What grass height is allowed on my residential lot?

Developed residential lots must be 6 inches or less; undeveloped residential lots 8 inches.

When will the city mow my property and charge me?

Between May and September the city may mow noncompliant lots and bill $100 per lot per occurrence.

What happens if I don't pay the mowing bill?

Unpaid mowing bills will be attached to your property taxes as a special assessment.

Ordinance — Allerton

Official courthouse record · Indexed in NoticeRegistry archive · AI-enriched for research

Affects:HomeownersProperty BuyersGeneral PublicGovernment Agencies

Allerton City Council reminds property owners of height limits for grass and weeds May–September and warns the city will mow noncompliant lots and bill owners $100 per lot per occurrence, with unpaid bills placed as special assessments on property taxes.

Key Takeaways

Grass height limits vary by lot type (6
8
15 inches).
City will mow noncompliant properties and charge $100 per lot per occurrence.
Unpaid mowing bills become a special assessment on property taxes.
Mowing enforcement occurs May through September.

Published: May 8, 2026 · 1 week ago
Category: Ordinance
City: Allerton

If you don't respond

If you ignore the ordinance during May 1–September 30, the city may mow your property, charge $100 per lot for each occurrence, and place unpaid bills as a special assessment on your property taxes.

What to do next

1
Measure and maintain lawn heights
Keep developed residential grass ≤6 inches, undeveloped residential ≤8 inches, ag lots ≤15 inches from May–September.
2
Contact City Hall with questions
Call Allerton City Hall at 641-873-4459 for clarifications or to report mowing concerns.
3
Pay billed mowing charges promptly
If the city mows your lot, pay the $100 per-lot charge when billed to avoid a special assessment on taxes.

Frequently asked questions

What grass height is allowed on my residential lot?: Developed residential lots must be 6 inches or less; undeveloped residential lots 8 inches.
When will the city mow my property and charge me?: Between May and September the city may mow noncompliant lots and bill $100 per lot per occurrence.
What happens if I don't pay the mowing bill?: Unpaid mowing bills will be attached to your property taxes as a special assessment.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

Non-Mow allowance: A local rule setting maximum allowed grass or weed heights for different lot types.
Ordinance: A local law passed by the city governing property maintenance and enforcement.
Special assessment: A charge added to your property tax bill to collect unpaid municipal costs.

Full Notice Text

PUBLIC NOTICE
The City Council of Allerton, Iowa, is hereby giving notice
for this years Non-Mow allowance. As defined in section 8.04.04 of the code of ordinances, developed residential, business and industrial grass and weeds are not to exceed 6 inches, undeveloped residential lots are not to exceed 8 inches, and ag lots are not to exceed 15 inches. 
Ordinance 8.04.060 states owners of lands within the City are to keep their property mowed between the months of May through September. It also states that if an owner fails to mow, the work will be done by the city and owners will be sent a bill for the cost of the work done. If the city mows, you will be charged $100.00 per lot on the block for each occurrence.
At the end of mowing season, you will receive a bill for mowing. If you fail to pay, a special assessment will be attached to your property taxes. 
Please call city hall with any questions regarding this notice. 641.873.4459