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Resident urges Parowan to return right-of-way tree maintenance to city; council refers proposal to Shade Tree Commission
Summary
Resident Jordan Hirschi asked the council to amend Municipal Code 2.14.040(F)(2) so the city assumes maintenance of right-of-way trees. Council discussed liability, fairness, and costs (staff estimated roughly $120,000 annually for a full city program) and agreed to refer the proposal to the Shade Tree Commission for review; item to return August 13, 2026.
Jordan Hirschi addressed the council requesting an amendment to Municipal Code Section 2.14.040(F)(2) to return routine maintenance responsibility for trees in the public right‑of‑way to the city. Hirschi said homeowners currently shoulder maintenance costs for trees they do not own, including properties adjacent to heavily used public areas, and cited Utah Code Title 10, Chapter 8, Section 84 and examples of other Utah cities that maintain their right‑of‑way trees.
Council discussion focused on fairness, liability, and budget. City Attorney Scott Burns and Councilmember Lyle Barton warned of safety and liability risks if untrained homeowners perform hazardous tree work. Dan Jessen warned a full city maintenance program would likely cost about $120,000 per year and would require either a tax increase or service cuts. Council reached consensus to refer Hirschi's proposed amendment to the Shade Tree Commission for review; the commission meets August 6 and the item will return to council on August 13. Councilmember David Harris stated he believed it was "100% the city's responsibility."
