§ 54-185. Declaration of public nuisance.

(a)

The accumulation of weeds, grass or other similar nonprotected overgrowth in excess of eighteen (18) inches in height is hereby prohibited and declared to be a public nuisance when located upon any Mowable Lot, and which lot has been specifically described by legal description and which condition has been determined by the County Manager or his designee, to be a public nuisance pursuant to this Ordinance. Such Mowable Lot is, or may reasonably be expected to become, infested or inhabited by nonprotected rodents, vermin or wild animals, or may furnish a breeding place for mosquitoes, or threaten or endanger the public health, safety or welfare, or may reasonably be expected to cause disease, or adversely affect and impair the aesthetic integrity or economic welfare of adjacent or surrounding property.

(b)

In the area zoned Estates, the accumulation of weeds, grass or other similar nonprotected overgrowth in excess of eighteen (18) inches in height is hereby prohibited and declared a public nuisance when located upon any improved lot within 30 feet of any residential structure up to any lot line. Such improved mowable lots may reasonably be deemed to become fire hazards.

(c)

The accumulation of Exotics, weeds, grass or other similar nonprotected overgrowth is hereby prohibited and declared to be a public nuisance when located upon any unimproved property in this County, which condition is adjacent to a private or public right-of-way and is not within a Recorded or Unrecorded Subdivision. However, the requirements for abatement of the public nuisance as described in this Ordinance shall only apply to that portion of the property to a depth of twenty (20) feet from the property line or lines running adjacent and parallel to a private or public right(s)-of-way.

(d)

The accumulation of Exotics is hereby prohibited and declared to be a public nuisance when located upon any unimproved property in Collier County when the Exotics are located within a two hundred (200) foot radius of any improved property located in a Recorded or Unrecorded Subdivision. However, the requirements for abatement of the public nuisance as described in this Ordinance shall only apply to that portion of the unimproved property where the Exotics exist within a two hundred (200) foot radius of any abutting, improved property. Furthermore, the requirements for abatement of the public nuisance as described in this Ordinance shall only apply when the County receives a complaint.

(e)

The accumulation of Exotics, weeds, grass or other similar nonprotected overgrowth in excess of eighteen (18) inches in height, is hereby prohibited and declared to be a public nuisance when such condition is located on any unimproved property in Collier County which is within five hundred (500) feet of Improved Property when such accumulation has aided any person to conceal or facilitate the commission of criminal acts against passers-by and the public and is likely to continue to aid in the concealment or commission of future criminal acts if such accumulation is not abated. A report from the Collier County Sheriff's Office identifying such unimproved property, which was allegedly utilized by any person to conceal or facilitate the commission of criminal acts against passersby or the public shall constitute sufficient evidence. However, the requirements for abatement of the public nuisance as described in this Ordinance shall only apply to that portion of the unimproved property where the accumulation exists within a five hundred (500) foot radius of Improved Property.

(f)

Exotic plants located in right(s)-of-way, alley(s), canal(s), and easements(s) on improved property within Recorded or Unrecorded Subdivisions are prohibited and declared to be a public nuisance.

(g)

The accumulation of weeds, grass or similar nonprotected overgrowth in excess of eighteen (18) inches in height is hereby prohibited and declared to be a public nuisance when located upon any unimproved property in unincorporated Collier County, which is not within a Recorded or Unrecorded Subdivision, when the weeds, grass or similar growth are located within one hundred (100) feet of the property line or lines of Recorded or Unrecorded Subdivision(S).

(Ord. No. 2005-44, § 11; Ord. No. 09-08, § 11)