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Private Lot Abatement Program (PLAP)

The purpose of PLAP is to promote thriving, clean, safe, and healthy neighborhoods through cleaning and abatement of private lots in Cincinnati neighborhoods.  PLAP has two critical components: civil citation issuance (via code enforcement), and lot cleaning/abatement.

What is PLAP?

PLAP is the code enforcement unit that handles complaints of litter, weeds, dumping, improper trash can set out, and related violations on private property.  Public property (such as City owned property) is addressed by the Department of Public Services and other City Departments who control the public property.  If private property owners do not cut weeds and clean litter having been cited, PLAP uses a private contractor to perform the work.

Code Enforcement Process

  • Intake - Complaint generated by a citizen, neighbor or Inspector
  • Inspection - Inspector responds within 24 to 72 hours (No Warning)
  • Civil Citation - If a violation exist, a civil citation is issued
  • Litter  & Tall Grass Violations - Re-inspected for compliance in 7-10 days, if still in violation 2nd citation is issued and referral is sent to the Abatement Program (to be cleaned/cut by a contractor)
  • Trash Set Out Violations - Civil citations can be issued daily as violations exist

What To Do If You Receive A Citation?

  • Correct the violation ASAP, notify the Enforcement Officer of completion or with questions, request a hearing to receive a "Cure Credit."
  • You may request a hearing if you disagree with the Citation.
  • Pay any citation you owe timely to avoid collections.  Late payments double.
  • Take preventive measures to avoid citations going forward.
  • If you are a victim of "third party littering" submit a plan of litter prevention and adhere to it to avoid on-going violations.

Litter and Overgrown Weeds on Private Property

Citizens wishing to report litter and/or overgrown grass and weeds nuisances should call the City's Customer Service line at 311 or through the 311Cincy! app.  Private property complaints that aren't municipally owned or vacant lots will be referred to B&I (PLAP).