May 20, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Weed, Tall Grass Season Upon Us
DECATUR - With springtime upon us it is important that residents are aware of the rules and regulations related to weeds and tall grass in the City of Decatur.
Residents will be in violation of city ordinances this year if grass and/or weeds on their properties are 10 inches tall or higher. Occupied structures in violation will be notified with a five-day-on-site posting with a work order to mow issued on the sixth day after posting. Vacant structures and vacant lots in violation will not be posted and will be mowed by the city without notice. The owner of record for vacant structures and lots will be fined.
The fine for city-ordered mowing is $150. Fines will not be assessed if violations are addressed prior to mowing by the city.
As of Monday the city had received 738 weed and tall grass complaints and had completed 504. The city had also completed 277 of 284 72-hour cleanups – which are cases that are more urgent in nature and can include clean ups that go above and beyond mowing.
Mayor Mike McElroy on Monday asked that residents report any illegal dumping seen and encouraged residents to only hire reputable companies for clean-up jobs.
There is no limit on residential yard waste collection (except for residents with bag service) and residents with once or twice per week collection are entitled once per year to the removal of one (1) household appliance such as a stove, refrigerator, or dishwasher and five (5) other items that are too large to fit in a garbage container. In the case of large item collections, haulers must be notified in advanced and items must be placed at the curb. Yard waste must be contained in paper compost bags or 15 to 32 gallon cans (weighing 35 pounds or less) marked with approved yellow “Yard Waste Only” stickers. Yard waste bags and containers must be placed 3 ft from the curb or alley line and waste must not hang over the top of containers (limbs, branches and wood must be tied in bundles not more than 48 inches in length and 35 pounds in weight).
For more information about mowing and weeds, please call the City of Decatur at 424-2783. For more information about this release, call Billy Tyus at 424-2753.