Overgrown Grass

Council will investigate concerns that tall grass on the grounds of a private residence may constitute a potential fire, health or vermin risk.

A Community Safety Inspector will visit the location and assess the situation, and depending upon their findings, several measures may be taken.

Fire danger / block clearing process

What can council do regarding vacant blocks which are overgrown with grass?

Under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 (SA), owners of vacant land are responsible for taking all reasonable steps to prevent the outbreak or the spread of fire on the vacant land by regularly clearing and maintaining the land throughout the whole year.

When is the Fire Danger Season and what do I need to know?

Each year a Fire Danger Season is set. The Fire Danger Season is 1 December 2012 and ends on 30 April 2013.

A letter is sent to owners of vacant land before the Fire Danger Season begins advising of the importance to clear the land. A second letter is sent as the Fire Season begins.

What happens next and non-compliance?

All vacant land within the City of Marion is inspected by Community Safety Inspectors after the date specified in the letter by which we request all land be cleared.

If a parcel of vacant land is found to pose a risk of the outbreak or spread of fire, the owner of the land may be issued with a legal order under the Fire and Emergency Services Act requiring necessary steps to be taken to reduce the risk of fire.

If the necessary steps are not taken, then the City of Marion will take the required steps and the costs will be passed on to owner of the land.

An expiation notice for non compliance may also be issued.

The City of Marion has the authority under the Act mentioned above to take whatever steps necessary including the issue of legal orders and the recovery of any associated costs (legal or other) from the owner if the requirements of the Act are not met.

Health and vermin concerns

As well as presenting a fire hazard, overgrown grass can also constitute health or vermin risks.

If there are concerns that tall grass on the grounds of a private residence may constitute a health or vermin hazard, a Community Safety Inspector will visit the location and assess the situation.

If they find insanitary conditions, then an Environmental Health Officer will also inspect the site and if they confirm the initial assessment, council will work closely with the owner to overcome the problems as soon as possible.

If they find a vermin risk, such as rats or snakes, suitable measures will be taken.

Visit the Pest Control page for more information about pests.