Elyria's weed ordinance applies to every parcel whether improved, unimproved, vacant, or occupied. Ground cover over eight inches on a vacant lot is a declared nuisance, and the owner must keep it cut during the growing season.
The county does not regulate lot upkeep inside cities. In Elyria, Codified Ordinances 553.02 through 553.04 make weeds, vetch, grasses, vines, or any other ground cover over eight inches a nuisance on any parcel, expressly including unimproved and vacant land. Owners must cut and maintain vegetation during the growing season. If they fail to act after notice, the city may mow or clear the lot and bill the owner. Unincorporated vacant land instead falls under township mowing authority and Ohio's noxious-weed law (ORC 5579). Junk and debris on a vacant lot are handled through the city's adopted property-maintenance code.
If the owner does not comply after notice, Elyria may mow or clear the lot at $300 per hour with a one-hour minimum (prorated), charged to the owner and, if unpaid, certified to the property taxes.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Ohio law and local codes both target noxious weeds. City codes (Elyria, Lorain) treat weeds over 8 inches as a nuisance. Ohio Revised Code 5579.04 orders tow...
See how Lorain County's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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