Port Clinton looks for stronger enforcement on grass clippings ordinance

Daniel Carson, Fremont News-Messenger
·1 min read
Leaving grass clippings in the street could result in a minor misdemeanor charge and, if found guilty, could cost violators $150.
Leaving grass clippings in the street could result in a minor misdemeanor charge and, if found guilty, could cost violators $150.

PORT CLINTON — With Port Clinton ready to start work on a multimillion dollar infrastructure project, local officials want everyone to know they're serious about cracking down on residents who blow grass clippings into city roadways and storm sewers.

Mayor Mike Snider said police will be enforcing city ordinance Section 557.23(c), which states that no person shall blow grass clippings onto a city street.

Snider said the clippings can be dangerous to motorists and clog up pipes at the sewage plant.

"We're getting ready to invest $34 million into infrastructure," Snider said, referring to Port Clinton's  Forward-Looking Infrastructure Project, or FLIP.

Mayor Mike Snider said police will be enforcing city ordinance Section 557.23(c), which states that no person shall blow grass clippings onto a city street. This door hanger is placed on the doors of violators and explains the city ordinance.
Mayor Mike Snider said police will be enforcing city ordinance Section 557.23(c), which states that no person shall blow grass clippings onto a city street. This door hanger is placed on the doors of violators and explains the city ordinance.

The mayor said the city has repeatedly addressed the issue and is starting to get repeat offenders.

Police Chief David Scott posted a reminder on the city police's Facebook page to city residents to refrain from placing, blowing, or mowing any lawn or yard waste onto the roadways.

Scott said if officers on regular patrols notice grass clippings in the street around a residence, homeowners could be issued a summons for the violation.

"This is a minor misdemeanor and, if found guilty, could cost you $150. The police department does not want to issue citations for this; please work with us to keep our city safe and functioning well," Scott said.

Snider said door hangers with warnings about grass clippings and the city's ordinance have been posted on doors where violations occurred.

dacarson@gannett.com

419-334-1046

Twitter: @DanielCarson7

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Port Clinton cracking down on grass clipping violators