We cannot require the trimming of trees, bushes, shrubs, bamboo, ornamentals, or any type of ivy no can we require a person to rake up their leaves. However, we will inspect the property for any violations of the ordinances we enforce.

After review of this photo, we are assigning the senior inspector for that area (who has been out ill for over a week ) to investigate this issue. Hopefully, it will be resolved shortly.

The pokeweed plant is about 8-10 feet tall, it's roots are in a trash debris behind the shed that is also serving as a habitat for mosquitoes and rats.

Section 27-91 of city ordinance: Grass and weed nuisance means any abundance of overgrown grass weeds within the city, which is injurious to the general health, safety and welfare by providing breeding grounds and shelter for rats, mice, snakes, mosquitoes and other vermin, insects and pests; or attaining such heights and dryness so as to constitute a fire threat or hazard; bearing wingy or downy seeds, when mature, that cause the spread of weeds and, when breathed, irritation to the throat, lungs and eyes of the public; or hiding debris, such as broken glass or metal, which could inflict injury on any person going upon the property; or being unsightly, or any growth of grass or weeds, other than ornamental growth, which exceeds a height of eight inches growing upon any lot or parcel of land within any platted, subdivided, or improved residential, commercial or industrial subdivision, and any growth of grass or weeds, other than ornamental growth, which exceeds a height of 12 inches on property adjacent to a platted, subdivided, or improved residential, commercial or industrial subdivision.

There is also poison ivy growing along the opposite fence that needs to be killed.

If it's pokeweed, it's a plant not a tree. Should be covered under the High Grass/Weeds ordinance. It can only get that tall when supported by a fence or something nearby.

section 27-93 of the city ordinance addresses the fact that the pokeweed plant needs to be taken care of because it is a "dangerous, noxious, poisonous" plant and section 27-91 of the city ordinance refers to 'overgrown weeds which is injurious to the general health, safety and welfare' and add to that, the plant is growing in a junk heap behind the shed that is a 'breeding ground for rats, mice, snakes, and mosquitoes' so I think there is ample grounds for community development to get involved. I've personally asked the resident of 312 Rhett Ave to take care of the problem and she has refused. I need community development's help and I've been asking for weeks. I hope they will do something or I will need to go to the news media and ask for help. This is a health situation.

Pokeweed plant and other weeds, along with some trash, has been cleared from behind the shed. Unfortunately, the poisonous pokeweed plant and all the branches with toxic berries, was left on the street. I will try and warn the neighborhood children not to touch the plant until it can be picked up by the city. There is still a plastic wading pool behind the shed, turned up to hold rain water, that is serving as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Do I need to call the health department regarding mosquito precautions?

This issue has been resolved with regards to the ordinances that Community Development enforces. We are forwarding your concern with regards to the mosquito issue to the MCHD - Vector Control.