What constitutes a loose leaves violation?
During leaf season, citizens may place an unlimited number of biodegradable paper bags of leaves out for collection. Refer to the annual leaf season/holiday season schedule for details.
Paper bagged leaves set out during non-leaf collection seasons are considered bulk trash and will be collected as a part of the regular six item bulk trash collection week program. More than six bags to the curb on a bulk week or brush week will be a code violation and treated as such.
Loose-leaf collection is NOT provided by the city. The only loose-leaf alternative is to stage raked leaves near the edge of the street for timely collection by a private contractor. Residents are encouraged to notify the city of their plans for contractor pickup by calling 853-2000, Option 1.
As of 9/8/2009, it is a violation of City Code section 14.1 to rake loose leaves into the City's right-of-way. There will be strict enforcement by City inspectors. In order for a citizen to be in violation of the loose leaf ordinance, there must be an attempt by the owner or occupant of a property to collect leaves and deposit them onto the city right-of-way. A Notice of Violation for loose leaves indicates that the inspector determined that an attempt was made to deposit leaves on the city right-of-way. In this case, immediate removal of the leaves is required by the resident.
If leaves remain in the right-of-way after a 72-hour removal notice, the City will have the leaves removed and bill the adjoining parcel owner a $50 administrative fee plus the fee charged to the city by a private contractor. Natural accumulation of falling leaves or wind-blown leaves does not constitute a violation.