[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Council of the Township
of Stafford 10-7-2014 by Ord. No.
2014-17.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Removal of brush, grass and weeds — See Ch. 68.
Property maintenance — See Ch. 158.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance was originally adopted
as Ch. 159 but was renumbered to maintain the organizational structure
of the Code.
The purpose of this chapter is to protect and promote the public
health through the control of the growth of invasive plant species.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meaning indicated:
The Township Code Enforcement Officer or his designee.
All native and nonnative vines and vegetation that grow out
of place and are competitive, persistent, and pernicious. These plants
may damage trees, vegetation, or structures. This pertains to bamboo
(spreading or running type), kudzu vine and ivy or oak.
All property owners must control the growth of invasive plants
onto their property and insure that the growth of invasive plants
does not spread to adjoining properties. Failure to control the spread
of such vegetation beyond the boundaries of the owner's property
is a violation of this chapter.
All places and premises in the Township of Stafford shall be
subject to inspection by the enforcing officer. Such inspections shall
be performed by such person, persons or agency duly authorized and
appointed by the Township of Stafford. Such inspection shall be made
if that official has reason to believe that any section of this chapter
is being violated.
A.
Whenever an invasive plant as defined in this chapter is found to
have spread to an adjoining property, a notice of violation shall
be given to the owner of the property from which the invasive plant
originated, in writing. That person/owner shall be ordered to remove
and abate the same within such time as may be specified therein. The
time period within which the invasive plant must be removed or abated
will be up to but not more than one year. In the event that the property
owner fails to properly adhere to and comply with the notice of violation,
and after the time period to remove or abate the problem has expired,
a continuing violation of any provision of this chapter shall be punished
by a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $250.
B.
The cost of abatement shall be borne by the property owner.
C.
If the owner fails to comply with such notice within the time specified
therein, the enforcing official may remove or otherwise control the
invasive plant species, and the Township may thereafter recover the
cost.
