To enhance traffic safety on public roadways; trees, shrubs and vines that are planted on private property that interfere with the view of traffic or otherwise obstruct or prevent the use of a county road by the public are controlled as provided in this chapter.
(Ord. CS 1289 §1, 2021)
In order to prevent trees, shrubs and vines from encroaching on county roads, it is unlawful to plant, or cause to be planted, a tree, shrub or vine less than ten feet from the edge of the right-of-way to the trunk or stem of the tree, shrub or vine. For large trees such as walnut trees and large ornamental shade trees, the setback is fifteen feet from the trunk to the right-of-way line. If any tree, shrub or vine encroaches into the county roadway such that the county road commissioner determines it is an obstruction or prevents the use of a county highway by the public, or constitutes a traffic hazard, the owner shall remove the tree, shrub or vine pursuant to Sections 1480—1485 of the Streets and Highways Code. In the event the owner does not remove the encroachment, the county road commissioner shall remove the encroachment at the expense of the owner. Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the road commissioner from immediately removing an encroachment that effectually obstructs and prevents the use of the highway by vehicles.
(Ord. CS 1289 §1, 2021)