On St. Paul Avenue, a Madison resident reported to the city this summer that “unusual” weeds had grown over five feet tall. On Femrite Drive, another resident expressed concern about “dangerous” weed.

On Sunridge Drive, city inspectors received a report that weeds overgrowing the sidewalk and brush obstructing drivers’ views were a “disgrace.” A resident on Ellenwood Drive also reported to the city that a neighbor’s yard was neglected.

“The yard is TOTALLY OVERGROWN and full of weeds infesting our yard/property!!!” the resident wrote in a complaint filed with the city. “There has been no mowing since last September!!! They play this game every year.”

These few complaints are among hundreds filed by Madison residents this summer regarding weeds, overgrown vegetation and trees. As of August 7, the city had logged over 400 complaints – about 47% more than last year.

Complaints include frustrated homeowners who expect their neighbors to mow their lawns and concerned motorists who ask the city to trim back vegetation so they can better see oncoming traffic.

According to Matt Tucker, director of the city’s building inspection department, every complaint is reviewed and investigated if it falls within the city’s jurisdiction.

“We have a good standard for property maintenance and a community standard that sets those requirements,” Tucker said. “That’s how we maintain the quality of our community.”

City ordinance requires that grass be no more than 8 inches high unless the property has an approved natural grass installation. Violations occur when weeds are noxious, obstruct drivers’ visibility, or encroach on sidewalks.

In addition to weeds, Madison residents also frequently complain about snow removal, trash and right-of-way obstructions, according to city figures. In the summer, however, it’s noxious weeds and waist-high grass that bring most residents to Tucker’s office.

Adam Lovelace, who lives near North Star Park, went to town in June to report a neighbor whose lawn had not been mowed all year. Over a month later, Lovelace’s complaint was closed. He said the lawn was mowed shortly afterward.

“It was certainly a slow process,” Lovelace told the Cap Times.

For weeds and overgrown vegetation, residents will receive an official notice after an inspection by the city and have 10 days to fix the problems. The city will then re-inspect the property and either close the complaint or issue a ticket.

For first violations during a season, property owners can be fined $187. For subsequent violations within a year, the fine is $313.

Tucker said the city’s goal is to respond to non-urgent complaints within two to three days. If there is a violation, the city sends the property owner a notice in the mail, which takes at least four days to arrive. Residents also have a 10-day period to respond. Overall, it can take at least three weeks for a complaint to be resolved.

“I’m very grateful that most people in the community are so patient,” Tucker said.

The increase in complaints this year coincides with a wetter summer. Water levels in Dane County’s lakes remain higher than in recent years due to repeated rains. For gardeners, farmers and other plant growers in the region, the weather was a stark contrast to last year, which was unusually dry, according to the state’s climate scientists.

Tucker is responsible for handling complaints by a staff of 14. The total budget of the department, which supports a team of 43, is $5.6 million.

This year, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway asked city officials to submit proposals for a 5% budget cut. Without additional funding, the city expects to have a budget deficit next year. Tucker’s department has proposed eliminating three positions in an already understaffed office, he said.

“It just takes time,” he said. “The fewer resources available, the less time we have to respond to complaints.”