Neglected lots get cited. South Bend mows grass over 9 inches after 48 hours' notice under Ord. 16-59 and bills a $250 abatement. IC 36-7-9-5 lets the enforcement authority order debris removed from unsafe vacant premises.
An empty parcel is not beyond reach in St. Joseph County. South Bend's Neighborhood Services marks grass or weeds 9 inches or taller as a violation, gives the owner 48 hours to mow under City Ordinance 16-59, then has Venues, Parks & Arts mow it and bills the owner a $250 abatement fee under Sec. 19-35. The county enforces its own rank-vegetation ordinance on unincorporated lots. For debris, dumping, and hazards, the Unsafe Building Law reaches vacant land: IC 36-7-9-5 authorizes an order to remove trash, debris, or a public health hazard in and about unsafe premises, with the cost liened if the owner does not comply.
An overgrown or debris-strewn lot draws a mow-or-abate notice; South Bend bills a $250 abatement plus an ordinance ticket, and IC 36-7-9-5 lets the authority clear hazards and lien the cost to the owner.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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