The county just to the north of us, Jefferson County, merged with Louisville CITY government a few years back. Louisville has had ordinance's in effect for years requiring property owners to maintain them.
Grass/weed cutting applies to any property under 5 acres, and/or adjoining a residential property. Grass/weeds aren't allowed to grow over 10" tall. "Operation Brightside" will serve notice, give owners 21 days, then they show up with an army of weedeaters and tractors to mow it for you. Typically, an average "city lot" will cost owners around $500 to have Brightside mow it. THEN the owner gets a stiff fine on top of that. My mother-in-law had this happen to her a few years back. Fine was $1400 on top of the mowing fee.
Also, no unlicensed cars or trucks stored in residential areas. There is an "exclusion" available to those who register their "collector cars". (NON licensed) They must not be visible from street, sidewalk, or neighboring residential lots.
When City and County Gov. merged, the county area is now under the same restrictions. Some of Jefferson County is still rural. You can only imagine the turmoil that causes.
In the past month, our little "city" of less than 7500 has enacted a simular ordinance. They appointed a code enforcement officer who gets a percentage of fines levied. (All the motivation he needs, I'm sure)
Good or bad, that's the way it is. If people would just keep their surroundings clean, they avoid the wrath of Code enforcement. But in a little redneck town like ours, that just isn't going to happen without a battle.