City Council Approves Changes to Health and Sanitation Code of Ordinance

To maintain safety and public health, City Council passed an amendment to the Health and Sanitation Code Section 6.03.002 to address the hazards posed by dead trees and shrubs. 

The ordinance now states: 

"It shall be unlawful for any person, or their agent, owning, renting, or having under his control any lot of premises, whether vacant or improved, within the city to permit the same to be covered, in whole or in part, with any weeds, high grass, down timber or brush, old logs, dead trees or shrubs, decaying vegetation matter, trash or trash piles, junk, scrap, open garbage, filth, or debris whatsoever, and same are hereby declared to be public nuisances, a hazard and menace to public health, and fire hazards."

Dead trees pose a significant danger as they can fall unexpectedly, damaging property, and creating serious fire hazards, especially during dry weather. Additionally, unkept properties with dead vegetation can negatively affect property values and the overall appearance of neighborhoods, leading to potential economic impacts for the community.  

Property owners are responsible for the costs of removing these hazards. If a property owner does not comply after proper notification, the City will arrange for removal and bill the owner.  Failure to pay may result in a lien being placed against the property.