§ 10-32. Imposition of civic duties.

(a)

To comply with the provisions of this article to preserve property values, prevent blight and enhance the quality of life for all citizens, all responsible persons are under an affirmative civic duty to cut or remove as often as may be necessary all rank growth, yard waste, debris and any and all other objectionable, unsightly or unsanitary matter of whatever nature from his lot or parcel of real estate and the abutting public way so no public nuisance shall exist or continue, and so that the public health, safety and welfare will not be harmed.

(b)

As to plant growth, the prohibitions set forth shall not apply to living trees, cultivated bushes, shrubs or flowers; any intentionally cultivated agricultural vegetation; any vegetation intentionally cultivated or maintained in a clearly defined and physically discrete area for landscaping, ornamental or other aesthetic purposes as a representative within a diverse planting plan, or land subject to or zoned as farming, forestry practices, timbering or wildlife management.

(c)

All responsible persons and commercial maintenance firms and landscapers are under an affirmative civic duty to place bag yard waste into containers, and to cut tree trunks and limbs to four feet or less, when yard waste removal is done by the city. Commercial [establishments] are required to remove and/or haul from such premises promptly and dispose of in an appropriate manner.

(Ord. No. 2013-7, 1-22-13)