(A) Prohibited obstructions. The following constitute obstructions:
(1) Trees, shrubs, vines or flowers growing upon or near public grounds interfering with the use or construction of any public improvements;
(2) Fences, gates, buildings or other structures or objects impeding, encumbering or encroaching upon any of the streets, sidewalks, avenues, alleys or other property of the city; and
(3) Trees, shrubs, vines or flowers planted, or fences erected, on public or private property so as to obstruct clear traffic view at intersections or alley entrances.
(B) Clear vision zones. Clear traffic views, commonly referred to as clear vision zones are defined in the 2 following areas:
(1) On corner lots at intersections of all streets, no fence, hedge, wall, shrub or structure over 36 inches in height above an established top-of-curb grade shall be located within a triangular area formed by the intersecting lines at points 25 feet distant from the point of intersection as measured along the lot property lines. Approved advertising signs, public-use controls and systems, and trees with a maximum trunk diameter of 1 foot measured 4 feet above the ground line and trimmed up to 8 feet may be permitted in this above defined triangular area.
(2) On the street side of all lots where an alley enters the street right-of-way, a triangular clear vision zone shall be maintained. The zone shall measure ten feet into the lot as measured along alley line or the property line, and 20 feet parallel to the street measured from the edge of an alley, away from the alley, along the property line. No fence, wall, hedge or shrub over 36 inches in height shall be erected or maintained within the above defined clear-vision zone.
(C) Removal by city. Any obstructions or encroachments under this section may be removed by the city at a property owner’s expense after notice as provided for in this section.
(D) Notice to property owner. For purposes of this section, notice shall mean written notice sent to the owner of the property on which the obstruction is located at his or her last known address, giving the owner no less than 30 days from the date of the written notice within which to remove the obstruction described therein.
(E) Payment of costs. Expenses charged to a property owner pursuant to this section shall be determined as actual cost to the city of removing the obstruction, plus an administration fee of $25. If the property owner fails to reimburse the city within 30 days of the date of the billing statement mailed to the property owner, the cost may be assessed against the real estate as a special assessment.
(Prior Code, § 46-5) (Ord. 3172, § 2, 6-16-1998)