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Township cracks down on high lawns
(by Alexa Libert, staff writer - June 10, 2010)
Not cutting your lawn could cost you if you live in Franklin Township.
The Franklin Township road department has sent 56 notifications to residents since the start of the season, explained Road Supervisor Jim Stevens.
Stevens explained that under House Bill 50, the township is mandated to cut lawns if they grow beyond 12 inches and owners haven’t responded to notifications.
If the township cuts the grass, the owner’s property taxes will be assessed.
Stevens said the cost varies depending on the time and equipment.
It’s $26.50 per man hour, $45 per hour for the mowers and $60 per hour if a dump truck is needed, he explained.
Stevens said on average, most properties are assessed approximately $100 if the township needs to come and mow the property.
It could be higher, he added.
Stevens explained there is essentially a 14 day window for the situation to be rectified.
Residents are first sent a certified letter and have seven days from the time they receive the letter. After that, residents will be notified either in person or with a note on the door, allowing an additional seven days.
At that point, if the situation persists, the township will cut the grass and a fee will be assessed, he said.
Homes that are vacant are still subject to the notification’s time constraints, he added.
The only difference is the time begins when the letter is returned to the road department, he said.
Stevens also explained that simply having weeds above 12 inches is enough to merit a notification.
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