The Niceville City Code of Ordinances does have a lot to say about grass, shrubs, trees, and other vegetation that may become a nuisance to neighbors and other residents. 

According to Ordinances 9-2 through 9-6, the Niceville City manager can initiate action against a property in a multi-step process that allows the property owner recourse to address the issue before fines and liens against the property are assessed. 

“t is unlawful to allow debris, rubbish, trash, tin cans, papers or stagnant water to accumulate or allow a dense growth of trees, vines and underbrush to develop on any lot, tract or parcel of land within the city to such an extent that it constitutes a menace to life, property, the public health, the public welfare or creates a fire hazard, is hereby prohibited and declared to be a public nuisance,” The code says. 

Suppose the city manager determines that an issue has developed on a property. In that case, he can send a police officer with a notice to the property owner or agent of the property owner. If they can’t find someone – they will post the notice on the building itself. 

From there – the manager can set a hearing no less than 20 days after the mailing of the notice. If the owner does not remedy the issues still outstanding after the notice is issued, the city can begin cleaning up the property and bill the owner. 

Once the city finishes the clean-up, it can put a lien on the property until they are reimbursed for their efforts. 

Finally, the property owner can file for a hearing on the cost of removal by the city.