Mow your lawn or City of Rockford could fine you this much

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Mowing season is well underway, which means many Rockford residents already have cut their lawns a few times.

Officials say most residents stay on top of mowing. Others, however, do not. That is why officials are reminding the public about the city’s lawn ordinance, which specifies just how tall Rockfordians are allowed to let their grass grow.

“In the city of Rockford, your lawn can only be 8 inches long,” said Jessie Anderson, senior neighborhood stabilization officer with the city. “If you have a property with no structure that’s over one acre, then it’s 10 inches.”

Those who aren’t in compliance with the ordinance will receive a written notice first, giving them five business days to mow. If they don’t reply after that, a city contractor will come out and mow, which can come with a hefty price tag for homeowners.

“We have a $135 admin fee,” Anderson said. “And then it varies on the size of the lot or length. It can be anywhere from $30 to $100 on top of the admin fee.”

There are exceptions to the 8- and 10-inch rules. Those choosing to participate in “No Mow May,” an initiative to protect pollinators like bees by allowing grass to grow longer during May, are temporarily exempt.

“You just have to have a sign saying you are being a part of [No Mow May],” Anderson said.

Residents are also permitted to use their yards to grow prairie grass, wild flowers and other plants that grow taller than 8 and 10 inches as long as they submit a plan to the city.

“As long as there’s no weeds in it, it’s acceptable,” Anderson said.

Beyond aesthetics, the ordinance aims to keep pests such as mice and snakes out of residential areas.

Those who are fined by the city have 30 days to pay. If payment isn’t received after 30 days, officials will take further steps.

“If you have an active water bill, we’ll just put in on your water bill,” Anderson said. “If it’s a vacant lot, we can put a lien on the property.”