Township Administrator’s Corner by Vito Sinopoli

In a recent policy shift, the Summit County Engineer’s Office has announced the proposed suspension of its county roadside mowing program beginning Jan. 1, 2025. This program includes 62 lane miles of county roads in Bath Township. For many years, the county engineer’s office has assumed the maintenance responsibility for mowing grass and weeds in the ditches along county roads, ensuring road safety and aesthetic appeal. Starting next year, however, this responsibility will likely transition to private property owners, marking a significant change in the county’s approach to roadside maintenance.

Historically, the county’s roadside mowing program has been instrumental in maintaining visibility for drivers, particularly at intersections, and curbing the spread of noxious weeds. The cessation of this program will soon require property owners to take proactive measures to maintain their properties and mow ditches that abut county roads. While the county’s proposed change in policy will impact the roadside mowing of county roads, Bath Township Service Department personnel will continue to mow roadside ditches along township roads.

According to Summit County regulations, rank vegetation is defined as any growth of weeds or grass reaching a height of 8 inches or higher on any improved property. Improved property includes any land with a constructed building or structure used as a residence, domicile or place of business. It also encompasses properties in residential subdivisions.

Non-improved property refers to land without any constructed buildings or structures and is generally vacant. The county has determined that the presence of noxious weeds or rank vegetation on any improved property, or the right-of-way portion of any non-improved property, after May 1 each year, constitutes a public nuisance. This classification highlights the importance of vegetation management in maintaining public health and safety standards. (See Summit County Ord. 521.10).

Under the ordinance, a township zoning inspector maintains the authority to send notice to offending property owners of the presence of noxious weeds and rank vegetation on improved and unimproved land. Property owners must comply and remove vegetation within 5 days of receipt thereof. Failure to comply within 7 days of receipt of the notice allows the township to remove rank vegetation and noxious weeds at the township’s expense.

Any costs associated with the removal of vegetation and weeds may then be billed to the property owner and reimbursed to the township. Property owners who fail to reimburse the township for expenses incurred in the removal of rank vegetation and weeds within 30 days of receiving notice will have those expenses placed on the tax duplicate as a lien on the real property.

While residential and commercial property owners within Bath Township must comply with the Summit County ordinance regarding management of noxious weeds and rank vegetation on their properties, the transition of maintenance responsibilities to private property owners of roadside ditches introduces some new considerations and challenges.

Property owners will need to regularly mow and manage the vegetation on their properties and areas contiguous to roadways to comply with the regulations. This responsibility could involve additional time, effort and financial resources, particularly for those with extensive properties or limited capacity for maintenance work. For those unable to manage the maintenance on their own, hiring professional landscaping or mowing services may be a viable solution. Ensuring these services are aware of the legislative requirements will be crucial.

Non-compliance with the county regulations could result in township action resulting in contracted mowing of properties, the cost of which could be assessed as a lien against the property. Property owners must stay informed about the county requirements and take necessary actions to avoid additional burden.

As the Summit County Engineer’s Office proposes this policy shift on roadside mowing, it is essential for property owners to take proactive steps. Property owners should educate themselves about the county regulations and the specific requirements for vegetation management.

The proposed suspension of Summit County’s roadside mowing program marks a shift in maintenance responsibility for property owners. As the county transitions to this new approach, education, collaboration and proactive management will be key to ensuring the continued well- being and aesthetics of the community. ∞