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Forestry Violations

Below are the ordinances enforced by Forestry Services. 
Violations which pose an immediate danger to public health, safety, or welfare are subject to immediate correction/removal, the property will be charged accordingly. 
Failure to correct a violation prior to the reinspection will result in a bill sent to the property owner. Bills not paid within 30 days will incur a late fee and are assessed in the fall to the property tax bill.

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances

Tall Grass/Weeds

  • 80-17 - Grass and weeds must be less than 7 inches.
  • Must be corrected within 5 days of the property being found in violation
    • First violation in a calendar year
      • Corrected before inspection - $0
      • Not corrected before reinspection - Referred to contractor for mowing 
        • $75 special charge (posting) 
        • Charged if the contractor corrected the violation
          • $100 additional special charge (admin) 
          • contractor abatement cost
          • tax
  • Two or more violations in a calendar year
    • Corrected before inspection - Special charge (posting) increases by $125 per violation per calendar year
      • 2 - $200
      • 3 - $325
      • 4 - $450
      • 5 - $575
      • 6 - $700 (max charge) 
    • Not corrected before inspection - Referred to contractor for mowing
      • Special charge (posting) increases by $125 per violation per calendar year
        • 2 - $200
        • 3 - $325
        • 4 - $450
        • 5 - $575
        • 6 - $700 (max charge) 
      • Charged if the contractor corrected the violation
        • $150 additional special charge (admin)
        • contractor abatement cost
        • tax

Sidewalks (Snow)

116-8 Sidewalks must be clear of snow and ice 24 hours after the snow has stopped. As uncleared sidewalks impact safe mobility of City residents, there is no mailed notice or additional time given to correct. No posting is required, but one may be provided as a courtesy.

First Violation in a calendar year

  • Corrected before reinspection - $75
  • Not corrected before reinspection 
    • $75 special charge (posting)
    • $100 additional special charge (admin)
    • contractor abatement cost
    • tax
  • Two or more violations in a calendar year
    • Corrected before reinspection - $125
    • Not corrected before reinspection 
      • $125 special charge (posting)
      • $100 additional special charge (admin)
      • contractor abatement cost
      • tax

Encroachments

116-55 - Overhanging branches cannot interfere with vehicle or pedestrian traffic on streets, alleys or sidewalks

Must be corrected within 15 days of the property being found in violation

  • Corrected before reinspection - $0
  • Not corrected before reinspection 
    • $100 special charge (posting/admin)
    • contractor abatement cost
    • tax

Hazardous Trees

116-66 Trees/branches that may fall upon any sidewalk, street, building, or may result in injury to a person or property is prohibiited.

Must be corrected within 30 days of the property being found in violation

  • Corrected before reinspection - $0
  • Not corrected before reinspection 
    • $100 special charge (posting/admin)
    • contractor abatement cost
    • tax

Appeals

Charges may be appealed to the Administrative Review Board of Appeals within 120 days of the bill date. 

There is a $25 filing fee to appeal a special charge.

Appeal Form