BEAUTIFUL TREE • But clearly
could be a traffic hazard for traffic. To meet the
current code, this tree must be trimmed to 8 feet
above the grade. Nephi City is getting serious about
the rule to prevent accidents at such intersections.
By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
Nephi requires a clear view area on all corner lots so
that plantings and fences do not obstruct the view of
vehicle drivers as the approach the street crossings.
"The city has a clear view area requirement for traffic
visibility on corner lots," said Randy McKnight, city
administrator.
If property improvement items such as fences, shrubs,
trees, plantings or other features are built too close to
the street, thy become a traffic hazard, said McKnight.
The clear view must not be obstructed. Therefore, the
city has a 30-foot requirement which means that a triangle
must be drawn on the property plat beyond which nothing
taller than 3-feet high can be built.
"In all districts which require a front yard, not
obstruction to view in excess of 3-feet in height shall be
placed on any corner within a triangular area formed by the
street property lines and the line connecting them at points
30-feet from the intersection of the street lines except
that tress are permitted which are pruned at least 8-feet
above the established grade of the curb so as not to
obstruct clear view by motor vehicle drivers," reads the
ordinance.
"Thirty-feet back would be into a home on some older
homes in the community," said Mark Jones, mayor. "Those were
probably built before the ordinance came into effect."
That was true, said McKnight, and provision was made for
those homes when the ordinance was adopted. They were
covered in a non-conforming use clause.
However, such homes must still abide the requirement
which prevents traffic hazards through the use of plantings
and fences.
Those homes are grandfathered in as to the home itself,
but homeowners are expected to abide by the other rules of
corner lots, said McKnight.
"We do enforce the law when it is brought to our
attention," he said.
Sometimes drivers, neighbors or police officers will call
a particular lot to the attention of the city staff, the
mayor or a council member. In those cases, the residents of
the home are given an opportunity to remove the offending
material.
Those living on corner lots are required by ordinance to
be considerate of those driving on city streets who do not
need hazards to obstruct the view at intersections, he
said.
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