Welcome to the City of Great Falls
Public Works Weed Control Program

[drawing: weed]

Purpose

The Nuisance Weed Program serves to reduce the problems associated with uncontrolled vegetation growth including fire hazards, rodents, insects, snakes and the general poor appearance of the community.

[drawing: weed investigator]

History

The City of Great Falls' Nuisance Weed Program began on August 25, 1969, when a special committee recommended to the mayor and city council that a weed policeman be hired to enforce ordinances regulating the growth of nuisance weeds. The following year a specific ordinance was adopted. The weed ordinance is in the Great Falls Municipal Code Book, Chapter 8.44.

While the weed ordinance deals with tall grasses and uncared for vegetation, it does not address noxious weed infestation. Noxious weeds in Cascade County can be reported to the County Weed Control officer at (406)454-6920.

[drawing: Weed Notice -- 7 days to cut]

Investigating Process

The investigative process begins with an on-site inspection of reported violations followed by determining the legal ownership of the property involved.

Once ownership of the property has been established, a letter of notification of nuisance weed violations is prepared. Owners are given 7 days from the day the notice is posted or mailed. After the allotted time for compliance has expired, properties are once again inspected for violations.

To contact the weed investigator email or call Debbie Kimball, 771-1401.

 

[cartoon: man mowing weeds]

What Happens If You Do Not Cut Your Weeds?

Properties found not to be in compliance are noted and scheduled for cutting by City crews. Photographs are taken by the investigator to verify violations and once work is completed, photographs are again taken. Owners whose properties are cut by City crews are billed at $200/hour (1 hour minimum) for actual time spent correcting the violation.

During the course of a typical season approximately 2,500 letters of notification for violations are mailed each year. Of those property owners notified, approximately 97% comply. The remainder will be cut by the City.

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