On occasion, a property owner may not realize they are responsible for mitigation of the rear easement of the property. In certain areas of Town there are easements at the rear of the property that are typically 12’ - which means the property owner would be responsible for 6’ and the rear neighbors for the other 6’.
Town code specific to weed mitigation:
9-04-020 Owner, Lessee or Occupant to Maintain Property. A. The owner, lessee or occupant of any property shall at all times remove rubbish (including other accumulations of filth, related debris, and dilapidated buildings) that constitute a hazard to public health and safety from said property, maintain said property in a clean and safe condition, and otherwise avoid keeping or maintaining any nuisance thereon. These requirements also apply to appurtenant, adjacent or contiguous sidewalks, alleys and portions of streets that are not hard-surfaced for PRESCOTT VALLEY 9 - 9 vehicular traffic. B. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the owner, lessee or occupant of any property shall have the following specific obligations and responsibilities on the property and appurtenant, adjacent or contiguous sidewalks, alleys and portions of streets that are not hard-surfaced for vehicular traffic:
1. To control weeds and yard waste thereon and otherwise maintain said areas free of dry bushes, trees, tumbleweeds, weeds or other dry vegetation that create a visual blight upon the neighborhood, harbor insect or rodent infestations, become a fire hazard, or otherwise threaten the health, safety or economic welfare of adjacent property owners or occupants. In so doing, the owner, lessee or occupant shall not allow grass or weeds to exceed twelve (12) inches in height and shall otherwise maintain the property in a manner that prevents weeds or yard waste from being carried or deposited by the elements upon any public place.
2. To keep ditches or similar watercourses that are part of the storm drainage system clean and free of rubbish (expressly including vegetation, yard waste, and debris) that would obstruct the easy and natural flow of water therein. (This is typically in reference to the right of way in front of the property).
These are definitions to “Public Place” and “Property” which explain the areas of responsibility:
F. "Public place" means any and all streets, sidewalks, boulevards, alleys or other public ways, and any and all public parks, squares, spaces, grounds and buildings.
G. "Property" includes grounds, lots and tracts of land on which premises are located.