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Health

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1. I received a letter that my grass is too tall. Am I getting fined?

No, that letter is simply a notice that the grass is too tall or is getting close. Just cut the grass and weeds by the deadline, and no fines or other action will be taken. We will not issue a mow order unless it is over 8 inches

2. I received a notice letter, but my grass was already mowed.

Most likely, you cut the grass and weeds while the letter was being processed and mailed. If the violation noted in the letter has been addressed, then no further action is necessary. If you have questions about whether something is in violation, please feel free to call the Health Department at 752-1510.

3. I received a notice/bill but no longer own the property due to selling on contract /forcelosure /bankruptcy

Our system is connected to the County's tax records system so if your name is listed you will get the notices until it transfer from your name to the next persons. Foreclosures and Bankruptcies can take several years - you will not be financially responsible, but will continue to get notices. If you have sold it on contract let us know, however if it was not filed with the Recorder's office you are still legally responsible.

4. Due to ____ reason, I cannot mow the grass.

If you have special circumstances that prevent you from cutting, or having someone else cut, the tall grass within the 7-day time frame, please call the Health Department at 309-752-1510 as soon as possible and we will try and work with you.

5. How many notices will I get?

Once we mow your property you will not receive any further notifications that season. Your property, if out of compliance, will be immediately issued a mow order that season. Nuisance properties that were mowed the previous year and have the same owner will be immediately mowed as well. Extremely neglected properties or properties with pest control issues may be issued an immediate mow order if deemed an hazard. Please keep in mind that if you receive a notice but the City does not mow it is more economical for the city to send you another courtesy notice rather than issuing an immediate mow order, but we are within our right to issue the immediate mow order.

6. The property down the street has tall weeds. Who do I call?

The Health Department handles tall grass violations. Call them at 309-752-1510, or use the report a concern page. You will need the address or location of the tall grass.

7. How do you tell if the grass is too tall?

Most of the time tall grass is easily seen. However, before a mow order is issued we try use a specially designed measuring device that identifies and clearly indicates that the 8" standard has been exceeded and then document it.

8. The house next door has tall weeds in the backyard behind their privacy fence. Why hasn’t anything been done?

The City can only inspect for violations from public areas, such as the street, unless a property owner gives specific permission to enter their property. Being behind a fence makes it impossible to see from the street. However, if you can see it from somewhere on your property you can give city inspectors permission and access.

9. The property next door only mows the front why isn't the City doing anything?

Often times property owners, occupants or even neighbors will only mow the front of a property. When the city drives by for routine inspections we may not see that back or we assume they are in the middle of taking care of it. Call the city (309-752-1510) and let them know what is happening so that a more in depth inspection can be conducted and a notice sent out. Remember we can only inspect from public areas or when we have permission to access areas that give us a better view.

10. I received a notice letter, but my neighbor’s property is far worse than mine.

It is likely they received a notice as well. However, to ensure the City is aware of the violation, you can submit a complaint by calling the Health Department at 309-752-1510.

11. Do I need to let you know when I cut the grass?

No. During a follow-up inspection, we will verify if the grass is cut or not. However, if you have special considerations that need addressed, please call 309-752-1510 to let us know.

12. Can I mow the vacant lot / property next door?

If you like mowing, and the owner doesn’t mind you doing so, the City won’t stop you. However, the City cannot send notice to the vacant lot owner to let them know about the tall grass if it is being mowed by someone else and the City will not pay you.

13. My neighbor’s tree is overgrown and hangs over my property. Is this overgrown vegetation?

By the City’s definition, no. Overgrown vegetation only applies to weeds, grass, and similar vegetation. The City will intervene for overgrown trees and shrubs when they block sidewalks, impede street visibility, or otherwise cause danger to the public rights-of-way. Otherwise, this is an issue between you and your neighbor to resolve.

14. My neighbor does not trim his side of our joint fence when he mows his grass, so there are tall grass and weeds along the fence.

The purpose of the weed ordinance is to remove weeds and tall grass that can cause significant impacts to public health and property values. Just a fence line of tall grass will not have that significant impact. Please talk with your neighbor about your concerns.

15. What happens if I sold the property but did not record the sale with the County?

The city does not recognize unrecorded deeds and will pursue the owner according to the public record. It is the owner’s responsibility to insure the recording of the new deed.

16. How much will I have to pay if the City mows my property?

A minimum of $180 will be charged to a property owner if the city requires the property to be abated. Additional fees will be added, for brush/refuse pick up, liens, curt costs and fines.

17. Once the city mows a property how often will it be mowed?

Properties are typically only mowed 2-3 times per season by the City. However, certain instances may warrant additional mow orders.

18. Can I grow wildflowers? How about a garden?

Wildflowers that are intentionally seeded and that are kept neat and contained are acceptable. An overgrown yard that happens to have some flowers is not. A vegetable garden, even including tall corn stalks, is also permitted, as long as weeds are kept under control.

19. What is a weed?

For purposes of enforcement of city ordinance weeds are all grasses, annual plants, and vegetation (other than trees or shrubs provided) beyond the 8 inches mark. However, this term doesn't include cultivated flowers and gardens, including native planting used for aesthetic or wildlife promotion, to attract and aid wildlife, to offset and control any soil loss problems either occurring or predicted, to promote stormwater infiltration into the soil, or promote transpiration of stormwater by plants.

20. Are there any exceptions?

Any yard, lawn, lot or other grassy area near any homes and businesses needs to be cut to meet the ordinance requirements. There are general exceptions made for riparian areas along stream banks, for woods, and for agricultural land. Even in those areas though, noxious and detrimental weeds must be removed.