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Committee fixes discrepancy in clearance rules, aligns sidewalk tree clearance to 8 feet
Summary
To resolve an inconsistency between code chapters, the committee recommended consolidating tree and sidewalk regulations into Ordinance 10-71 and adopting 8 feet as the minimum sidewalk clearance (the trees chapter previously said 9 feet). This is a technical consolidation recommended for council advertisement.
The committee recommended that council adopt a technical consolidation of code sections into Ordinance 10-71 and align the minimum clearance for tree limbs over sidewalks at 8 feet to match the streets and sidewalks chapter. Staff said the change corrects an inconsistency: the trees chapter currently lists a 9-foot minimum while the streets chapter lists 8 feet.
Staff framed the action as clerical and aimed at eliminating conflicting code language; it does not itself authorize construction or new projects. The committee was told the 14-foot clearance requirement over streets remains unchanged, so limbs that clear sidewalks but dip over the street would still need trimming to meet street clearance standards.
The committee approved moving the consolidated ordinance language forward for advertisement to council; staff said the consolidated text would be available to members before the business meeting.
