Westerville, OH Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Grass Limit
- 8 inches
- Notice
- 7 days to abate
- Abatement
- City cuts plus bills
- Minimum Charge
- 150 dollars
- Unpaid
- Tax assessment
Summary
Vacant lots in Westerville must be kept free of noxious weeds, grass over 8 inches, debris, and illegal dumping. Owners are responsible for maintenance regardless of occupancy status.
(A) As used in this section: (1) "Total cost" means any costs incurred due to the use of employees, materials, or equipment of the municipal corporation or its agent pursuant to division (E) of this section, any costs arising out of contracts for labor, materials, or equipment, and costs of service of notice or publication required under this section. (2) "Abatement activity" means each instance of any of the following: (a) Removing, repairing, or securing insecure, unsafe, structurally defective, abandoned, deserted, or open and vacant buildings or other structures; (b) Making emergency corrections of hazardous conditions; (c) Abatement of any nuisance by a municipal corporation or its agent pursuant to division (E) of this section.
Full Breakdown
Codified Ordinance Chapter 660 and Chapter 521 govern weed and nuisance control on vacant parcels. Grass and weeds exceeding 8 inches are prohibited under the weed ordinance; owners receive written notice with 7 days to abate. After 7 days, the city may cut the lot and bill the owner (minimum 150 dollars plus actual costs) with unpaid bills certified to the Franklin or Delaware County Auditor as a property tax assessment. Vacant lots must also be free of debris, construction materials, and open holes or excavations.
Violations & Fines
Administrative abatement cost plus minor misdemeanor citation up to 150 dollars; tax lien for unpaid charges.
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westerville
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Vacant Lot Maintenance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Franklin County handle vacant lot maintenance.