Council hears first reading on vegetation ordinance to speed up right‑of‑way enforcement

Councilor Alfredo Gutierrez Velasquez presented a proposed amendment to chapter 30 (vegetation) to make enforcement quicker and more practical when private vegetation encroaches into the public right‑of‑way. The draft ordinance clarifies that the city has authority to require abatement of vegetation in the right‑of‑way, authorizes city‑vetted contractors to perform the work if owners do not comply, and shortens the compliance window from 10 days to seven.

Council members raised questions about line‑of‑sight exceptions, tenant/property owner notification, protections for residents who cannot physically perform work, opportunities for volunteer programs ("grass busters"), and the need to ensure the city’s own trees do not obstruct sidewalks. Staff said they will use door hangers and mailings in extreme cases, work with large property owners who have maintenance relationships, and coordinate communications with the city manager and communications team for public education prior to enforcement. The item was taken as a first reading and will return for further consideration.