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Pierce adopts ordinance lowering sidewalk tree clearance from 13 ft to 8 ft
Summary
The Board of Trustees adopted Ordinance 2026-05 to reduce required tree clearance above sidewalks from 13 feet to 8 feet after a unanimous roll call vote. Trustees said the change prompted questions about enforcement raised in public comments.
The Board of Trustees of the Town of Pierce voted unanimously July 13 to adopt Ordinance 2026-05, changing the municipal code's required tree clearance above sidewalks from 13 feet to 8 feet. Trustee Richard Wuehler moved to adopt the ordinance; Trustee Geoffrey Broughton seconded and the roll call returned all "AYES," passing the ordinance.
The ordinance drew public attention amid comments that Code Officer Shippy had been inconsistently enforcing tree clearance rules. Resident Ralph Sauter told the Board that Shippy said enforcement was paused while the code was being changed, and said, "Shippy shouldn't be able to pick and choose." The Board said it was not aware that enforcement had been paused. Town Attorney James Godbold asked for more information on sidewalk violations elsewhere on the agenda when discussing enforcement generally.
The ordinance will change the clearance requirement from 13 feet to 8 feet over sidewalks as recorded in the meeting materials. Trustees did not attach an implementation timetable in the motion; enforcement details and related questions were discussed separately and enforcement of sidewalk damage was deferred for additional information at a future meeting.
The vote was recorded as unanimous. The clerk will update the municipal code and publish the adopted ordinance in the town records.
