GRASS AND NOXIOUS WEEDS CUTTING REQUIREMENTS
All property owners within the corporate limits of the City of Omro are required by ordinance to maintain their lawns, grasses and noxious weeds upon their property and not allow it to exceed eight (8”) inches in height. This is also required on vacant and unimproved lots within the city.
In addition, residents are reminded that blowing or placing grass clippings, leaves, or other debris onto the street is prohibited. Storm water runoff carries these grass clippings and other debris on the street pavement surfaces into the storm water system. The City of Omro’s storm water system drains directly into the Fox River and is not treated at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Debris carried by storm water can cause inlets and storm sewers to plug and this can lead to flooding. Additionally, grass clippings and leaves contain nutrients that help feed algae blooms on adjoining waterways.
Property owners face potential citation for violation of the Municipal Code.
Violators can be reported to the Public Works Director at (920) 685-7020.
Omro Municipal Code of Ordinances
8.28.030 - Definitions.
"Natural lawn," as used in this section shall include common species of grass and wild flowers native to North America which are designed and purposely cultivated to exceed eight inches in height from the ground.
"Noxious weeds" shall include any weed, grass, or similar plant growth which, if allowed to pollinate, would cause or produce hay fever in human beings, or would cause a skin rash through contact with the skin.
8.28.040 - Public nuisance declared.
The common council finds that lawns, grasses, and noxious weeds on non-agricultural lots or parcels of land, as classified under the city's municipal zoning code Chapter 17, within the city of Omro, which exceed eight inches in length, adversely affect the public health and safety in that they tend to emit pollen and other discomforting bits of plants, constitute a fire hazard and safety hazard in that debris can be hidden in the grass, interferes with the public convenience, and adversely affects property values of other land within the city. For that reason, any non-agricultural lawn, grass or weed on a lot or other parcel of land which exceeds eight inches in length is declared to be a public nuisance.
12.04.100 - Unlawful dumping on streets.
It is unlawful for any person to deposit or cause to be deposited, dump, sort, scatter or leave any rubbish, stone, wire, earth, ashes, cinders, sawdust, hay, glass, manure, filth, paper, snow, ice, dirt, grass, leaves, construction waste, garbage or other offensive or noxious material in any public street, sidewalk, alley, or upon any public property or upon any property of another, without the express permission of the owner of occupant thereof.
12.04.180 - Grass clippings.
All grass clippings from lawn mowing or other sources shall not be allowed to blow upon or accumulate upon any public street in the city where such grass clippings could wash into any storm sewer drainage inlet.