Vacant lots in Fort Wayne must be maintained with grass under 9 inches, free of trash, debris, and nuisance vegetation. Owners are responsible for mowing, litter removal, and preventing unsafe conditions regardless of occupancy.
City Code Chapter 152 applies to all properties, vacant or occupied. Vacant lot owners must maintain grass and weeds under 9 inches, remove accumulated trash and debris, and address nuisance vegetation including poison ivy, tree of heaven, and other invasive species. Neighborhood Code Compliance enforces through complaint and proactive inspection. When owners fail to comply, the city performs abatement (mowing, trash removal) at the owner's expense and records a lien against the property under IC 36-7-9. Fort Wayne's Vacant Property Registration ordinance (City Code Chapter 155) requires owners of vacant structures to register within 30 days of vacancy, provide local contact, and pay annual fees. Vacant lots without structures are not subject to vacant building registration but must still meet maintenance standards.
Notice with 10 days to mow or abate; city performs work and liens property for costs plus administrative fee.
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