- Chapter 40, Section 3:14 Trimming and Corner Clearance,
- Chapter 40, Section 3:15 Lawn Extension and City Street Right-of-Way and
- Chapter 47, Section 4:22 Pedestrian Passage
(Use the links or refer to the code at the bottom of this page, current as of July 9, 2009.)
The ordinances are somewhat vague and adequate sight-distance is based on “the criteria in the AASHTO (American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials) Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, 5th Edition (2005), or as subsequently amended.” I cannot find this document online and it costs over $200, although I was able to review an older edition in the Engineering Department. This makes it very difficult for a citizen to understand the law when he cannot read the ordinance online, or even in one place. ( If anyone locates the AASHTO policy online, please send me the location and I will add the link.)
Chapter 40 TREES AND OTHER VEGETATION
3:14 Trimming and corner clearance
(1) Trees and other vegetation on private property shall be maintained so that no part thereof intrudes upon public right-of-way in the space 8 feet above the surface of the right-of-way.
(2) Vegetation adjacent to intersections shall be maintained to allow for adequate sight distance based on the criteria in the AASHTO (American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials) Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, 5th Edition (2005), or as subsequently amended. (Ord. No. 19-05, § 3, 5-16-05)
3:15 Lawn extension and city street right-of-way
The owner of every parcel of land is responsible for grading, planting, mowing and raking the extension or city street right-of-way so that it is covered withturf grass withan average height not in excess of 12 inches or other ground cover vegetation with an average height not in excess of 36 inches above the adjacent road surface unless it presents a view hazard based on the criteria in the AASHTO (American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials) Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, 5th Edition (2005), or as subsequently amended. The city shall not be liable for damage to any vegetation planted, or to any property or fixtures placed, in or upon the lawn extension or the city right-of-way that results from work performed by the city in the lawn extension or right-of-way. (Ord. No. 43-04, § 17, 1-3-05; Ord. No. 19-05, § 4, 5-16-05)
4:22 Pedestrian passage
At least 6 feet of sidewalk space shall be kept clean and clear for the free passage of pedestrians and if the building operations are such that such free passageway is impracticable, a temporary plank sidewalk withsubstantial railings or sidewalk shelter built in accordance with Chapter 98 of this Code, shall be provided around such obstruction. (Ord. No. 21-76, 8-2-76)
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