City leaders said it is time to begin enforcing its ordinance concerning grass debris being blown into the streets. And offenders could face legal consequences.
Although the summer lawn cutting season is nearing a close, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen said the violations continue when it comes to leaves and cut grass being blown onto the city streets. Blowing grass into city streets creates many issues, such as clogging storm drains and causing slippery conditions for vehicles, especially motorcycles.
During Monday’s city council meeting, Peter Gower, interim building code inspector, said he is addressing the violations when he encounters them, adding that homeowners need to be aware they could be responsible even if a hired lawn service company is violating the city ordinance.
Board attorney Lilli Evans-Bass said if Gower files an affidavit at the police department concerning the ordinance violation, then the responsibility falls on whoever Gower witnesses in violation. However, citations concerning zoning violations would fall upon the property owner.
According to the city ordinance, “it shall be unlawful for any person in the city to place, cause, permit or allow any trees, limbs, shrubs, dirt, trash, paper, grass or other waste matter or material to be placed upon any paved or improved portion of any street, sidewalk or alley or in any ditch, gutter or drainage system of the city.”
