Mowing/Grass Length Abatement: Please Take Note of New City Policy
On March 9th, City Council passed a new policy related to City Code Section 96.03 (Requirements as to Maintenance of Premises, Disposal of Wastes, and Cutting of Grass, Weeds, and Undergrowth). While this section of the ordinance has not changed, the polices surrounding violations of this ordinance have, specifically in regard to grass length (which must be trimmed to a length of eight inches or less). An overview of the new policy is outlined here:
- If staff identifies that a property owner’s grass length does not conform to City Code, staff will document the situation by taking photos of the grass and immediately notify the mowing contractor (identified through and annual request for proposal process) to immediately cut the grass to a length of four (4) inches.
- Staff will then bill back to the property owner the contractor cost to cut the grass to a length of four (4) inches with a $20 administrative fee (example: $50 mowing cost + $20 administrative fee = $70).
- If a resident is unable to mow their grass due to an emergency situation, that resident can contact the City (507-665-6401) and reasonable accommodations will be provided to allow for the property owner to mow the grass to an acceptable length in a reasonable time frame.
- Any payments not received by September 1st annually will be certified to the tax roll of the property owner
*Nuisance/notice letters will no longer be sent out prior to contractors mowing properties that are out of compliance*
Keeping our yards looking nice is important to the overall appearance of our community and we thank you for your compliance.