Bill seeks local control for nuisance vegetation

Certain cities and villages would be given authority to determine at what height weeds and grasses become nuisances under a bill heard Feb. 5 by the Urban Affairs Committee.

Hyannis Sen. Al Davis, sponsor of LB643, said the intent of the bill is to provide more local control over the regulation of nuisances created by the excessive growth of weeds, grasses and worthless vegetation. Current law sets the nuisance level at 12 inches in height.

The bill would allow cities of the first and second class and villages to determine the height at which weeds, grasses or worthless vegetation are a nuisance and to develop a property owner notification process.

If a property owner files a written appeal of a nuisance citation within five days of notification, the bill would require a city or village to hold an appeal hearing within 14 days.

Hickman city administrator Silas Clarke testified in support of the bill, saying it can take cities up to 30 days to complete the citation process under current law. By that time, he said, grass that initially was 12 inches tall is much higher and the city appears unresponsive to those who complain about problem properties.

No one testified in opposition and the committee took no immediate action on the bill.