Question:  I see people shooting their grass into the street from their mowers.  Is it OK to do this?

Answer:  No, it is not, for two reasons.  First, it is against City ordinances.  City Code 8-3-6 states the following:

It shall be the duty of every person owning or occupying any lot or parcel of land adjoining any public or private alley in the city to keep the same clean and in an inoffensive condition, and also keep the gutter in front, behind, or beside the premises owned or occupied by him, or under his control, free from filth or other offensive matter, including, but not limited to, landscape waste or leaves, that may prevent the free flow of water therein.  No property owner, occupant or any other person shall place, rake, or blow any leaves or landscape waste in any of the public street gutters adjoining their property owned, occupied or at which a person is working for hire or as a volunteer.

Violators of this ordinance can be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than four hundred dollars ($400.00) for each offense.  The City Police Department issues tickets for these offenses.

Second, as the ordinance points out, blowing grass and/or leaves into the street can clog catch basins which then prevent storm water from properly draining off the streets.  Flooded corners can be traffic hazards and excessive storm water can find its way into basements and crawlspaces of your house or your neighbors.

Please either bag your grass or blow it back onto your yard.