Hey all,
I got a frantic call from my wife this morning b/c our yard was being mangled by the city.
It seems that, without any attempt to contact us after the "mow your yard" sign, the city decided to trespass on my property and mangle my yard, wildflowers, garden, and rose-bushes.
When my wife called JSO, the THREE officers who showed up LAUGHED at her and told the city workers to go ahead and mangle our (planted, mind you) wildflowers. Unfortunately, she was too frazzled to get the information of the JSO "officers."
Had I been there, I surely would have asked why these folks could take the time to harass my pregnant wife when they couldn't take the time to prevent my lawn equipment from being stolen in the first place.
Apart from quitting my job, posting no trespassing signs, sitting on my roof with a sniper rifle, and losing all sanity, is there anything I can do?
Or am I finally just being subjected to the heavy boot of the state -- which ALWAYS uses FORCE to ensure its policies are followed?
>:(
Michael
Can they come mow my yard?
Why would they do this when their own property and medians aren't even maintained.
INSANE.
I'm really glad I was at work. Otherwise I would be wanting to type this from a holding cell.
Actually they can do it if there are complaints and its considered an eyesore, better yet you should expect a bill in the mail. Not sure what the strict rules are maybe someone else can elaborate.
I'd bet these are pivate landscapers getting paid by the city, on a per lot basis. Grab and go baby! Are the homeowners to pay a service fee?
The workers are most likely illegals. Good guys, just doing as the boss says.
A city employee would not be so eager to do work which is not required.
Whatever happened to sustainable landscaping anyway?
Michael
Please e-mail me off list and I will try and help you.
John
Check out the interchange of Phillips/9A. The city could use their peeps in that area.
I thought the city was to post a notice in a conspicuous place first. Then, if the violation is not cured, the city can use their own contractors and bill the property owner.
Were there no signs on any objects like a light post, tree or even the front door?
"It seems that, without any attempt to contact us after the "mow your yard" sign, the city decided to trespass on my property and mangle my yard, wildflowers, garden, and rose-bushes."
How many times should the city have to warn you that your yard is overgrown and the neighbors are complaining? They should nag you like your mother? Beg, "pretty please"?
If your bahia grass is concealing your roses and other landscaping how are they going to keep from mowing over them too?
There are lots of yards around Riverside that have no grass in them at all; that are all planted beds and ground cover. They are not mowed over because they are MAINTAINED. If you don't want to maintain a yard, move to an apartment or a trailer in the country. Don't inflict your trashy ways on your neighbors.
Dog Walker, I'm with you.
I called Code Enforcement for a property a few doors down because it appears no one lives there and the grass was at least 30" tall when I measured.
The next day, there were yellow notice signs advising of the violations. They were posted on the front door of the property, a tree and a utility pole.
The kicker is that two other properties were given notice because of the same violation.
Keeping up with the growth of Bahia grass in a warm, wet summer is a major pain, but nothing except graffiti makes a neighborhood look run down faster than overgrown yards. They attract the bottle throwers too.
these city yard contractors are the worst. they do some of the sloppiest work I've ever seen. The city code allows the city to come and mow someone's yard if it is around 3ft high and there is a CARE request. Of course I've seen yards such as one in St. Vincent that is all wildflowers ON PURPOSE, so who really knows what this city's priorities are anymore. Aren't there some out of control medians or weed filled city lots that need some mowing? I can see a chris hionedis lot that is in need of some work, walked by the empty lot that was supposed to be a parking lot for KBJ architects and the weeds were about 3ft high too, who knows. All I know is that it would be almost impossible for someone to enter my property without getting hurt.
Actually the rule is 15" inches over at least 51% of the parcel.
Quote from: jbroadglide on August 26, 2009, 02:01:18 PM
Actually the rule is 15" inches over at least 51% of the parcel.
15 inches? I did not know that. Is that posted anywhere on COJ's website?
I don't want to submit CARE requests without talking to neighbors first, but the time I called, there was no one home and notes I left on the door stayed there.
Probably not. But here it is straight out of Chapter 518 of the Municipal Code.
Sec. 518.202. Conditions prohibited and declared public nuisances; penalty.
The following described conditions occurring or being upon any lot, tract or parcel of land, or contiguous swales, improved or unimproved, within 100 feet of any improved property on which there exists a building, structure or other premises occupied by people within the city, or on any lot or parcel of land irrespective of its distance from any structure when the Chief determines on a case by case basis, to the extent and in the manner that the lot, tract or parcel of land is or may reasonably become infested or inhabited by rodents, vermin or animals, or may furnish a breeding place for mosquitoes, or threatens or endangers the public health, safety or welfare, or may reasonably cause disease, are each hereby prohibited and declared to be a public nuisance:
(1) Nuisance vegetation which exceeds a height of 15 inches over the majority of the parcel or untended growth or weeds, grass, underbrush or undergrowth, or other noxious vegetation (but not including trees, plants or other vegetation protected by state law).
Awesome. Thanks for the info.
DogWalker and JaxNole,
Please go fxxx right off.
Are you paying my mortgage?
JaxNole, did you offer to mow that person's yard or let them borrow a mower?
What the fxxx is wrong with you people that someone's unkempt yard is a reason for bringing violence down upon them?
certainly not violence, but a property owner should keep thier yard in decent shape...especially if they've had offical warning s from the city.
unless you got screwed somehow, which you haven't explained, i'd side with the city. any reason why do haven't been maintaining your yard and why it wasn't taken care of after the city posted warnings?
Quote from: gmpalmer on August 26, 2009, 02:58:25 PM
JaxNole, did you offer to mow that person's yard or let them borrow a mower?
What the fxxx is wrong with you people that someone's unkempt yard is a reason for bringing violence down upon them?
Violence? How is reporting a nuisance property violent?
I called 630-CITY about one property on my block. When the grass is 30", which I mentioned I measured in a previous post, it makes it more inviting for criminals to target the neighborhood. Code Enforcement noticed two other properties with code violations and so they were also provided notices.
Also in my previous post, I indicated I left notes on the door. I didn't state in the post that my lawn guy offered to mow the lawn for free and I also wrote that on the note.
I rang the doorbell numerous times, at different times of day, on different days, but the interior of the property is empty and no one answered. It's not like I'm waiting for someone's grass to reach 15 inches and immediately call. In fact, it was double the height permitted by Code so it's not like I was attempting to get the property owner in trouble.
I don't know what spurred this, but I'm pretty certain your property was not the one that was reported so please don't attack me for wanting to keep my neighborhood in compliance.
JaxNole --
Violence because the only way the city can enforce its rules is upon threat of imprisonment and death.
Instead of calling the city, since there was no one living there, why didn't you just have the lawn mowed?
FSU,
Yes, there was a reason -- my lawn mower was stolen in July (after I came back from a 4-week vacation during which someone was supposed to be mowing my lawn). After the first notice, I mowed the front lawn with a riding lawn mower, but my yard is too small (with too many obstacles) to use a RLM.
I have been trying to buy a cheap lawn mower or get one for free from craigslist, but they tend to go quickly. Since I am a teacher and DCPS in their infinite wisdom is paying us about 2 weeks later than they normally do, I don't have the cash to go buy a new (or even pawn shop) mower right now.
I would have LOVED to tell that to the city inspector BUT THEY NEVER RETURNED OUR CALLS.
Instead, they show up at 7:30 in the morning and harass my pregnant wife while mangling my yard and garden.
Sorry to be xxxed out but I am sorely pxxxed off.
Quote from: gmpalmer on August 26, 2009, 03:50:14 PM
Instead of calling the city, since there was no one living there, why didn't you just have the lawn mowed?
I would have loved to, but it is not my property and not my right to do it without the owner's permission. That's why I tried other methods to cure the property of the violation.
I understand you're less than happy about the situation. I'll be on the lookout for a free or cheap mower and let you know if I find one.
I found a mower on Craigslist for $50 (http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/grd/1342229561.html) in Orange Park.
Here's another for $40 (http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/grd/1341983621.html) by JIA.
This one is a basic push mower for $50 (http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/grd/1339823310.html) on 103rd.
Would any be reasonable for you?
Thank you,
Actually I think a co-worker is going to give me one.
We called all of those clist ads for 2 weeks and the mowers were always sold by the time we got an email or call back.
This is why as much as people talk about planned communities I love mine. My lawn gets taken care of every Tues morning by our HOA. No neighbors with to much time on their hands worrying about someone else land. Do you know what else brings down property values? Word getting out the one of the neighbors is a yard Nazi.
My opinion is unless you pay the property taxes on the land keep your opinions about someone's else garden to yourself. Just because you like grass doesn't mean I shouldn't have wild flowers.
WOW never heard of this happening
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3860578690_c93d29b47a.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/3860578674_b632dec16e.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2670/3860578652_1c08b19666.jpg)
COME ON IN BOYZ, THE GATE IS OPEN!
OCKLAWAHA
My NOLA friend was all "holy crap -- we have crazy murders and mayors but no one cares about other peoples' lawns -- what's up with Jacksonville?"
I would like to add that, after talking with my wife, it's JSO who ordered the contracted lawn hit men to mow down our wild-flowers. I believe this is right before he and two of the workers laughed at my wife as she shook, weeping and vomiting from stress on the porch.
It is a very good thing for my legal standing that I was at work.
(http://historymatters.gmu.edu/mpimages/mp219.jpg)
General Douglas Mc Arthur wipes out the WWI veterans protesting because they never got their promised benefits.
Sorry to hear this shit is still going on with you younger folks today... My generation confronted them head on as you suggested you might have done. The results were not pretty. The nation has a history of doing this to whichever side they don't like:
(http://amhist.ist.unomaha.edu/extras/multimedia/video/Anti-Suffrage%20cartoon.jpg)
Don't even think about voting ladies!
Irish Americans
African Americans
Latin Americans
Confederate Patriots
World War I Veterans
World War II Veterans
Womens Movement
Korean War Veterans
Vietnam Veterans
Hippies
Islamics
etc...
(http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i318/motoryachtsoco/4134.jpg)
Jackson State University
In every case there have been incidents ranging from General McArthur, opening up on a massive World War I Veterans protest in Washington, DC. with tanks and machine guns... Deporting native Americans, AFTER they helped us win a war serving as soldiers under General Andrew JACKSON...(uh yeah, THAT JACKSON(ville)...Shooting college students at Jackson and Kent State Universities. Maybe your incident wasn't quite as bad as it could have been, be thankful you were NOT home, and Gods blessings to your victimized wife.
(http://digitalrhetor.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/kent-famousphoto.jpg)
Kent State University
OCKLAWAHA
I have a "Freedom Yard". Most of my plants are native and we don't have much grass.
Zoning did try to harass us a few years back, but they did not succeed.
We also provide a buffer for storm water runoff with our natives.
More info on Freedom lawns:
http://www.milfordecc.com/freedom_lawn/info.html (http://www.milfordecc.com/freedom_lawn/info.html)
http://www.doubletongued.org/index.php/dictionary/freedom_lawn/ (http://www.doubletongued.org/index.php/dictionary/freedom_lawn/)
Freedom Lawns are much friendlier than having chemical gulping grass (one reason we have an algae bloom in the river).
Another excellent site is for Florida Friendly Yards:
http://www.floridayards.org/ (http://www.floridayards.org/)
And last, but not least The St. Johns Riverkeepers River Friendly Yard page:
http://www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/greenMonster.asp (http://www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/greenMonster.asp)
It bums me out that people would do this to someone's yard.
I wonder If my YardNazi HOA would "permit" me to use a freedom lawn.
I like not mowing; at least as much as not paying someone else to do it.
Throw in the fact that you don't need chemicals to support it, as well as zero water, it seems like a no brainer.
I love the drama that this post has created, I really do! I am sorry that the Maintenance Nazis came and tried to cut people's property without their knowledge, but the City does own the first 5-7 feet from the curb to the property and on special occasions, they will exercise more of a right, if there is and ONLY if there is a public safety issue. Rarely do they "trample" on people's property, they have enough to do.
The yellow code enforcement signs are pointless, unless the City follows them up with action. Drive down Phyllis street off McDuff and there are one on every house for blocks, the city puts them there, and claims they are doing something, when they rarely ever come back and enforce them.
We have a "freedom" yard too. No fertilizer, no irrigation. Florida has lots of plants that will volunteer to cover your ground. If it's green and I can run a lawnmower over it, it's a lawn!
QuoteMy opinion is unless you pay the property taxes on the land keep your opinions about someone's else garden to yourself.
Agreed, when it comes to taste. When it comes to lack of maintenance, I for one hail the yard Nazi's. As for those who suggested talking to the neighbor, I recommend against it unless you are very good friends.
When I served on an HOA several years back, my initial inclination was to approach the neighbors first when they had a violation and gently remind them of the policy or ask that they rectify it. Almost always met with hostility no matter how nice or polite I was. It seems no one thinks the rules apply to them, even though they signed a contract stating that they would abide by them. Our prop manager weaned me off this approach. He said that though it was impersonal, it was always better to just sent a warning letter and follow procedure for dealing with the situation. If the person had an issue, they could always ask for a hearing and the matter could be handled in a formal and business-like manner.
That's just my two cents from experience.
I changed the zone on a property from Single Family to Muilti-family. I was told by many neighbors that they were not happy, yet at the 3 hearings I had to attend, not 1, not 1 neighbor showed up to complain, which is their right in the rezoning hearings.
Often times, people will tell you one story and do another, that has been my experience.
There is an old saying in Libertarian circles, "Your freedom to swing your arms ends at the beginning of my nose."
If you live in a community you have to be respectful of other people's noses. If you are alone on an island you can do anything you want.
Quote from: mtraininjax on August 27, 2009, 09:18:31 AM
The yellow code enforcement signs are pointless, unless the City follows them up with action. Drive down Phyllis street off McDuff and there are one on every house for blocks, the city puts them there, and claims they are doing something, when they rarely ever come back and enforce them.
Currently Code Enforcement has 6 active Nuisance cases on Phyllis St, 1 Unsafe Structure case and 1 Residential case. The nuisance cases are going through the abatement procedures now. The unsafe structure case was just opened in June and all current property owners are being notified, by law, which takes about a month. The residential case has 3 of 10 violations corrected by the owners and a $50 a day rolling fine until the other 7 are corrected. So contrary to opinion, CE is doing something on these properties. But some of these actions take time, because the law says so.
My vegetables and wildflowers hurt no one. We're not in a neighborhood known for flipping houses or property values, so that's not a cogent argument.
The drug dealers down the street and the cess-pool of a trailer park on Main street, however, are continual sources of disruption and theft.
But the drug-dealers have nice yards, so cops don't harass them and destroy their food.
Also, we don't live in an HOA neighborhood for a reason.
Quote from: JaxNole on August 26, 2009, 03:37:08 PM
Quote from: gmpalmer on August 26, 2009, 02:58:25 PM
JaxNole, did you offer to mow that person's yard or let them borrow a mower?
What the fxxx is wrong with you people that someone's unkempt yard is a reason for bringing violence down upon them?
Violence? How is reporting a nuisance property violent?
I called 630-CITY about one property on my block. When the grass is 30", which I mentioned I measured in a previous post, it makes it more inviting for criminals to target the neighborhood. Code Enforcement noticed two other properties with code violations and so they were also provided notices.
Also in my previous post, I indicated I left notes on the door. I didn't state in the post that my lawn guy offered to mow the lawn for free and I also wrote that on the note.
I rang the doorbell numerous times, at different times of day, on different days, but the interior of the property is empty and no one answered. It's not like I'm waiting for someone's grass to reach 15 inches and immediately call. In fact, it was double the height permitted by Code so it's not like I was attempting to get the property owner in trouble.
I don't know what spurred this, but I'm pretty certain your property was not the one that was reported so please don't attack me for wanting to keep my neighborhood in compliance.
Was it MY yard??? If so, PLEASE have someone mow it. I've been begging for this to be done by friends, law guys, my realtor...hell, I'd be freakin ecstatic if the city came and "mangled" my bushes...er...uh....you know what I mean.
Seriously. My house is vacant and I live in TX so would have no idea if there are yellow signs posted or not and obviously knocking on the door and leaving additional notes about having someone mow the yard for free is going to do nothing since no one lives there, eh? The house next door to mine is also vacant so maybe your lawn guy could take care of both of them;-)
I think HOA's suck and will never live in a neighborhood with one. I've found that those who like to "serve" on their boards are usually wannabe political types with an overblown sense of importance. I too have a "freedom yard' with numerous wildflowers and different types of grasses. Yard Nazis though is pretty funny! down with YARD NAZIS! up with FREEDOM yards!
These people should stop by in Clay County where my grandfather lives.... down a 2 mile dirt (actually, mud. With lots, and lots of places to get stuck and / or thrown into a ditch) road with grass so high you could get lost or lose your ass to a bed of cottonmouths.
I always have a fear of the guy in plaid with a chainsaw popping out of the sticks when I go there to visit...
Unbelievable. This big of a fuss about mowing your yard? Why not just mow it? All (well, almost all) of suburban America keeps their yard at least reasonable. I understand your financial difficulty gm, but didn't you say you just came from a four WEEK vacation? And the Cops were just laughing as your pregnant wife was vomiting? Really? Lotsa drama.
It really scares me when StephenDare! seems to be the most reasonable person on a thread!
:)
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