Local control for nuisance vegetation clears first round

Certain cities and villages would be given authority to determine at what height weeds and grasses become nuisances under a bill advanced from general file April 19.

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 limit and 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.

“This bill gives flexibility to our villages and first and second class cities,” Davis said.

Hoskins Sen. Dave Bloomfield expressed concern that local officials might arbitrarily apply the bill’s provisions.

“I think we’re opening up to allow for harassment of individuals in small towns by people who just plain don’t like them,” Bloomfield said.

Davis said the bill simply would allow municipalities to start the process of controlling problem properties sooner.

“The people who are going to be making these decisions are elected officials,” he said.

The bill advanced to select file on a 29-1 vote.