Chapter 52 – Weeds And Noxious Growths

CHAPTER 52 WEEDS AND NOXIOUS GROWTHS 52.01 Weeds and Noxious Growths Must Be Destroyed or Cut 52.04 Method of Service 52.02 Notice to Destroy or Cut 52.05 Destruction or Cutting by City 52.03 Contents of Notice to Destroy or Cut 52.06 Collection of Cost 52.01 WEEDS AND NOXIOUS GROWTHS MUST BE DESTROYED OR CUT. All weeds, vines, brush or other growth which constitutes a health, safety, or fire hazard, on any lot or parking adjacent thereto, shall be destroyed by the owner or persons in possession of the lot; or, in lieu of destruction, weeds and growths specified herein shall be frequently cut. The Mayor shall determine the necessary frequency of cutting and shall determine whether or not the cutting is properly done. In addition to noxious weeds, ordinary lawn grass that is allowed to grow more than ten (10) inches high shall also be deemed a nuisance under this chapter and subject to all provisions herein. All weeds, vines, brush or other growth which constitutes a health, safety, or fire hazard, on any lot or parking adjacent thereto, shall be destroyed by the owner or persons in possession of the lot; or, in lieu of destruction, weeds and growths specified herein shall be frequently cut. The Mayor shall determine the necessary frequency of cutting and shall determine whether or not the cutting is properly done. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 364.12[3g]) 52.02 NOTICE TO DESTROY OR CUT. Upon the failure of the owner or the person in possession of such lot to destroy, to keep cut, or to properly cut the weeds and growths specified herein, the Mayor shall cause to be served upon the owner, agent, or person in possession of such property a written notice to destroy or cut. 52.03 CONTENTS OF NOTICE TO DESTROY OR CUT. The notice to destroy or cut shall contain: 1. Location of the weeds and growth. 2. An order to destroy or cut the weeds and growths within three (3) days of the date of mailing of the notice. 3. A statement of the act or acts necessary to destroy or properly cut the weeds and growths. 4. A statement that if the weeds and growths are not destroyed or properly cut, the City will destroy or cut the weeds and growths and assess the cost against such person. 52.04 METHOD OF NOTICE. The notice to destroy or cut shall be by personal service or certified mail. 52.05 DESTRUCTION OR CUTTING BY CITY. Within three (3) days of service of the notice to destroy or cut, if the person so notified neglects or fails to destroy or cut the weeds and growths specified therein as directed, the Mayor may cause the weeds and growths specified therein to be destroyed or cut, keeping an accurate account of the expenses incurred. The expenses shall be fully itemized, verified, and filed with the Clerk. Such expenses shall be paid by the City. 52.06 COLLECTION OF COST. The Clerk shall mail a statement of the total cost to the person failing to abide by the notice to destroy or cut and if the amount shown by the statement has not been paid within one month, the Clerk shall certify the costs to the County Treasurer and it shall then be collected with, and in the same manner as, general property taxes. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 364.12[3h])