Committee forwards amendment to Chapter 30 to accelerate enforcement of vegetation encroaching on public right-of-way

Alfredo presented proposed changes to Chapter 30 of the Winchester Code of Ordinances to clarify authority and speed up enforcement for vegetation that encroaches into the public right-of-way. The changes move enforcement of right-of-way vegetation from the slower zoning-notice/appeal process to property-maintenance/code enforcement, allowing the city to send contractors to abate obstructions after a shortened notice period and to place liens if abatement costs go unpaid.

Alfredo explained that zoning enforcement requires formal notices, appeals and can take many weeks, whereas property-maintenance enforcement allows staff to give a brief notice (proposed seven days) and arrange contractor abatement if owners do not comply. He said the proposal retains a separate zoning enforcement stream for line-of-sight issues that create driver or pedestrian visibility hazards and that staff will work with property owners in sensitive cases. A motion to forward O-2026-26 with a recommendation for approval passed by voice vote.