Code Enforcement: From Mr. Gatti’s Permit to What Happens When Your Grass Gets Too Tall

The La Grange City Council heard a report from City Code Officer Gabe Huelsebusch about permitting, inspections and code enforcement at their meeting Monday night, Jan. 27.

Huelsebusch said the City issued 446 building permits last year. Most of those were for small projects such as sheds and minor building additions, he said. So far this year, the City has processed 21 building permits. Some of the larger projects approved recently include the Mr. Gatti’s Pizza that will go inside La Grange Walmart and the Bread Basket Convenience Store at the corner of US 77 and SH 71 Bypass that’s set to open soon.

In addition, Huelsebusch reported that he recently received plans for 12 new homes in the Thomas Estates Subdivision, which is located in the vicinity of SH 71 Bypass and Greenspointe Ave. He said the City also received plans for two new homes at the corner of College and Milam St.

Huelsebusch handles code enforcement for the City as well. One of his routine duties involves notifying property owners who need to mow their grass. City code prohibits grass taller than 12 inches.

When that happens, Huelsebusch said the City sends a certified letter to the property owner notifying them of the code violation. The property owner has 10 days to mow their grass upon receipt of the letter. If they fail to mow the grass, Huelsebusch said the City sends a crew from the parks department to mow the lot. The City then bills the property owner for mowing services.