Code compliance is responsible for the enforcement of City Code as it pertains to property upkeep. The City operates under the International Property Maintenance Code (as amended) regarding issues including, but not limited to, high weeds and vegetation, trash and debris, inoperable vehicles, and dangerous structures.
Brochure-Take Pride in Your Property & Our Community
Brochure-Dump Truck Program
Rubbish, Garbage, and Debris
It is the owner’s and tenant’s responsibility to keep a property free of garbage (animal or plant waste and trash/rubbish (other waste) and dispose of refuse in approved containers. Property owners must provide approved trash containers that must not exceed 45 gallons and be sealed with a tight lid, unless otherwise approved by the city. Limit the weight of a filled container to below 100 pounds, additional contained will be required if unable to comply with the capacity or weight limit.
Construction and demolition debris must be removed. See the Sanitation/Landfill page for more info.
The Sanitation Department will not collect large items (mattresses, appliances, furniture) with the regular refuse collection routes. Please contact the Landfill at 620-326-5951 to make special arrangements for these types of items to be picked up. There may be a charge for the collection of such items.
Vehicles
Inoperable or unlicensed vehicles cannot be stored on a property for more than 30 days, and no vehicle can be in a state of disassembly, disrepair, or in the process of being striped or dismantled at any time. (Except in a garage or other similarly enclosed space, or in the act of conducting a business enterprise that complied with existing zoning regulations.
Weeds and Vegetation
The City Compost Site is available for free disposal of tree limbs and yard clippings.
See the Compost Site page for more info.
Trees and Shrubs
Trees and shrubs located within or adjacent to City right-of-way or sight distance triangle shall be kept in such a manner as to not obstruct visibility or passage along streets, alleys, or sidewalks. The owner may be required to remove or trim the tree or shrub if it poses a hazard or does not meet the required clearance of ten (10) feet above the street surface or right-of-way. Additionally, no vegetation or landscaping shall be over two and a half (2 1/2) fee above the bottom of the curb within a sight distance triangle.
City code allows property owners to trim any portion of trees or shrubs that overhang property lines, even if the trunk is located on an adjacent property. Trimming shall not extend beyond the shared property line.
Dead trees or shrubs, or any portion, must be removed from the property.
Yard growth (Grasses, Weeds, and other Vegetation)
Property owners are required to maintain all yard growth from the center line of any adjacent streets and alleys. This includes ditches, slopes, and around culverts between streets and alleys and property lines. The yard must be kept below twelve (12) inches in height. Weed Notices will be issued if any portion of a property is in violation of this requirement. Weed Notices are sent once per calendar year; any additional violations within the calendar year will not be sent notice and will be immediately abated.
What is a weed or wild growth?
- Brush and woody vines.
- Indigenous grasses that attain large growth and may become a fire hazard.
- Growth that may bear downy or winged seeds.
- Growth that harbors pests or vermin.
- Non-ornamental grasses or plants that are 12 inches in height.