Code Enforcement overwhelmed with calls

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - With drought conditions improving a little, you may need to pull out your lawn mower.

For some folks, there hasn't been the need to cut yards much this summer.

However, now, that's changing.

Terre Haute Police Department's Code Enforcement officers tell News 10 they've received several calls from residents complaining that their neighbors' yards, sidewalks, curbs, and tree rows are overgrown.

They said it's a problem all over Terre Haute every year.

It can be a health risk since mosquitoes live in high grass and Vigo County tested positive for West Nile virus.

Code Enforcement officers say with the recent rain we've received, they're having trouble managing all the properties.

"They are responsbile also not only for their grass, but for the sidewalks, the tree row infront of them, all the way out to the street," Code Enforcement Officer Rance Barnaby said.

If you receive a letter from the city of Terre Haute, you have ten days to take care of your yard.

If you don't, officers will go through a legal procedure, and take care of the problem themselves, putting a possible lien on your property.