(A) Any tree growing over a public alley, street or highway, or so located as to extend its branches over a public alley, street or highway, shall be trimmed by the property owner on which the tree stands, or his or her duly authorized agent, so that there shall be a clear height of 14 feet above the surface of the alley, street or highway and eight feet above the surface of sidewalks unobstructed by the branches or so that said tree does not obstruct the light from any street light or the view of any intersection. Additionally, such owner or agent shall remove all dead branches and stubs on any tree or trees which have become likely to fall on or across the public alleys, streets or highways of the town.
(B) For purposes of maintaining visibility for traffic at intersections, existing hedges, shrubs or other plant material within ten feet from the face of the curb on a corner lot shall be trimmed and maintained so as not to stand more than 33 inches above the level of the sidewalk. On corners where existing embankments, retaining walls or other objects are placed, no plant material shall be planted unless a permit has previously been obtained from the town.
(C) If a tree or any of its parts on private property in any way other than as stipulated in this section causes a hindrance to the general public, or in any way endangers the security and usefulness of any public street, highway, alley, sewer or sidewalk if so determined following an inspection, the same is hereby declared to be a public nuisance. The Board, Town Administrator or a law enforcement officer shall issue the property owner, or his or her agent, a written notice in a manner prescribed by law, requiring the owner or agent to correct or remove said nuisance within 15 calendar days. If the owner or agent does not correct said nuisance within the time specified, the Board, Town Administrator or a law enforcement officer shall cause the same to be corrected or removed and the costs thereof shall be charged against the land or owner of the land where same was situated.
(Ord. 265, passed 6-14-2005) Penalty, see § 155.99