Temperatures might still be cold outside and the grass in your yard might be dormant, but spring will be here before you know it. And once the grass starts growing again, it’s important to know about the city’s updated ordinance for weed, grass, trash, and debris abatement.

If a property owner receives a notice that their yard is in violation of the city’s ordinance, the owner has seven days to begin correcting the issue. Previously, property owners had only five days to resolve any problems.

The most significant change, however, concerns abatement hearings. When a notice was previously sent to a violator, a hearing date was automatically set by the city’s health officer. Now, a resident must request a hearing with the city within seven days of receiving a violation notice.

If a property owner is found to be liable for the abatement and any removal costs, they have 45 days to pay the bill before a tax lien is placed on the violator’s property. Previously, property owners had only ten days to pay their bill.

Should the city be forced to correct any abatement violation, the property owner will be charged a minimum fee of $100 plus an hourly labor fee of $50 per hour for the employees work, as well as any equipment and disposal costs. To view the full ordinance, go to fultonmo.org/ordinances.