How would I go about fighting a city grass/weed ordinance in Bethlehem, PA?

Question

Here's the short and sweet: Lawn got a little high, weeds got a little high, someone complained; I rent from a relative, who received a notice about the situation. Date of letter is 7/18, letter was received 7/19, with 5 days to comply from date of letter, or 7/23. Each day after, significant precipitation fell in the area up until the deadline, meaning it was finally clear enough to do work on 7/24 (as anyone who's cut a lawn high while it is wet would know how difficult/dangerous/damaging it could be). Progressive work was done to clear out the yard, yet a citation dated 7/31 and received today, 8/7, was still received.... Am I able to somehow fight this? If so, how? The fine, all inclusive, is $158, at this point, something I can't readily afford. Any information would help, thanks to all who read and reply...

Answer 1

You need to be scrupulous in keeping lawn in accordance with the rules, moving forwards, because of great risk of inspection follow-up.  If you let it get too high again, maybe the next citation will be for a larger fine.

If you cannot afford the fine, then maybe you cannot afford the much higher expense of fighting it.  See if landlord willing to subsidize your expense.

It is one thing to fight for principle, it is another thing to say you cannot afford that fine, so you going to spend 10 or 20 times as much on lawyer to fight it.

Answer 2

A citation is not a conviction.  Plead not guilty.  Set a trial.  During the trial make your various arguments, both factual and legal.  If acquitted, you win.  If convicted, appeal and raise the legal arguments again.  That is how one fights an ordinance.