Spring cleanup reminder for Findlay residents

As warmer weather returns, it's a welcome sign that spring has arrived in Findlay. This time of year is a great opportunity to get outside, clean up properties, and reset after the winter months. Keeping our neighborhoods in good shape is a shared effort. The city's zoning regulations help address nuisance conditions and support safe, well-kept properties across the community — helping ensure Findlay remains an attractive place to live, learn, work, play, invest, and raise a family. As you work through your spring cleanup, please keep a few key items in mind. All properties should be maintained so that grass, weeds, and other vegetation do not exceed 6 inches in height. Regular mowing and trimming go a long way in keeping neighborhoods clean and well cared for. Property owners who wish to maintain a natural landscaped area may submit an application to the city for approval. The accumulation of junk, debris, refuse, or discarded materials is not permitted in residential areas. Please make sure household trash is placed in proper containers with secure lids and not set out loosely at the curb. If trash is spilled or scattered, the property owner is responsible for cleanup, and it may result in a littering citation. Inoperable, unlicensed, or dismantled vehicles may not be stored outdoors in residential areas unless they are fully enclosed within a structure. Garage and yard sales are limited to two per calendar year per property. Recreational vehicles, including campers and boats, may be parked in front of a residence for up to 72 hours within any seven-day period for short-term use such as loading, unloading, or trip preparation. After that time, they must be moved to a compliant location and may not be connected to utilities or used for living purposes. Sidewalks are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner and should be kept safe and accessible. Please ensure sidewalks are free of trip hazards, including uneven surfaces and vegetation growth in cracks. Tree branches should be trimmed so they do not obstruct sidewalks, streets, or sight lines for pedestrians and drivers. Please also ensure storm drain grates are kept clear of debris so stormwater can flow properly and reduce localized flooding concerns. Spring and summer are also peak construction seasons. Before starting any new structure or improvement, please contact the city to determine if a permit is required by calling the Zoning Department at 419-424-7108, and call 811 to have underground utilities located prior to digging. If something in your neighborhood doesn't look right, you can submit a concern through the zoning section of the city of Findlay's website at www.findlayohio.gov/government/citydepartments/zoning so our staff can review it and respond as appropriate. This helps ensure issues are handled fairly and consistently. To support spring cleanup efforts, the city will host a Bulk Trash Drop-Off from April 18-25 at the Street Department, 330 N. Cory St. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. This service is available to city of Findlay residents only, and residency verification may be required. For ongoing yard debris disposal, residents may also use the Green Waste Site, open Tuesday through Friday from 2-7p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Spring is a great time to get outside, clean up, and take pride in our community. When we each take care of our own properties, it keeps Findlay looking its best — helping ensure it remains an attractive place to live, learn, work, play, invest, and raise a family. Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable spring as we continue into this milestone year celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Erik Adkins is a zoning administrator for the city of Findlay.