Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Weed Control Program

Summer is just around the corner.
If there's a city lot that needs tending the below numbers may be of some help to you.


Report weeds
For weeds higher than 10 inches, call:
# Occupied property, (816) 513-9000
# Vacant property, (816) 513-1311
What's a weed?

A weed is a plant growing "out of place."

But one person's "weed" might be another person's "wildflower."

If it's more than 10 inches tall and the property is not "tended," then it will probably be considered a "weed."

The City monitors properties that have had a record of being a nuisance due to weeds.

An inspection of each such property is performed at the beginning of the growing season. When a property is found to be in violation (that is, it has weeds more than 10 inches tall), a Notice of Violation letter is sent giving the owner 15 days to cut the weeds on the property. Approximately 15 days from the date of the notice, a reinspection is made. If the property is still in violation, it is put on a list for cutting by the city or its contractor.

Once cutting is completed, another inspection of the property is made to ensure that the lot was cut to the city's satisfaction. This process is referred to as a cycle and may be repeated again during the growing season.

NOTE: A Notice of Violation letter is sent to a property owner only once during each growing season.

Billing

If a lot is cut by the city, the property owner is then held responsible for the cost of the mowing, plus an administrative fee of $100. A bill called a "special assessment" is sent to the property owner. A special assessment is considered a personal debt, and is a "lien" against the property. As with any other unpaid bill, a special assessment can show up on the property owner's credit record and it may also complicate sale of the property.

We ask that you help us "KEEP KANSAS CITY BEAUTIFUL" by maintaining your property. Please mow or otherwise "tend" your property, and collect litter or debris in your neighborhood.