Ord 086-2005 10/18/2005ORDINANCE NO.
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS,
TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 46, WEEDS, RUBBISH AND UNSANITARY
MATTER, BY THE ADDITION A DEFINITION OF VINES UNDER SECTION
46 -121 DEFINITIONS AND AN ADDITION OF SECTION 46 -124 b; FINDING
AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE
WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
WHEREAS, by a property owner failing to maintain the vines in the front yard of a
residential property causes an aesthetic nuisance and,
WHEREAS, by failing to maintain the vines causes adverse effects on adjacent
property values and,
WHEREAS, such conditions can cause health and safety issues for the
neighborhood;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, THAT:
SECTION 1 . Chapter 46 Article IV of the Code of Ordinances, Weeds, Rubbish, and
Unsanitary Matter, is hereby amended by the addition of under Section 46 -121 Definitions,
which shall read as follows:
"Vines means a plant with a long stem that grows along the ground or climbs a
support such as, but not limited to,: Clematis, Climbing Roses, Honey Suckle, Ivy, Jasmine,
Morning Glory, Trumpet Vines, and Wisteria.
Section 46 -124. Accumulation declared unlawful.
a. Whenever and wherever weeds, rubbish or any other
objectionable, unsightly and unsanitary matter of whatever nature
shall exist, covering or partly covering the surface of any lot or
parcel of real estate within the city so as to produce an unsightly
appearance or which may harbor reptiles or rodents, create a fire
hazard or result in unsanitary conditions, such a condition is
declared to be unlawful, the abatement of which shall be a public
necessity.
b. Vines that cover 50% or more of the ground surface area in a
residential front yard, to include side yards if visible from the street,
shall not exceed 12 inches in height. Vines used as ground cover,
shall be cut back so they do not grow onto any curb, sidewalk, or
driveway."
SECTION 2 . It is the intention of the City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas,
that the provisions of this ordinance shall become a part of the Code of Ordinances of the
City of Wichita Falls, Texas, and that sections of this ordinance may be renumbered or
relettered to accomplish such intention.
SECTION 3 . It is hereby officially found and determined that the meeting at which
this ordinance was passed was open to the public as required by law.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 18th day of October, 2005.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
ity Clerk