Bob Kendall Toledo Police Chief

Dear Toledo Residents,

The mowing season is now upon us, and the Toledo Police Department would like to remind residents of the following city ordinance regarding lawn grasses and weeds. Toledo City Code Section 52.01 specifically states: “Lawns and gardens within nonagricultural areas in the city shall be maintained in accordance with this chapter. All yards and gardens shall be kept free of noxious weeds. All lawns and gardens shall be kept mowed or trimmed so that they do not exceed six (6) inches in height from ground level to blade tip.

Chapter 52.02 of the Toledo City Code specifically states: “In the event a cornplaint is received or a violation of the standards setforth is otherwise brought to the attention of the police chief, the same shall be abated in the following rnanner:

1) The police chief or any member of the police department shall notify in writing the owner of the premises of the specific violation of the standards set forth above.

2) The owner shall have twenty-four (24) hours following the delivery of such notice to correct the violation of the standards set forth in the notice.

3) After twenty-four (24) hours or at anytime thereafter, the city may order the necessary work done, including lawn mowing or removal of items that are in violation of the standards set forth in this chapter. These actions may be taken by the city itself through city employees, or done by a third party at the order of the city.

What this means is this; If an officer of the Toledo Police Department(or any other citizen for that matter) observes a lawn, and it is the opinion of the officer(or citizen) that the grasses and weeds exceed six (6) inches in height, The police department will prepare a written notice to you, ordering you to mow the property within 24 hours. However, we do realize there are times where either your lawn mower is having difficulties, or there are other circumstances beyond your control, and mowng within 24 hours is not possible. Most generally, the police chief will extend that time and give a deadline for the mowing to be completed. If, however, the mowing is not completed within the 24 hours, or after the deadline of an extension, one of the city’s contract mowers will be called in, and your lawn will be mowed. The result of this will cost you a $100 fine. If you fail or refuse to pay the $100 fine, then that amount will be assessed to your property taxes.

Also, something to consider when you are mowing your lawn; do NOT mow the grass clippings into the city streets. This is illegal and is considered littering. If you absolutely have to mow the grass into the city streets, make sure that you clean up ALL of the grass mown n into the street when you are finished wowing. Grass that is left in the street can washed down into the city’s storm sewers and cause them to plug up. The result of this can be flooding arouxid the area of the storm sewer and water pooling into your yard, or perhaps into your basement if it goes for enough. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Toledo Police Department at 641-484-301.3. Have a GREAT Summer!

Bob Kendall

Toledo Police Chief