Statistically from May through October, and especially in the month of September, Hobbs experiences more rain than during the other months of the year. With the wet weather comes the accumulation of weeds, weeds and more weeds.
City officials remind everyone that the City Hobbs has a Weed Control Ordinance. The ordinance is managed by Hobbs Police Captain of Community Services Shane Blevins, who, with the help of his team, is responsible for its enforcement. Residents are asked to familiarize themselves with this ordinance and follow it closely.
Control Weeds to Help Prevent Wildfires
In an October 7 press release (PDF), the City of Hobbs asks residents to mow their properties and control their weeds. “The Code Enforcement Division will work with the community to educate them on this process and help them to reach better conditions on their property when needed,” states the press release. It should be remembered that “overgrown vegetation will eventually dry out and become a fuel source for potential wild grass fires which quickly spread to buildings and nearby properties.”
Dry Conditions Are Here
Now that the drier months between early October and early May are here, without proper maintenance, weeds can become very problematic. Dry weather and drought are the perfect breeding ground for wildfires, and weeds, if not controlled, can serve as fuel for such fires.
In addition to curtailing outbreaks of wildfires, controlling weeds results in fewer mosquitos, fewer rodents and fewer allergies. The overall result is improvement to the environment and its enjoyment by all.
Hobbs’ Weed Control Ordinance
The city’s Weed Control Ordinance, which is found in Chapter 8.40 of the City of Hobbs Municipal Code, places the responsibility of weed control on property owners.
Ordinance 840.40 states, “It is unlawful for any owner, lessee or occupant having charge or control of any occupied or unoccupied lot or tract of land within the City to permit or maintain any growth of weeds to a greater height than twelve (12) inches, or any accumulation of weeds, on any such lot or tract of land, including any curb, gutter and sidewalks and the area located between the property line and the middle of the alley adjacent to any such lot or tract of land.”
Fines for Non-Compliance
For property owners and those having control of a property who do not comply with the ordinance, enforcement proceedings can be instigated.
First, a written warning will be posted on the property with a request for voluntary compliance to the Weed Control Ordinance within ten (10) days of the written notice.
If the vegetation and/or weeds are not removed within the ten (10) day period allowed, the City of Hobbs may have said vegetation and/or weeds cut and removed at the property owner’s expense. Additionally, the property owner may be charged for other expenses and penalties allowed by the law.
The press release states, “If a property owner fails to cooperate within the given time of ten (10) days of the written notice, the City will then issue a citation and the property owner will be required to appear in court. If convicted, the property owner may be subject to a fine not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00). The property owner will be given fifteen (15) days to submit payment in full.”
The press release also states that each and every day the violation goes on, “may constitute a separate offense, resulting in additional fines”.
Finally, the press release points out that the ordinance also allows the city to place a lien on any property for which the city removed weeds and the owner did not pay all costs, including fines, associated with weed removal.
Important Tips to Remember to Prevent Wildfires
The City of Hobbs Weed Removal Ordinance when followed helps to control wildfires, and the city has several tips to help folks reduce the possibility of the occurrence of a wildfire, as well as the potential damage that can result.
Tip 1: Remove anything 30 feet from around your house that could serve as a fuel source. For homes located on a slope, the “safety zone” may need to be increased.
Items to remove include spare lumber, woodpiles, vehicles and boats. Cut grass short and regularly. Rake and remove leaves. Cut down and remove brush, as well as dead branches and limbs. Clean out gutters and take “special care” to remove all branches that extend over a roof.
Tip 2: Shrubs and/or trees, including overhanging branches, that are closer than five (5) feet to a house or other structure should be trimmed and removed.
Tip 3: Cover exterior attic vents with mesh wire no larger than ⅛ inch to prevent sparks from entering a home or structure should a fire occur.
Tip 4: After barbecuing place and then soak ashes and burnt charcoal in a mental bucket. When barbecuing, always keep a fire extinguisher, a bucket of water, a shovel and other fire suppression equipment nearby.
Burn Permits are Required In and Out of the City Limits
A burn permit is necessary within the Hobbs City Limits before burning brush, leaves and/or trash. A burn permit is also required to burn such items outside the city limits.
Report Wildfires ASAP
Please call and/or report a fire as soon as possible (ASAP). The quicker responders are notified, the more likely a fire will be contained and hopefully damage will be reduced.
A Message from Captain Shane Blevins
Captain Blevins asks for everyone’s help in controlling weeds and preventing wildfires.The safety of all is paramount. He says, “As most are, we are grateful for the growth rainfall has provided us this year, but it has the potential to cause issues down the road. Our Staff are trying to be proactive about this obvious and visual issue, however, we need assistance and compliance from community members in order to keep our community safe. Staff are taking the initiative to advise and when needed cite residents. This is necessary to ensure the safety of life and property in Hobbs, as well as surrounding rural areas. Our goal is to improve the appearance and cleanliness of our community while ensuring safety. We appreciate all the help we receive from the community. “
Contact
For more information or to report a property that is not being maintained, kindly contact the Code Enforcement Division at 575 391-4178.
Photo from Jasmin Schrieber // Unsplash
