Jackson to crack down on grass clippings in streets

The city of Jackson is making it known that the discharge of grass cuttings into city streets is coming under greater scrutiny.

The city warned residents Thursday that blowing or sweeping grass cuttings into public roadways is in violation of the city code, a news release to local media said. Any person or business that deposits grass clippings or any debris whatsoever in such roads may be found guilty of a misdemeanor, according to the release.

"We've been hearing more complaints than normal about grass clippings in the street," said Capt. Robert Hull of the Jackson Police Department. "We hope people will understand that it's become more of a nuisance and that they'll comply with the city ordinance."

Hull said the problem stems from people who mow yards and blow the clippings into the street. While the clippings create an unsightly appearance, Hull said they also pose a threat to the city's stormwater drainage system.

"The clippings have been going down gutters," he said, "and the storm drains have been getting clogged."

Violators of the ordinance will be given a warning at first, according to Hull.

"We'll knock on their door and let them know. But if there's no compliance after the warning, we'll issue a summons."

Blowing grass clippings into the street while mowing isn't a violation of the Cape Girardeau city code, according to Zach Lewis, nuisance abatement officer with the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

"There's currently no ordinance saying that clippings can't be discharged into the street," he said.

What would be illegal, Lewis said, are bagged clippings that are left in the street.

"Bagged clippings in the street tend to create a danger," he said.

While he acknowledged that complaints about grass clippings are on the rise -- they appear regularly in the Southeast Missourian's Speak Out section -- Lewis said he is not aware of any pending ordinances to address the issue.

"I don't know of any action being taken by the city council at this time," he said.

Jackson residents who want to report a discharge of grass clippings may contact the Jackson Police Department at 243-3153. The news release can be viewed at jacksonmo.org.

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

525 S. Hope St., Jackson, Mo.

40 S. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.