The Code Enforcement Section monitors the city and investigates complaints dealing with housing, garbage, solid waste, and sewage.  The purpose of this section is to enforce the City Ordinances related to public health. The Environmental Division baits the sewers in Portsmouth for rats once per month, targeting locations that have logged rat complaints.

Weeds and Grass

City Ordinance 941.20 - Garbage Rubbish and Weeds

941.20

(a) No person being the owner, occupant, lessee, tenant or agent of any property located within the city shall allow noxious or unsightly weeds or grass to grow to a height of ten inches (10"). Furthermore, no owner, occupant, lessee, tenant or agent shall allow the growth of any unkempt vines, bush, or shrubbery whose presence creates a nuisance or a health or safety concern. As used in this section "property" also included that portion of land extending to the pavement surface of a contiguous street or alley. (Ord. 2007-36. Passed 5-29-07)

(b) Whoever violates Section 941.20 shall be guilty of a minor misdemeanor on the first offense, and a fourth degree misdemeanor on each subsequent offense. Each day's continued violation shall constitute a separate offense. (Ord. 2003-58. Passed 6-9-03)

The owner or agent of any property found to be in violation of Portsmouth City Ordinance 941.20 shall be notified via certified mail to resolve the condition within ten (10) days. If such order is not complied within the prescribed amount of time, the property in violation shall be referred to the Public Service Department to be brought to compliance employing the necessary labor and equipment. All expenses incurred for such abatement shall be paid out of moneys appropriated by Council to the Public Service Dept. Each charge pursuant to this section as assessed against the property to which the service is rendered, is made a lien upon the lot or parcel of land and is to be certified to the Auditor of Scioto County by the Auditor of Portsmouth City at which time the lien shall vest; the amount shall be placed on the Scioto County real property tax list and duplicate for the property services and shall be collected as other taxes and liens.

Expenses are as listed:

An annual notice to the residents of the City of Portsmouth shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation regarding the requirements of foliage maintenance - look for this announcement in the spring or early summer.