It is the purpose of this chapter to control obstructions at
intersections.
(Ord. 93-09)
A.
Obstructions
include signs, hedges, shrubbery, natural growth or other obstructions
within the visibility triangle higher than three feet above the level
of the nearest street pavement or nearest unpaved roadway surface.
B.
Visibility
triangle is that portion of both the public and private property at
any corner bounded by the curb line or edge of roadway of the intersecting
streets and a line joining points on the curb or edge of roadway 45
feet from the point of intersection of the extended curb lines or
edges of roadway as illustrated below:
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C.
An
intersection is the area embraced within the prolongations of the
lateral curb lines, or, if none, then the lateral boundary lines of
the roadways, of two highways which join one another at approximately
right angles or the area within which traveling upon different highways
joining at any other angle may come in conflict.
It is unlawful to install, set out or maintain, or to allow
the installation, setting out or maintenance of any obstructions within
the visibility triangle at any corner of any intersection where the
City Traffic Engineer determines that an obstruction exists which
restricts the view necessary for the safe operation of motor vehicles.
This chapter shall not apply to permanent buildings, public
utility poles; trees trimmed to the trunk to a line at least eight
feet above the level of the street pavement or roadway surface; saplings
or plant species of open growth habits and not planted in the form
of a hedge, which are so planted and trimmed as to leave at all seasons
a clear and unobstructed crossview; supporting members of appurtenances
to permanent buildings existing on the effective date of this title;
official traffic control signs, poles, or signals; or to places where
the contour of the ground is such that there can be no cross-visibility
at the intersection.
A.
The
enforcement of this chapter shall be under the direction of the Code
Enforcement Office, Department of Planning and Building.
B.
Any
obstruction maintained in violation of this chapter shall be deemed
a public nuisance.
C.
Upon
determination by the City Traffic Engineer that an obstruction causes
a sight distance issue, a notice to abate the public nuisance shall
be hand delivered or mailed to the property owner by certified mail.
If the property owner fails to abate the public nuisance in accordance
with the provisions of this chapter within 15 calendar days from the
date of the notice, the code enforcement officer will instruct the
Department of Public Works, to initiate proceedings enabling City
crews to remove the obstruction. All costs incurred by the City, including
labor, equipment and overhead costs, shall be assessed to the property
owner.
(Ord. 2019-26)
