Aldermen press code enforcement over 20-foot hedges and sight-line hazards

Alderman O'Brien told the Building and Code Safety Committee on Aug. 20 that neighbors reported private hedges and bushes left untrimmed for years and that some growth now reaches roughly 20 feet, creating an eyesore and safety concerns.

"These are bushes on private property where they haven't been trimmed. I mean, they have to be 20 ft high in some cases," O'Brien said, urging the committee to consider whether public works or code enforcement could intervene. Committee members noted the city has a weeds-and-fence-line code that allows removal when growth begins as grass/weeds but acknowledged there is no explicit ordinance authorizing city crews to trim private decorative bushes. They discussed options including courtesy door-knockers, sending notice letters, targeting vacant properties through circuit court orders, and directing code officers to document and bring back cases for adjudication.

Members asked O'Brien to circulate photos to help the inspector identify problematic locations and agreed to keep the matter on future agendas while staff explores whether public works has capacity to assist in extreme cases. The committee emphasized complaint-driven enforcement for non-safety terrace plantings but indicated stronger action may be warranted where sight lines or public safety are affected.