The City of Fort Wayne's Weed Program kicks off this year on Wednesday, May 13, 2015. The Neighborhood Code Department is responsible for enforcing the City's Weed Program, which calls for weeds or grass to be no taller than nine inches.

Reports of high grass or weeds that exceed nine inches will be accepted beginning May 13; the public should call 311 or 427-8311 to report a possible violation. Online complaints may be filed at www.cityoffortwayne.org/citizen-services. Individuals reporting a violation will need to have the property's specific street address to register the complaint.

Reports from the public of possible weed violations will be addressed starting Monday, May 18, after the Weed Inspectors have completed training. This week, the eight seasonal, part-time Weed Inspectors are proactively citing properties while in training.

"Building strong and safe neighborhoods is our priority," says Cindy Joyner, deputy director for Neighborhood Code Enforcement. "Ensuring that properties are well-maintained helps protect property values and improve the quality of life in our city."

When Weed Inspectors determine there is a violation, they take date-stamped photos and post a placard on the cited property. As a courtesy, an abate notice is mailed to the owner of record who then has five days to correct the violation. After five days, the City's mowing contractors will inspect to see if the property is in compliance and if not, they will mow and also take date-stamped before- and after-photos. The owner will then be charged for the mowing; if the invoice is not paid within 30 days, a lien will be placed on the property.