Tall Grass and Weed Abatement: 225 North Owasso Boulevard
Adopting the following resolution, approving the abatement of vegetative growth pursuant section Section 22-2 (4):
The city council is being asked to order a weed/vegetative growth abatements for property at 225 North Owasso Boulevard. The council has the authority to declare and abate nuisances, including noxious weeds, grass and plant growth on private property that does not comply with the city’s property maintenance standards.
ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS
In accordance with section 28-6(c), all exterior property areas shall be kept free from species of weeds or plant growth which are noxious or a detriment to public health. Grass plots and lawn areas, including any contiguously abutting street boulevard areas, shall not exceed nine inches in height. Non-woody vegetation on vacant properties shall not exceed 18 inches in height. Landscaping shall be maintained so as to prevent unsightliness, health hazards or unsafe conditions.
In addition, section 22-24, abatement procedure, outlines the notification and hearing process. When the city staff determines a public nuisance is being maintained or exists on a property, the staff shall notify in writing the owner of record or occupant of the nuisance and order the nuisance to be terminated and abated. This notice shall specify the timeframe in which the nuisance must be abated.
Weed and vegetative growth abatement notices are posted on the property and also sent via mail to the property owner of record. The notice specifies that the nuisance weeds, vegetation and grass must be mowed or removed within five working days, and if that nuisance remains, the city council will hold a hearing to order the abatement of the nuisance. The notice also identifies the time and date of the hearing scheduled before the city council. The property owner has the right to appear at the hearing.
If the council orders the abatement, the city will abate the nuisance and the cost of the abatement, including administrative costs, will be charged to the property owner and certified against the property for collection with taxes if the bill is not paid.
PROPERTY CONDITIONS
225 North Owasso Boulevard
On August 14th, staff identified tall grasses, nuisance weeds and other vegetative growth in excess of nine inches in height upon inspection of the property. This vegetation is located all over the yard of the subject property. The property was given notice to abate the nuisance growth of tall grasses, weeds and other vegetation. A copy of the notice was posted on the property. The notice specifies the pertinent city regulations, the conditions constituting a violation of those regulations, and identifies that the council will hold a hearing on September 8, 2026 to consider abatement of the nuisance conditions, with costs charged to the property owner. Photographs of the property are attached.
Staff has inspected the property August 20th, August 25th, August 31st and September 2nd. To date, the property owner has not brought the property into compliance. The property will be re-inspected on the day of the scheduled hearing.
Staff recommends adoption of the following resolution, approving the abatement of vegetative growth pursuant section Section 22-2 (4):
The cost of the above listed abatement, including administrative costs, will be billed to the property owner. The city manager is authorized to monitor the properties throughout the 2026 and 2027 growing seasons and to abate any vegetative growth on the properties that do not comply with city regulations.
Staff will continue to work with the property owners to achieve compliance. However, if the situation is not remedied, an outside firm will be hired to mow the lawn, remove vegetation and remedy the violation. Costs associated will be billed to the property owners.