Chapter 326. To cause the removal of weeds from lands in the city of Washington, District of Columbia, and for other purposes
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CHAP. 326.— An Act To cause the removal of weeds from lands in the city of Washington, District of Columbia, and for other purposes. March 1, 1899. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, * That it shall be the duty ofDistrict of Columbia.Removal of weeds from land required. the owner, occupant, or agent, in charge of any land in the city of Washington, District of Columbia, or in the more densely populated suburbs of said city to remove from such land any weeds thereon of four or more inches in height within seven days (Sundays and legal holidays excepted) after notice from the health officer of said District so to do, and upon failure to comply with such notice he or she shall, onPenalty for failure. conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than ten dollars for each day said notice is not complied with.
Sec. 2. That whenever there are upon any unoccupied land aforesaidPublication of notice to unknown owner of land. weeds of four or more inches in height, and no person can be found in said District who either is or claims to be the owner thereof, or who either represents or claims to represent such owner as aforesaid, the Commissioners of said District shall give notice, by publication twice a week in one daily newspaper published in the city of Washington aforesaid, requiring their removal.
Said notice shall specify the land fromRemoval by Commissioners. which such weeds are to be removed, the character of the work to be done, and the time allowed for doing the same; and if such weeds be not removed within the time so specified it shall be the duty of said Commissioners to cause their removal; and the cost of such removal,—costs. including the cost of advertising, shall be a lien upon and shall be assessed by said Commissioners as a tax against the property on which said weeds were located, and the said tax so assessed shall bear interest at the rate of ten per centum per annum till paid, and shall be carried on the regular tax rolls of said District and be collected in the manner provided for the collection of general taxes.
Sec. 3. That prosecutions under this Act shall be in the police courtProcedure. of said District, upon information filed by the attorney for said District or one of his assistants. Approved, March 1, 1899.