Most residents received a letter in the mail today concerning tree trimming. Unfortunately, the letter you received was basically a printing of the ordinance and not the actual letter meant to be sent.
The letter we meant to send is pictured here. We want all residents to know that the letter was meant to go to everyone as general information, and we apologize greatly that the information which went out has caused confusion among residents.
The words of the letter are below too, in case the image is hard for you to read:
To: Residents of Nevada
Due to the increased number of complaints within the City in recent years about trees overhanging sidewalks and streets, we are issuing this letter as a reminder to all residents of the City’s tree ordinance and how residents can help with the trees on their properties. This may or may not apply to you, but general awareness will help everyone understand what the ordinance says.
REF: Ordinance 151.03 Duty to Trim Trees
Trees in “parking” are the responsibility of the property owner or agent of the abutting property. “Parking” means that part of the street, avenue or highway in the City not covered by sidewalk and lying between the lot line and the curb line; or on unpaved streets, that part of the street, avenue or highway lying between the lot line and the portion of the street usually traveled by vehicular traffic.
We refer you to City Ordinance 151.03 for reference.
151.03 DUTY TO TRIM TREES.
The owner or agent of the abutting property shall keep the trees on, or overhanging the street, trimmed so that all branches will be at least fifteen (15) feet above the surface of the street and eight feet above the sidewalks. If the abutting property owner fails to trim the trees, the City may serve notice on the abutting property owner requiring that such action be taken within five days. If such action is not taken within that time, the City may perform the required action and assess the costs against the abutting property for collection in the same manner as a property tax.
(Code of Iowa, Sec. 364.12[2c, d & e])
Note: If you are receiving this letter, but do not live within the City limits, this ordinance does not apply to you.
If you have any questions about this code or your responsibilities concerning the code, please reach out to me at City Hall, 515-382-5466. Thank you.
Ryan Hutton
Zoning Official
