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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- It’s that time of the year again when people are dusting off their lawn mowers and starting to do more yard work outside.

Ottumwa City Officials want to remind people that City Code requires folks to cut their grass and weeds before they reach the maximum allowable growth of 12 inches.

Also, officials want people to dispose of their grass clippings the correct way.

“As they mow, please turn your mower so the clippings don't go out into the street. Grass clippings, once in the street, inevitably become entangled into the sewer system and causes all sorts of stoppables and clogs in the storm grades or in the piping itself,” said Tom Rodgers, Ottumwa Public Information Officer.

Rodgers said that the city has a seasoned employee that works just during the grass season going around offering these reminders, and if need be giving out citations for tall grass violations.

A civil citation and a fine of $250 will be given for a first violation, $500 for a second violation and $750 for a third and subsequent violations within the same 12-month period.