Sioux Falls City Council Assesses Landowners for Lawn Upkeep

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The Sioux Falls City Council is assessing about 100 landowners a total of roughly $12,800 for landscaping costs from cleaning up unkempt lawns.

The Argus Leader reports that the city last year found about 1,600 properties that had low-hanging trees and overgrown grass. About 235 people were cited.

The city council put the nearly $13,000 in assessments on landowners who still hadn't paid the city for last year's upkeep.

The unpaid costs from 2014 will be included in 2016 tax bills.

Kelly Boysen is chief property maintenance inspector for Sioux Falls. He says annoyed neighbors or onlookers prompt nearly all inspections.

Sioux Falls Planning Director Mike Cooper says the city has been aggressive with enforcement.

He says the city has put out more information about calling in violations.

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