COLLECTIONMETHOD-OF-SERVICE-AND BILLING. 1.—If any property owner who has been sent notice fails to cut the weeds and/or grass in conformance with this chapter within the time period set forth in the notice, the City may do so and charge the costs to the property owner, and the property owner shall pay such invoice within 30 days of the date of the invoice. If the property owner fails to pay such invoice within 30 days of the date of the invoice, the City may assess the costs against the property owner for collection in the same manner as a property tax, or may seek any other remedy provided by law, including a civil action for damages. If it is determined a violation of this chapter has occurred for a property during the same calendar year in which notice was previously sent to