§ 19-24. Trees and shrubs obstructing sidewalks; minimum heights; removal; costs.

(a)

No person shall permit the limbs or foliage of any trees or shrubs located on premises owned by him to grow over or upon any sidewalk less than eight (8) feet above the surface of the sidewalk. Every such owner shall remove all dead, diseased or dangerous trees, or broken or decayed limbs which constitute a menace to the safety of the public.

(b)

All shrubs or bushes located on the triangle formed by two (2) right-of-way lines at the intersection of two (2) streets and extending for a distance of thirty (30) feet each way from the intersection of the right-of-way lines on any corner lot, shall not be permitted to grow to a height of more than thirty (30) inches above the sidewalk grade. Trees may be planted and maintained in this area provided that all branches are trimmed to maintain a clear vision for a vertical height of eight (8) feet above the roadway surface.

(c)

Any owner of property failing to trim any trees, shrubs or bushes in conformity with this section shall be notified by the city clerk to do so, and the notice shall require trimming in conformity with this section within five (5) days after the date of the notice. Upon the expiration of such period, the city clerk may cause the trimming to be done and the cost thereof may be collected from the owner of the property in the manner specified in section 18-45.

(d)

Upon the expiration of the five-day period as set forth in subsection (c), the owner shall be responsible for a municipal civil infraction, subject to payment of a civil fine as set forth in section 2-132. Repeat offenses shall be subject to increased fines as set forth in section 2-132.

(Code 1966, § 4.16; Ord. No. 1995-11, 10-9-95; Ord. No. 2004-27, 3-22-04)