Ask the Answer Person: A house in my neighborhood hasn't had its lawn mowed all spring—what can I do?

(Kourtnie e-mails: "Hi, Answer Person!  I am wondering what the city of Decorah's regulations or rules are on lawn upkeep. There is a lawn I walk past quite frequently, and the grass hasn't been mowed, well, at all this year (not an exaggeration… remember, I walk past this lawn several days a week). The grass and weeds are so tall they cover part of the sidewalk and make it difficult for multiple people to walk on it together or even walk past one another. So, what are the rules, and how are they enforced?")

The Answer Person says: "The rules are that any lawn where the grass is at least eight inches high is a "public nuisance."  Here's what city code says: 'Any weeds declared to be noxious, as defined in the Code of Iowa, found growing in any lot or tract of land within the city. All weeds, vines, brush or other vegetation which constitutes a health, safety or fire hazard. Any weeds or plants other than trees, bushes, flowers or other ornamental plants which exceed twelve inches in height, and/or any grass exceeding eight inches in height located on any lot improved by a dwelling, residential or other structure or on a lot that is bounded on at least two sides by an improved lot.'

As for what you can do, city officials say they need to know the address of the home in order to enforce city ordinances.  Call City Hall.  Once they have the address and inspect the property, the city will cut the grass and the property owner will be sent a bill."