R. H. Estates : Guidelines to Ensure Views

The City Council decided to adopt voluntary guidelines to settle disputes over views instead of an ordinance giving the city enforcement powers.

Councilwoman Nell Mirels said a view protection policy, rather than a regulatory ordinance, would facilitate communication and promote less conflict between neighbors when a view is blocked by trees or bushes.

“As you get more and more stringent, then you get more and more opportunity for hard feelings,” Mirels said. “I would rather start gently and add things to it as need be.”

Under the policy, to be presented to the council Sept. 22, the city staff will offer technical assistance to residents when necessary, Planning Director Stephen A. Emslie said. The Parks and Activities Commission will also submit a list of trees with growth patterns less likely to obstruct views.

The guidelines will include a suggestion by Emslie that residents whose view is obstructed should pay for removal or trimming of the offending vegetation. Costs of future trimming would be paid by the owner.