City mails a fine. Guy gets mad and doesn't pay it. Nanny State mails you demanding money for grass, government overreach, etc.
City goes to the man's door and says "we got a complaint, mow the grass so I don't have to fine you." Man is treated like an adult who is given the opportunity for grace. Man mows the lawn and goes on living his life.
Would you prefer drive-by citations for everything without having an opportunity to correct issues?