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Council considers ordinance changes for yard notices and abandoned vehicles
Summary
Staff proposed changing certified-mail requirements for grass/yard enforcement to door notices or phone calls, clarified an abandoned-vehicle definition (30 days), and suggested fence/visibility rules modeled on larger cities; council asked staff to refine language.
Staff presented draft ordinance updates intended to streamline enforcement and reduce mailing costs. Under current language, a certified or registered letter (costing $12–$20) is required; staff proposed allowing door notices or phone contact before escalating enforcement. "That wouldn't be bad if you... you couldn't get a hold of them to put the door knocker on," a councilor said when discussing alternatives to certified mail.
Staff also recommended clarifying the definition of abandoned or unclaimed vehicles (current guidance references a 30‑day standard and the state code) and reviewing fence, wall and vegetation rules to ensure sight lines and public safety, using examples from cities such as Bismarck, Fargo and Lincoln. Councilors asked staff to return with revised text and a plan for public notice and a public hearing when re-zoning or ordinance changes require it.
