Tall Weeds & Grasses

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Overview

Each growing season the City of Janesville Operations Division deals with private properties throughout the City that are not in compliance with City Ordinance 22-204 "Noxious Weeds, Gardening, Natural Landscaping and Composting," which limits the height of grass and weeds to a maximum of twelve inches (12”) and prohibits the growth of noxious weeds.

This program is important because tall grasses and weeds:

Reduce property values and prevent neighbors from fully enjoying their property during spring and summer months.

Attract vermin and insects, creating a potential health hazard.

Cause hay fever and other allergy problems.

Create a potential fire hazard.

Detract from the overall beauty and desirability of the City.

Abatement Process

As non-compliant properties are reported by residents or City staff, it is the City’s current policy to give the property owner the opportunity to cut the grass and/or weeds to an acceptable height at their own expense within a reasonable time frame.

If the property owner fails to correct the situation, the City will perform the work at the property owner’s expense, per City Ordinance 22-209.

A notice will be issued to the property owner after non-compliance has been verified by City inspectors. The notice may be in the form of a door hanger left at the property and/or a letter mailed to the property owner.
After 7 days, City staff will re-inspect the property. If the work has not been completed satisfactorily, the City will perform the work at the expense of the property owner. Before and after photographs are taken of all work completed by City staff.

Can’t mow the yard yourself?

Call the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Rock County at 741-3600 for help finding assistance.