City community development staff and public‑works officials told the Hutchinson City Council on July 1 that the city’s grass and weed ordinance sets a 12‑inch maximum and that grass clippings and other yard waste in curb and gutter can clog storm drains and increase flood‑risk and maintenance costs.

Why it matters: The city enforces a 12‑inch limit across property types and follows a complaint‑then‑notice process; staff said clippings and leaves left in the street raise stormwater maintenance burdens and urged residents and commercial mowing contractors not to blow clippings into the gutter.

What staff said: Matt Williams, director of community development, summarized the ordinance and enforcement sequence: an inspector issues a notice citing the code and gives a property owner 10 days to correct overgrown grass; if the owner does not comply the city arranges abatement and bills the owner. “Hutchinson's ordinance is, that grass and weeds must be under 12 inches,” Williams told the council. Williams said city mowing cycles vary by use — irrigated turf 4–7 days, parks/non‑irrigated turf 10–14 days, right‑of‑way 15–21 days, and levees/ditches twice annually — and that staffing, equipment and safety limit how quickly the city can respond.

Stormwater and enforcement detail: Williams and public‑works staff said clogged curb inlets increase flood risk and maintenance cost; they said the city intends to ask residents not to blow clippings into storm gutters and to keep inlets clear. Staff reported the city attempts to sweep curb & gutter areas once per year. Williams said when an abatement occurs the owner is charged and “between 5–10%” of property owners pay the abatement bill directly; unpaid bills may be placed on property tax rolls.

Council questions and policy options: Several councilmembers suggested focusing enforcement first on commercial mowing contractors, and discussed whether different height standards by zoning (commercial, residential, undeveloped) would be enforceable or create administrative burdens. Staff cautioned that zoning‑based thresholds can complicate drive‑by inspections and paperwork; one staff member said changing the interval or the enforcement calendar could relieve some workload but would not eliminate the inspection and notice workflow.

Community context and next steps: Staff advised more public education and suggested continued emphasis on preventing clippings and trash from entering storm drains. Councilmembers also asked staff to consider signage in city parks about smoking restrictions and to evaluate levee mowing depth and logistics. No ordinance changes were adopted July 1; council asked staff to return with options if they want to pursue zoning‑based thresholds or changes to enforcement timelines.

Ending: The council heard requests from residents and staff about enforcement priorities and directed staff to weigh options that balance enforcement practicality, seasonal workload and fairness between commercial and residential property owners.