By KRWG News
Las Cruces, NM – More than 23,000 complaints about weeds and rubbish in yards came in during 2010 compared to more than 32,000 in 2009.
Property owners or tenants who are cited for a code violation must appear in Las Cruces Municipal Court.
Citations are considered petty misdemeanors and the maximum penalty for noncompliance with city codes is a $500 fine and as long as 90 days in jail.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports there were 8,500 violations for unsightly or uncontrolled weeds reported by Codes Enforcement officers in 2010. That resulted in 458 citations issued to property owners or tenants.