| § 14-36 PRINCETON CODE ARTICLE III. WEEDS*
Sec. 14-36. Definitions.
For purposes of this article the definition of "weeds and rank vegetation" shall include any plants, shrubs or trees which exceed nine inches in height and which are determined to be a nuisance as defined and illustrated in sections 14-1 and 14-2 of this Code. The definition of "weeds and rank vegetation" does not include agricultural crops such as hay and pasture or vegetation planted for some useful or ornamental purpose.
(Ord. No. 1993-14, § 3, 10-18-93; Ord. No. 1994-6, 7-5-94)
Sec. 14-37. Notice of violation.
The common council of the city may require the owners of real property in the municipality to cut and remove weeds or other rank vegetation growing on that property. A five day written notice to remove the vegetation must be issued by the fiscal officer upon the landowner, if said landowner is a resident, or by registered or certified mail addressed to the last known address if the landowner is not a resident.
(Ord. No. 1993-14, § 5, 10-18-93)
Sec. 14-38. Abatement; Collection of bill; Disbursement.
If the landowner fails to remove the vegetation within the time prescribed, the municipality may remove the vegetation. The fiscal officer of the municipality must make a certified statement of the actual cost incurred by the municipality in the removal. The statement may be delivered to the owner of the property by a law enforcement officer of the city if the owner is a resident, or by registered or certified mail if the landowner is not a resident and the owner shall pay the amount to the fiscal office. If the owner fails to pay the amount within ten days after receiving the statement, a certified copy of the statement of the amount of the bill plus administrative costs incurred in the certification shall be filed in the office of the auditor of Gibson County. The auditor shall place the total amount certified on the tax duplicate for the property affected, and the total amount, including any accrued interest, shall be collected as delinquent taxes are collected and shall be disbursed to the general fund of the municipality. (Ord. No. 1993-14, § 6, 10-18-93)
Sec. 14-39. Appeal.
The owner of real property who is provided notice of violation or a bill issued under this article may appeal said notice or bill. Any appeal must be in writing and received by the fiscal officer within five days of owner's receipt of notice of violation or bill. A timely filed appeal will suspend further action until the matter may be heard by the common council. Upon receipt of
owner's appeal, the fiscal officer shall place the owner's name on the agenda of the next meeting of the common council at which time the owner may have the opportunity to address the council concerning the violation or bill. The council's decision shall be final in all respects. (Ord. No. 1993-14, § 7, 10-18-93)
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