After 5 days...

After 5 days of a yard not being mode, you can call code enforcement. They are a city organization (I do believe) that makes sure that land owners adhere to the city code, as far as lawncare, and building structures (IE Sheds, and whatnot) are met.

They do the leg work for making sure everyone is within the city code. It makes it so we, the homeowners, don't have to suffer through legal battles and things like that for neighbors who are not caring for their lawn, or following the local building codes.

By Ben Buxton

More than 5 days

Actually once the grass is over 12 inches high the city (if notified) will notify the homeowner and give them 30 days to remedy the issue or they will mow it and charge the homeowner.

As for HUD houses I believe they have a service that does come out every two weeks.

I think it is wonderful if neighbors pitch in as we are the ones that have to look at it.

overgrown yards.

First of all, welcome to the neighborhood. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Second, we have a code enforcement committee. If you e-mail the address for any homes you are concerned about to codeenforcement@woodsatjefferson.org the committee will tell you whether code enforcement has already been contacted and what the status is.

Third, for those of you taking care of empty homes, it actually hinders our efforts to get the city to care for them. If they drive by and see them mowed and cleaned up, they take them off the list and we have to start all over turning them in. It is a two week mow schedule because the city is incredibly short staffed, but if you do it, the city won't. also, you bear a personal liability if someone decides you damaged their home while taking care of the property. Please let code enforecement deal with it. Again the e-mail address is codeenforcement@woodsatjefferson.org

Sorry it took me so long to reply- I have been out of town.

Sincerely,
Pamela Gredicak, President
Woods at Jefferson Homeowners' Association

5 days

Well Ben, I am a code officer for the city. Juli is right about 12 inches. However, The appeal time is 15 days before it can be turned over for city abatement. As a practice, code officers state 7 days on the violation notices. Also, the city will only cut the lawn no more than 2 times a year(and that is stretching it)and the city will only cut vacant properties.

As far as neighbors cutting the property, please keep in mind that in doing so you are trespassing and could possibly be arrested. The city has right of entry on these properties and can legally do this.