Owners of vacant lots in developed areas of unincorporated Richland County must keep them free of overgrown weeds, junk, and debris. Grass or weeds over 12 inches, or dead growth that is a fire hazard within 10 feet of a property line, can be declared a nuisance.
Richland County Code Sec. 18-4 (Weeds and rank vegetation) targets vacant and developed-area lots. It defines a violation as grass or weeds exceeding twelve (12) inches, trailing vines over ten (10) feet, or dead/desiccated growth that is a fire or safety hazard within ten (10) feet of a property line, or that harbors insects, vermin, or rodents. The Sheriff may declare such a lot a nuisance and serve written notice on the owner. If the owner fails to act within 30 days, Public Works may enter, cut and remove the vegetation, and place the cost as a lien on the property. Illegal dumping and accumulated debris on vacant lots are separately unlawful under Chapter 12.
Failure to abate within 14 days of notice is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500 or up to 30 days; the county may also abate and lien the property or recover costs by judgment.
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