KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – As the City of Kalamazoo begins its tall grass and weed ordinance enforcement starting in May, it’s also making provisions for residents who wish to take part in No Mow May.
No Mow May is where homeowners pause their mowing activities for May to allow flowers to bloom in lawns, in turn helping early season pollinators. And city officials say citations will be provided as a courtesy to inform owners how to comply. They say those choosing to participate will not be cited if the following areas are kept mowed:
- The entire curb lawn between the street and sidewalk. If no sidewalk, at least 5 feet back of road edge.
- At least one mower width on the private property (house or lot) side of the public sidewalk.
- At least one mower width on any walk-way approach to front porch.
- At least 3 feet (about two mowing passes) immediately adjacent to neighboring property lines.
Officials point out that regular mowing should resume in June as ordinance violation notices will as well.
Kalamazoo City ordinance requires all property owners to keep grass maintained below 8 inches tall along with the eradication of noxious weeds of any height such as poison ivy, poison oak, and ragweed.
In 2016, the City Commission approved an escalating cost recovery fee if a violation notice is sent. The violation notice gives the property owner 10 days to mow the grass and/or eradicate the weeds. If not mowed by the 10-day deadline, the city will send an authorized contractor to mow the property and bill the property owner.
Officials remind residents that each time the grass is over 8 inches it is considered a new violation.
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