NORWICH – With the recent spate of warm weather and rain, lawns are growing fast, and some properties are already failing to comply with the city’s grass ordinance.

According to code, grass more than 10 inches in height is not permitted. However, still early in the summer season, some residences have grass that is already higher than that.

According to City Code Enforcement Officer Jason Lawrence, courtesy notices are left at properties where lawn maintenance is required, and most property owners address the problem within the next day. Those who don’t are sent certified letters, giving owners five days from the time the letter was sent to address the issue or the city will mow the grass at the property owner’s expense.

“Each time we have to mail these letters, it costs the city money,” said Lawrence, “but we want to provide a clean and safe city.” With the recent rise in postage costs, certified letters cost the city about $5.88 each, but Lawrence explained when there are 20 or more letters sent out a week, the costs quickly add up.