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Lincoln council adopts ordinance targeting noxious weeds, sets abatement fees
Summary
The Village of Lincoln on Sept. 3 adopted Ordinance No. 2 of 2025 to define and abate noxious weeds, set an 8-inch vegetation limit, establish a $150 per-cut administrative fee and allow civil fines up to $500; the ordinance takes effect on publication in the Alcona Review.
The Village of Lincoln Council on Sept. 3 adopted Ordinance No. 2 of 2025, a measure that defines noxious weeds and authorizes the village to abate hazardous vegetation on private property.
The ordinance, presented to the council by Planning Commission member Alicia Glick and moved for adoption by Council member Jason Durham with support from Council member Potts, passed on a roll-call vote with Durham, Lucas, Potts, Schick, Skuse and Wambold recorded as 'Aye' and no 'Nay' votes recorded. The ordinance text is part of the village code and will take effect upon publication in the Alcona Review.
The ordinance declares a range of conditions a public nuisance, including vegetation obstructing sidewalks or public ways, weeds and undergrowth higher than eight inches, dead trees deemed hazardous and specified species identified via state law (MCL 247.62 et seq.). It explicitly lists examples such as Canada thistle, dodders, certain mustards, wild carrot, bindweed, perennial sowthistle, giant hogweed, ragweed, poison ivy and poison sumac, and allows the council to deem other plants nuisances.
Under the adopted enforcement provisions, authorized officials (the Village President or designees) will notify property owners by certified mail, personal service or published notice and may abate the nuisance with village crews or private contractors if owners fail to act. The village may charge expenses to the property owner, including a $150 administrative fee per cut, and may place a lien on property for costs. Conviction for violating the ordinance carries a civil fine not to exceed $500.
The ordinance states it is not intended to prohibit managed natural groundcover, prairie yards or xeriscaping techniques; it excludes lands in the Conservation Residential zoning district. Residents with questions about how the ordinance applies to specific properties were directed to the village office. The full ordinance text is included in the official minutes and available via the village website.
