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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Springfield City Council and Code Enforcement hope tougher laws will encourage people from letting their lawns get out of hand this spring.

Members of council voted Tuesday on an ordinance that could cost homeowners up to $500 if they do not keep their yard below a foot long.

The Director of Building Services says its a step to help keep the city from going into the lawn cutting business.

Its a problem that Chris Straw hopes does not grow out of control in Springfield.

"On average, I would say there is probably ten maybe fifteen sites here in the city that we have encountered this issue with. Now, I'm not saying there may not be more later on."

Tuesday night, City Council approved an ordinance raising the penalty against homeowners for not keeping up their lawns.

"If we find that it needs to be mowed, we can and we'll send our contractor out and mow it and assess the fee for mowing and the administrative fee to the property through the personal property tax collection," says Straw.

If the city contractor comes out again, that is when it will cost you big bucks.

"If we go out a second time in the same year, its the same process but there is an additional penalty now of $250. If we have to go the third time in the same year, that penalty goes to $500."

Straw says overgrown lawns cause a number of safety issues.

"If it were to turn real dry, for example, you have the increased risk of fire. The tall grasses and the weeds and that harbor more rats and rodents

Straw says property owners are responsible for keeping their grass shorter than 12 inches.

"We have a number of property owners who do not care to take care of keeping their property mowed and their weeds under control," says Straw.

Straw hopes the new ordinance will encourage homeowners to keep Springfield beautiful.

"The city doesn't want to be in the business of mowing properties."

If you have a piece of property in your neighborhood that is a nuisance or violating the ordinance, you can report it by using the city's website (www.springfieldmo.gov)

Click "Report It" on the bottom or call the city's Resources Number at 417-864-1000.