Cleveland requires owners of vacant lots to maintain them free of overgrown vegetation, debris, and hazards. Grass and weeds must be kept below 8 inches. The city, working with the Cuyahoga Land Bank, actively monitors vacant lots and will perform maintenance at the owner's expense if violations are not corrected.
Vacant lot owners must mow grass and weeds regularly to keep them below 8 inches, remove trash and debris, and prevent rodent harborage. Vacant lots must not be used for unauthorized dumping or storage. The city may mow and clean vacant lots without notice after initial violation and charge the costs to the property owner as a lien.
Violations result in notices, fines, and city-performed maintenance charged to the owner. Chronic violations may lead to criminal charges and tax liens.
Cleveland, OH
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cuyahoga County.
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