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Ashland commissioners vote to delay enforcement of grass-cutting citations until after June to support pollinators
Summary
The Board approved a temporary policy to delay enforcement of grass and lawn violation citations until after June to allow pollination; the decision prompted concerns about ticks, rodents and property impacts from some commissioners.
The Ashland Board of Commissioners voted on April 24 to delay enforcement of grass- and lawn-cutting violations until after June to allow pollination and support birds, bees and butterflies. The mayor introduced a motion to suspend citations for tall grass until after June; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.
During the discussion some commissioners and residents raised objections citing public-health and safety concerns. One speaker warned that tall grass increases ticks, snakes and rodents, noting personal experience with deer on his property and the potential for pets or children to be exposed to ticks. Staff clarified the existing code-enforcement process: owners receive a notice to correct and generally have a 10‑day window before further enforcement actions are taken.
Commissioners framed the decision as a temporary, narrowly targeted pause to allow pollination (sometimes referenced as "No Mow May") rather than a permanent change in enforcement policy. The commission did not adopt an ordinance; the motion was a board direction that staff should delay issuing citations for grass violations until after June.
