OMAHA, Neb. -- A proposed ordinance in Omaha will soon require all yards to be trimmed at 12 inches, down from the previous mandate of 18 inches.

The public commented on the proposal Tuesday, with at least one person expressing concern that some yards will have ornamental grasses that may appear to be weeds to the untrained eye.

"If we have somebody that has a steep backyard and they want to grow big blue stem on it because it keeps down erosion, they should be able to do that. But it would be above 10 inches," said resident Glenn Pollock.

Last year, the city mowed more than 1,500 yards.

The new effort to control noxious weeds is a compromise.

Councilman Garry Gernandt said he originally wanted the limit to be 8 inches but worked with the Parks Commission to establish the new limit.

He said the ordinance is a small step to the big goal of sprucing up the city's image.