The City of Minot has released information regarding proposed updates to ordinances directing the response for tall-grass nuisances.

The updates proposed by Public Works seek to create geographic exemptions based on land-use perception, as tall-grass in a residential space may be perceived differently from tall-grass in an undeveloped area.

According to the city, the 8-inch weed and grass rule for most land in city limits will remain the as written in Section 22 of the current ordinance, but exemptions would be created if the proposed changes are approved.

These exemptions would include publicly owned parks or conservation areas, native plantings, agricultural-use/zoned land, highly erodible land, densely wooded land, too-wet-to-mow areas such as marsh or wetland, and land under development (40% or less housing on one side of the street), including that tall weeds/grass may reach up to 24-inches and no noxious weeds may be present.

Residents can file a complaint about tall grass on public or private property by calling the Public Works Department at 857-4140, by using the myMinot app or using the complaint form in the code enforcement section of the city’s website.

The abatement process can take up to 2-3 weeks and includes a notification process to the property owner, according to the city. If a violation isn’t corrected, the city will perform the work and bill the property owner.

“Code enforcement is a resident priority identified in each Community Satisfaction Survey,” Public Works Operations Director Bryan Banfill said. “An added level of clarity in the visual nuisance ordinance will help the team balance response efforts and property maintenance expectations.”

The city’s Street Department Mowing Section includes three full-time employees and hires 10 part-time seasonal employees who are responsible for mowing and other related maintenance.

In total, the city is responsible for maintaining about 459 acres of grass. Enforcement complaints for personal lots average 220-250 per season.