KENOSHA, Wis. — The City of Kenosha is putting property owners on notice that they are responsible for keeping the alleys bordering their properties clean and maintained, with citations, cleanup costs and additional fees possible for those who fail to comply.
The city issued a reminder Tuesday that under Kenosha Ordinance 5.11, property owners and other responsible parties must maintain the alley abutting their property all the way to the centerline. Alleys must remain free of garbage, trash, junk, paper and other debris. When snow and ice are not present, they also must be kept clear of dirt, dust, ashes, mud, oil and similar substances.
City officials say keeping alleys clear is not simply an appearance issue. Vehicles, pedestrians, emergency responders and city crews need to be able to safely travel through them.
Property owners are also responsible for controlling tall grass and weeds. Under Ordinance 5.117, grass reaching eight inches or higher constitutes a violation. The requirement extends to parkways abutting the property.
The city’s public nuisance ordinance also covers junk stored outdoors and nuisance weeds. Each day that a public nuisance violation continues can be considered a separate offense.
The city is asking residents to routinely inspect the portions of alleys adjacent to their properties and remove yard waste, obstructions, tall grass, weeds, dirt, mud, oil, ashes and anything else that could interfere with safe use of the alley.
Citations Can Increase For Repeat Violations
The Department of Public Works can investigate alleged violations after receiving a complaint from an identified party and can issue citations under Ordinance 5.11.
A first violation within a calendar year carries a $20 penalty. Second and third violations are $40 each, while a fourth or subsequent violation is $60. Those penalties double if they are not paid within seven days of the offense.
Tall weeds can become considerably more expensive.
If noxious weeds or grass reach eight inches or higher, the city can cut them and place the cost of the work on the property through a special assessment. In addition to the actual remediation costs, the city will add a $100 administrative fee.
The Department of City Inspections also has authority under Ordinance 16.252 to enforce the city’s public nuisance ordinance and abate nuisances when appropriate.
“Strong neighborhoods start with everyone doing their part. Properly maintaining our properties and alleyways not only improves the appearance of our community, it helps prevent nuisances, protects neighboring properties and shows the pride we have in Kenosha,” Inspections Department Director Gary Roberts said.
Residents with questions about alley maintenance requirements can contact the City of Kenosha Department of Public Works.
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