SPEARFISH, SD – As the seasons change and the growing season kicks into full gear, residents are reminded to maintain their properties, especially yards, trees/shrubs, and sidewalk areas, pursuant to Spearfish City Code.
“It’s the time of year when we start cleaning up our properties from the winter and look forward to enjoying the summer months,”
Code Enforcement Officer Jade Addison said. “It’s also the time of year we start hearing from residents concerned about nuisances in their neighborhoods, so we want to kindly remind homeowners to begin their maintenance of their property. Residents should also be aware you may receive a door hanger or letter as an additional reminder.”
Residents should ensure all bushes, trees, and vegetation on their property are trimmed and maintained so they are not spilling into or hanging over sidewalks, roadways, or alleys. Pursuant to Spearfish City Code 9-27.C.(5), obstruction on any portion of a sidewalk, including insufficient overhead clearance over the sidewalk (10 feet), is defined as a public nuisance. Voluntary compliance with this rule ensures any user of any ability using the City’s walkways has ample room to maneuver and is not compelled to move into the street, at possible risk to themselves, to avoid obstructions. Residents should also check and maintain adjacent sidewalks to ensure they are not in disrepair/cause a hazard to people using the sidewalk.
In terms of residential lawns, grass and weeds having reached a height of 10 inches, or any noxious weeds, are also considered a nuisance, and property owners are reminded to keep their yards trimmed. Areas within 20 feet of a creek or stream, with a slope that is steeper than 2 horizontal feet to 1 vertical foot, or that are highly erodible, may be exempt from the 10-inch height limit, as well as drainage/irrigation ditches.
The Spearfish City Ordinances are available online, with nuisances outlined in Chapter 9.
For more information, visit https://www.cityofspearfish.com/346/Property-Maintenance.