R.H. Estates : Study Set on View Plan

The City Council has revised a controversial view-protection ordinance against the recommendation of the Planning Commission and set a study session Aug. 4 to discuss the proposed regulation.

The council directed the commission last December to review a possible ordinance that would regulate landscaping and establish a procedure for residents to request tree trimming in order to restore scenic views.

Planning Director Stephen A. Emslie said the commission recommended against the ordinance out of concern that it would lead to disputes between neighbors and absorb excessive city staff time for enforcement. Other cities with view-protection ordinances reported implementation difficulties and also recommended against such regulation, Emslie said.

After public comments ran 3 to 1 in favor of view protection, the council voted 4 to 0 to pursue an ordinance, recommended by Emslie, which would allow trimming or removal of landscaping at the expense of the resident whose view was impaired. Costs of any future trimming would be paid by the owner of the trees.

The council’s special session will start at 7:30 p.m. in the council chambers.