News release from the City of Fort Wayne:
Harsh winter delays start of weed enforcement
(May 1, 2014) – Fort Wayne’s extreme winter season is pushing back the start of Neighborhood Code Enforcement’s weed program. The winter’s low temperatures and heavy snow have delayed the growth of grasses and weeds, so instead of starting the first week in May, the weed program will now begin Monday, May 19.
Weed complaints will also be accepted beginning May 19; the public should call 311 or 427-8311 to report a possible violation where weeds or grass exceed nine inches. Online complaints may be filed at www.cityoffortwayne.org/citizen-services. Individuals reporting a violation will need to have the property’s specific street address to register the complaint.
“The weed program is an important part of Neighborhood Code’s work to maintain the health and safety of our community,” said Cindy Joyner, deputy director for Neighborhood Code Enforcement. “Ensuring that properties are well-maintained helps protect property values and improve the quality of life in our City.”
Eight seasonal, part-time employees will respond to complaints and also work proactively to identify weed and high-grass violations. The weed inspectors will initially concentrate on the City’s major transportation corridors and then move on to addressing specific complaints as they canvass the community.
If the inspectors determine there is a violation, they will take date-stamped photos and post a placard on the cited property. As a courtesy, an abate notice is mailed to the owner of record who then has five days to correct the violation. After five days, the City’s mowing contractors will inspect to see if the property is in compliance and if not, they will mow and also take date-stamped before- and after-photos. The owner will then be charged for the mowing; if the invoice is not paid within 30 days, a lien will be placed on the property.
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