Poll of the Day > every other month we get some notice our weeds are too long in the front

(+) Yeah! (+)

i'd hate to be the guy that goes to people's houses and has to be like "oh your weeds are 12" long in the front i'll be back in 2 weeks to see if you've trimmed them"

come on man just let me live
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things like that get checked?by who?
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by a city inspector where i live at least
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Have you ever thought about smoking the weeds?
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DarkwingDidi posted...

things like that get checked?by who?

Most towns actually have a housing department that checks homes and yards, and neighbors can always call in and complain.

On one level it's a property value issue (someone with garbage strewn across their yard or 5ft high weeds bring down the value on the entire area just the same as someone whose house has peeling paint or boarded over windows), but it can also be considered a health issue - ie, high weeds can breed insects or encourage other vermin. You can also theoretically get hassled for having "standing water" in your yard (buckets, garbage cans, or other lids that can collect stagnant water), because mosquitoes and other insects can lay eggs in the water.

This is actually a huge deal for me locally, because of both West Nile and Lyme's Disease being local issues. People get paranoid about unkempt yards even above and beyond the aesthetic issues. If I go more than 2 weeks or so without mowing during the summer people start getting a bit twitchy.


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In northern areas you also get watched for whether or not you shovel snow. If your walks are not shoveled within 48 hours of the end of a snowfall (this varies based on your area) you can be fined. Oh, and the postal delivery people will refuse to deliver if your walks/steps are obstructed with snow or may be icy.
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we get our yard sprayed for bugs so we aren't doing anything to contribute to bugs!
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Can you get fined for not trimming weeds? I mean, it's your property, right? As long as they don't spill over onto the neighbors' property, who has the right to tell you what to do?
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Muffinz0rz posted...

Can you get fined for not trimming weeds? I mean, it's your property, right? As long as they don't spill over onto the neighbors' property, who has the right to tell you what to do?

there are typically city bylaws about yard maintenance including trimming grasses and weed removal
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Jen0125 posted...

we get our yard sprayed for bugs so we aren't doing anything to contribute to bugs!

Yeah, I don't think they give a shit about that. That weed is just too damn long brosephine.
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Doctor Foxx posted...

In northern areas you also get watched for whether or not you shovel snow. If your walks are not shoveled within 48 hours of the end of a snowfall (this varies based on your area) you can be fined. Oh, and the postal delivery people will refuse to deliver if your walks/steps are obstructed with snow or may be icy.

I think it's so dumb how people shovel before it's stopped snowing.

I had really unreasonable parents that would have us shovel every 3 hours, sometimes right after it started sticking. Shovel the driveway, what do I care, just don't slack off. Snow on driveway = shovel

Muffinz0rz posted...

Can you get fined for not trimming weeds? I mean, it's your property, right? As long as they don't spill over onto the neighbors' property, who has the right to tell you what to do?

i rent so it's not really my yard but i'm responsible for yard maintenance in my lease

Doctor Foxx posted...

there are typically city bylaws about yard maintenance including trimming grasses and weed removal

yeah it's a city ordinance
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Muffinz0rz posted...

Can you get fined for not trimming weeds? I mean, it's your property, right? As long as they don't spill over onto the neighbors' property, who has the right to tell you what to do?

Oh buddy, you're gonna be really surprised throughout life at what kind of things you are required to do and what kind of crazy rules you have to abide by.
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Example:

(1) A person shall not cause or permit a nuisance to exist on land they own or occupy.
(2) For the purpose of greater certainty a nuisance, in respect of land, means land, or any portion thereof, that shows signs of a serious disregard for general maintenance and upkeep, whether or not it is detrimental to the surrounding area, some examples of which include:

(a) excessive accumulation of material including but not limited to building materials, appliances, household goods, boxes, tires, vehicle parts, garbage or refuse, whether of any apparent value or not;
(a.1) any loose litter, garbage or refuse whether located in a storage area, collection area or elsewhere on the land;
(a.2) any loose building or construction materials, any accumulation of construction-related garbage or refuse, or any untidy work or storage areas on the land;
(S.2, Bylaw 17678, June 28, 2016)
(b) damaged, dismantled or derelict vehicles or motor vehicles, whether insured or registered or not;
(c) smelly or messy compost heaps;
(d) unkempt grass or weeds higher than 10 centimetres;
(e) production of excessive dust, dirt or smoke;
(f) production of any generally offensive odours;
(g) any tree, shrub, other type of vegetation or any structure:
(i) that interferes or could interfere with any public work or utility;
(ii) that obstructs any sidewalk adjacent to the land; or
(iii) that impairs the visibility required for safe traffic flow at any intersection adjacent to the land; and
(g.1) any accessible excavation, ditch, drain or standing water that could pose a danger to the public; and
(h) any construction project or activity not completed within five years of the date the building permit for the project or activity was issued by the City or, within five years of starting construction.
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A few years back my city changed the ordinance for 9 in. to 7 in. I don't know why it really changed, I know of no one who got complaints before the change, let alone now. Plus the city doesn't do a great job mowing public spaces (medians and parks), I've seen public grass as tall as 3 feet.
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Wii3Kings posted...

A few years back my city changed the ordinance for 9 in. to 7 in. I don't know why it really changed, I know of no one who got complaints before the change, let alone now. Plus the city doesn't do a great job mowing public spaces (medians and parks), I've seen public grass as tall as 3 feet.

$10 says it was an old guy that wanted this.
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hell yea that's tight blaze it
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#freedom
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Muffinz0rz posted...

Can you get fined for not trimming weeds? I mean, it's your property, right? As long as they don't spill over onto the neighbors' property, who has the right to tell you what to do?

FFS, learn how the world works.
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jamieyello3 posted...

I think it's so dumb how people shovel before it's stopped snowing.

For the most part I agree, but if I'm expecting like a foot of snow or more you can bet your ass I'll be out there shoveling a few times during the snowfall. Otherwise actually shoveling that much snow is a nightmare.
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Muffinz0rz posted...

I mean, it's your property, right?

That's adorable!



Muffinz0rz posted...

Can you get fined for not trimming weeds?

You absolutely can where I live. With ever increasing fines the longer you put off dealing with the problem (for anyone who basically just says "Fuck it, I'll just pay the fine and not mow.").


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ParanoidObsessive posted...

You can also theoretically get hassled for having "standing water" in your yard (buckets, garbage cans, or other lids that can collect stagnant water), because mosquitoes and other insects can lay eggs in the water.

yep.

my landlord once bitched at me for a solid week because i had a couple tires leaning against my shed.

she later took them and said if i wanted them back they'd be in her garage.

jokes on her, i didn't want them and didn't know where to take them to get rid of them, so she did me a favor.
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jsb0714 posted...

Muffinz0rz posted...

Can you get fined for not trimming weeds? I mean, it's your property, right? As long as they don't spill over onto the neighbors' property, who has the right to tell you what to do?

FFS, learn how the world works.

Is this not America? It's possible that TC could be talking about a different country, especially since that list of rules mentions centimeters rather than inches.
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Muffinz0rz posted...

jsb0714 posted...

Muffinz0rz posted...

Can you get fined for not trimming weeds? I mean, it's your property, right? As long as they don't spill over onto the neighbors' property, who has the right to tell you what to do?

FFS, learn how the world works.

Is this not America? It's possible that TC could be talking about a different country, especially since that list of rules mentions centimeters rather than inches.

you can and do get fined in the US for that too. what constitutes a fine-worthy offense and how fines are handed out will vary based on your local government

It's a common thing in other countries--not being a nuisance neighbor basically
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Doctor Foxx posted...

Muffinz0rz posted...

jsb0714 posted...

Muffinz0rz posted...

Can you get fined for not trimming weeds? I mean, it's your property, right? As long as they don't spill over onto the neighbors' property, who has the right to tell you what to do?

FFS, learn how the world works.

Is this not America? It's possible that TC could be talking about a different country, especially since that list of rules mentions centimeters rather than inches.

you can and do get fined in the US for that too. what constitutes a fine-worthy offense and how fines are handed out will vary based on your local government

It's a common thing in other countries--not being a nuisance neighbor basically

Sure, I can understand how excessive noise and shit makes you a nuisance, but if my weeds are on my own property, what reasoning could the government have to fine me?

Oh yeah, cuz it's the government
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You should cut your weeds and plant them next to the city office and send them your own version document notifying them that their weeds are too long.

See how they like it.

Muffinz0rz posted...

jsb0714 posted...

Muffinz0rz posted...

Can you get fined for not trimming weeds? I mean, it's your property, right? As long as they don't spill over onto the neighbors' property, who has the right to tell you what to do?

FFS, learn how the world works.

Is this not America? It's possible that TC could be talking about a different country, especially since that list of rules mentions centimeters rather than inches.

City ordinances and home owners associations exist for a reason. If you buy a house in a nice neighborhood with good neighbors and then one of them moves and a dirty bird moves in it will lower everyone else' property value.
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honestly though, if i'm living there, with no intention of moving or selling, i don't really give a shit about my property value
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Muffinz0rz posted...

Sure, I can understand how excessive noise and shit makes you a nuisance, but if my weeds are on my own property, what reasoning could the government have to fine me?

Oh yeah, cuz it's the government

the eyesore to your neighbors, decline in their property value, the potential to attract and harbor pests and vermin...

if your yard is full of weeds those weeds spread easily to other yards nearby and create a nuisance for other homeowners

it's a basic don't-be-a-dick bylaw
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Muffinz0rz posted...

but if my weeds are on my own property, what reasoning could the government have to fine me?

You don't actually own property in the US. You're effectively renting your land from the government.

Even if you don't have a mortgage, even if the land you live on and the house you live in has been in your family for generations, stop paying your property taxes for a few years and see what happens to "your" land.


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Muffinz0rz posted...

Is this not America? It's possible that TC could be talking about a different country, especially since that list of rules mentions centimeters rather than inches.

foxx posted that, not me.

i live in MERICA
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Jen0125 posted...

foxx posted that, not me.

i live in MERICA

ya I was just posting local bylaws about it

Haven't encountered a city without similar laws.

10cm is ~4 inches--you gotta mow really regularly here
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also i don't want it to seem like my whole front gravel area is full of weeds. it's like 15-20 weeds by the railing of my porch area that grow.
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Jen0125 posted...

it's like 15-20 weeds by the railing of my porch area that grow.

Couldn't you weed that in like, 10 minutes?

yes

we could

but

we don't

because

we are lazy :)
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XlaxJynx007 posted...

If you buy a house in a nice neighborhood with good neighbors and then one of them moves and a dirty bird moves in it will lower everyone else' property value.

So you can move. Nobody's forcing you to stay next to said dirty bird.

Doctor Foxx posted...

the eyesore to your neighbors

My neighbor painted his house this obnoxious shade of green and I don't like the way it looks. He's also fat and sits outside a lot, so it's a real eyesore for me. Can I fine him for that?

Doctor Foxx posted...

decline in their property value

I didn't invent the free market. If people base a house's worth on the weeds growing 3 houses down, that sounds like a snowflake problem to me. But also, as helly said, it's pretty dumb to worry about how much your house is worth if you aren't moving anytime soon.

Doctor Foxx posted...

attract and harbor pests and vermin...

This is the only argument that actually makes sense because it provides a (somewhat) measurable issue for neighbors. "That's an eyesore" is totally subjective and couldn't possibly be measured in numbers. But even then, I imagine it's not easy to say, with 100% certainty, that the bugs in MY garden were attracted by the weeds across the street.

ParanoidObsessive posted...

You don't actually own property in the US. You're effectively renting your land from the government.

Then why does the homeowners association needs to exist? A.k.a the company forcing me to have cable.
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Muffinz0rz posted...

jsb0714 posted...

Muffinz0rz posted...

Can you get fined for not trimming weeds? I mean, it's your property, right? As long as they don't spill over onto the neighbors' property, who has the right to tell you what to do?

FFS, learn how the world works.

Is this not America? It's possible that TC could be talking about a different country, especially since that list of rules mentions centimeters rather than inches.

What fantasy version of America are you dreaming about that you can do anything at anytime?
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Muffinz0rz posted...

So you can move. Nobody's forcing you to stay next to said dirty bird.

but good luck selling your house when your dirty neighbor has lowered the property value of your home.

Muffinz0rz posted...

My neighbor painted his house this obnoxious shade of green and I don't like the way it looks.

a lot of HOAs do limit the colors you can paint your house if your home is underneath their bylaws

Muffinz0rz posted...

I didn't invent the free market. If people base a house's worth on the weeds growing 3 houses down, that sounds like a snowflake problem to me. But also, as helly said, it's pretty dumb to worry about how much your house is worth if you aren't moving anytime soon.

you didn't invent it but it sure is going to affect you
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Jen0125 posted...

but good luck selling your house when your dirty neighbor has lowered the property value of your home.

And attracts more people to behave that way

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broken_windows_theory
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jamieyello3 posted...

I think it's so dumb how people shovel before it's stopped snowing. I had really unreasonable parents that would have us shovel every 3 hours

Lol.
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Muffinz0rz posted...

My neighbor painted his house this obnoxious shade of green and I don't like the way it looks. He's also fat and sits outside a lot, so it's a real eyesore for me. Can I fine him for that?

For the color? Yeah, maybe. In the neighborhood my mom lives in there are strict rules about the color that your house can be. Look into it and you may be able to fine your neighbor. If there's nothing in there and you think it's an eyesore and lowering the value of your place by association, you can contact your HOA and maybe they'll add that in for you.

For sitting outside? probably not. but who knows. Watch him for a while and if he does anything that's against a city ordinance you are in the right to tattle on him.
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Muffinz0rz posted...

XlaxJynx007 posted...

If you buy a house in a nice neighborhood with good neighbors and then one of them moves and a dirty bird moves in it will lower everyone else' property value.

So you can move. Nobody's forcing you to stay next to said dirty bird.

Oh, you mean sell the house that lost 25% of its value because of the dirty bird. Your rights end where mine begin. If you move to an area with an HOA or city ordinances against unkempt property, either comply or move somewhere else.
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jsb0714 posted...

What fantasy version of America are you dreaming about that you can do anything at anytime?

Not the one I wish I lived in, that's for sure.

Jen0125 posted...

but good luck selling your house when your dirty neighbor has lowered the property value of your home.

So, just because I'm not getting as much money as I had hoped for a sale, we should charge everyone else? That's actually good because I'm selling my car and could use the extra cash on the side since people aren't paying as much as I'd hoped.

Jen0125 posted...

a lot of HOAs do limit the colors you can paint your house if your home is underneath their bylaws

If I paint my house rainbow to show support for LGBT rights and they fine me, can I sue for discrimination and/or limiting my freedom of expression?

Jen0125 posted...

you didn't invent it but it sure is going to affect you

Duh. It affects everyone. That's kinda my point. If people don't want to buy my house because there are too many weeds down the street, that's their choice, and it certainly affects me, but I don't think it's fair to fine other people just to make my life easier (and vice-versa).
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XlaxJynx007 posted...

Oh, you mean sell the house that lost 25% of its value because of the dirty bird

Muffinz0rz posted...

I didn't invent the free market

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Muffinz0rz posted...

XlaxJynx007 posted...

Oh, you mean sell the house that lost 25% of its value because of the dirty bird

Muffinz0rz posted...

I didn't invent the free market

You aren't making any kind of point there.
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Muffinz0rz posted...

If I paint my house rainbow to show support for LGBT rights and they fine me, can I sue for discrimination and/or limiting my freedom of expression?

You can but you won't win.
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Muffinz0rz posted...

So, just because I'm not getting as much money as I had hoped for a sale, we should charge everyone else? That's actually good because I'm selling my car and could use the extra cash on the side since people aren't paying as much as I'd hoped.

what do you mean charge everyone else? everyone else is taking a drop because of you and you think that's just a-okay because you don't want to sell your home.

Muffinz0rz posted...

If I paint my house rainbow to show support for LGBT rights and they fine me, can I sue for discrimination and/or limiting my freedom of expression?

no because you agree to the bylaws when you move in. if you don't agree to them, don't move there.

Muffinz0rz posted...

Duh. It affects everyone. That's kinda my point. If people don't want to buy my house because there are too many weeds down the street, that's their choice, and it certainly affects me, but I don't think it's fair to fine other people just to make my life easier (and vice-versa).

then don't buy a house
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XlaxJynx007 posted...

Muffinz0rz posted...

XlaxJynx007 posted...

Oh, you mean sell the house that lost 25% of its value because of the dirty bird

Muffinz0rz posted...

I didn't invent the free market

You aren't making any kind of point there.

Your point didn't contribute anything new.
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Muffinz0rz posted...

If people don't want to buy my house because there are too many weeds down the street, that's their choice, and it certainly affects me, but I don't think it's fair to fine other people just to make my life easier (and vice-versa).

smh
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Jen0125 posted...

what do you mean charge everyone else? everyone else is taking a drop because of you and you think that's just a-okay because you don't want to sell your home.

Yes. This is America. If someone wants to come chop them down for me to maintain their value, that's fine by me. But forcing me to work against my will for someone else without getting paid is slavery, and I am nobody's slave (unless it's in the bedroom - *high five*)

Jen0125 posted...

no because you agree to the bylaws when you move in. if you don't agree to them, don't move there.

Why does it exist? If the house itself is mine, I should be allowed to express myself with it however I please within reason.

Jen0125 posted...

then don't buy a house

I wasn't planning on it anytime soon.
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