Supervisors enact ordinance requiring vegetation trimming over roads and sidewalks

Staff described recurring complaints that branches and vegetation obstruct sidewalks and streets and said the code previously lacked authority to force trimming. The ordinance adds a new article to the streets and sidewalks chapter requiring clearance of 15 feet over roadways and 8 feet over sidewalks (consistent with PennDOT guidance), and establishes a notice procedure giving property owners 60 days to comply before the township may perform the work and assess costs.

A supervisor noted the ordinance clarifies homeowner responsibility for curb and sidewalk maintenance. The motion to enact the ordinance was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The ordinance includes administrative procedures for notice, remedy and cost recovery; no immediate enforcement action was announced at the meeting.