DISCUSSION AND
POSSIBLE ACTION
HEDGE-RELATED ORDINANCES
City Attorney
July 21, 2026
BACKGROUND
• Influx of complaints ~Dec. ’25
• Code Enforcement notice of
violations
• Resident questions
• Enforcement questions
2 Issues Under Current Ordinance
1. Lack of definition
2. Level of penalty
3. Who may file a complaint
3 Definitions
4 • RBMC defines “tree” but not “hedge”
• Residents unclear as to whether vegetation is a tree or a hedge
• Recommendation:
• Add definitions for fence or wall, hedge, height, and vegetation to RBMC §§10-5.402 and 10-2.1524
Level of Penalty
5 • Height only violations = misdemeanor
• Violations with safety concerns = “wobblette”
• Recommendation:
• Reclassify violations of §10-2.1524 as either an infraction or misdemeanor in §1-2.01(b)
Who May File Complaints
6 • Code Enforcement received several anonymous
complaints alleging height only violations
• City Attorney’s Office reviewed several local ordinances regarding who may file a complaint for alleged
violations
• Recommendation:
• Add a “Bona Fide Complainant” standard to §10-2.1524
• Limits height only complaints to those actually impacted • Does not prohibit complaints for public nuisance violations Input from Departments
1. No increase to height requirements
a. Sightlines for first responders
b. Public safety concerns
1. Traffic
2. Crime prevention
c. ADA compliance
2. Consider Administrative Design Review
7 RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Add definitions to §§10-5.402 and 10-2.1524
2. Reclassify violations of §10-2.1524 as either an
infraction or misdemeanor in §1-2.01(b)
3. Add new language to §10-2.1524 on who may
file complaints for alleged violations
8 Questions
9