Overgrown yard grass in violation of ordinance

Lots of rain means fast-growing grass and weeds, and when vegetation gets higher than 18 inches, Brownsville property owners can be in violation of a municipal ordinance.

If an overgrown property borders a street, the owner may get a letter from the city.

"There are several consequences if people do not comply with notices we send them," said Willie Gonzalez, city ordinance enforcement officer. "You could either be cited, sent to municipal court and fined, or you can contact city contractors to go mow the property."

If property owners do not comply within seven days of the notice of violation, the city may do the work and make the improvements required, and all expenses will be charged to the owner.

Long grasses keep the mosquito population high, and also can have other health and safety consequences, including blocking visibility for drivers at corners.

"I do ask property owners to cut their lawns because not only does it look bad but to also get rid of the harboring of mosquitoes," said Gonzalez. "After breeding, mosquitoes gravitate to vacant lots and go into the tall grass to protect themselves from the heat. ... It basically gives them a place to hide."

City crews have been working to minimize the problem, and so far this month have mowed 105 vacant lots, Gonzalez said Thursday.

"We’re working much faster than we usually do to mow everything, especially with all the rain coming in," he said. "We have to follow state procedures so the process takes time."

He said there are 12 inspectors in the city that check restaurants, retail stores and swimming pools in addition to their other enforcement duties.

"They (inspectors) are in charge of their own area of town and they basically respond to not just grass, but any complaint," Gonzalez said.