bush height, city law?

[sdowney717]

I have a hedge along the front of the property.
The neighbors never complained.
They recently moved out and rented their house.
The new renter, a women, came over and was complaining about the height of the hedge.
She said she cant see to pull out if the driveway and was saying the city has laws and ordinances and I am in violation and must move the bushes back.
So I say I cant move then back, but maybe trim them.

Her driveway is 30 feet from the bushes and the road is very wide residential road, 5 cars could easily park across this road.

So she was very insistent, sort of rude almost, demanding that I do what she wants. So is there any city law etc, involved?

the hedge is about 8 feet tall.

I can see out of my side reasonably well, with the same hedge.

 

[mrb]

there could very well be, check with the city.

 

[Ray-CA]

What City or town are you in? Most municipalities have their City Code etc. available on line. If not, just call. You should be able to find someone in city hall, the building dept, code enforcement etc. that can answer your question.

Most cities restrict fence height to somewhere around 6-ft so if the hedge is 8-ft tall, you might be asked to trim it down but you won't know until you do some research.

Ray

 

[trbomax]

Tell her that you want to see the "law". There most likely is a law that prohibits anyone from obstructing the row,but the row is typically 65', or 33' from the center of the road.

 

[sdowney717]

the city is Newport News, in Virginia.

 

[tatra]

shrubs and bushes usually are subject to height limits...........now trees , such as ball and pyramidal ceasrs, if planted to form a hedge like privacy curtain are not as they are still trees...........and keep a running log of the new neighbour as i am sure she is far from perfect.........maybe follow her and observe her driving habits so as to do the right thing and notify the dmv that she requires a retest........

 

[Ray-CA]

Here is the City web site: http://www.nngov.com/codes-compliance

Ray

 

[RPH]

Another neighbor threads starts! Updates at 11.
Here in suburbs of Detroit only on corners are regulated in height. Check with your city.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Front yard fences are limited to four feet high, but I didn't find the rules for hedges: http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=14013&stateId=46&stateName=Virginia

 

[stevefasano]

removed due to

 

[Ray-CA]

The Cities definition of a fence:

"Sec. 13-141. - Definitions.

For the purposes of this article, certain terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise...

Decorative fence. A fence that is designed as an ornament, embellishment or decoration to the property although it may incidentally provide some measure of privacy or security, such as split rail and wrought iron fences.

Fence. A physical structure commonly attached to the ground or a building which is made or wood, rock, metal, or other natural or synthetic material, and which is intended to delineate a boundary line, property line, access line or other desired demarcation, or to provide a decorative effect to the property."

So, from what I see here, the hedge does meet the definition of a "fence" (it's attached to the ground, made of "other natural material" and is intended to "delineate a boundary line/property line.) And, is restricted to a height of 4-feet.

But, I'm not a lawyer, I haven't stayed at a Holiday Inn Express in a long time and I suggest that you do your own research. Since the hedge has been in place for such a long time, it may pre-date the ordinance which may give you an "out"

Ray

 

[sdowney717]

funny thing on the front yard fence.
When first considering something for the front yard, I called codes compliance.
I was told I could not have a front yard fence, yet clearly some people do have them.
So when I asked about a front yard hedge, that was not a problem. Hedge was fine.
The hedge is a variegated privet, green with white leaves, it is nice looking. Makes white flowers in late summer and has a pleasant fragrance, no thorns and grows thick. I think it is nice and provides front yard privacy from the road. It was nice to have this hedge up when the kids were younger.
I still like this hedge.

 

[sdowney717]

So, from what I see here, the hedge does meet the definition of a "fence"

Fence though is a 'dead' structure, not living plant.
Most people will think of fence as that and not a plant.
Worst they can do is say I have to trim it.

 

[chumley360]

I'm not up in NN, but down here in Norfolk the hedges don't seem to count as fences. In most of the neighborhoods we've got around here it isn't uncommon for people to have 6'+ tall hedges separating their front yards from their neighbors and sidewalks. Sure it can be an issue at times, but there's not much anyone can do about it.

 

[oldgoat]

I'd go to the city and find out for sure first. Then if they say you are OK wait until the biddy complains and tell her to either show you that you are in the wrong or to shut up. You might also remember that she could easily spray your hedge and they would die off and you wouldn't be able to prove anything.

 

[bczygan]

It is worth keeping up with and knowing your city ordinances. Even here in Detroit there is a full time guy who recommends changes to existing ordinance wording and new ordinances, for the the city council to act on. I'm on a corner and must keep fences and hedges to 3' within 20' of the corner of my property which is 1' inside of the sidewalk. Doesn't specify how low trees may be, but common sense says they have to be trimmed up enough for sight lines for traffic, and trees must be 10' above sidewalks, though enough for walking is accepted.

 

[6768rogues]

I would wait until an official shows up at my door. Then I would ask to see the text of the law and try to work something out with them. Otherwise, the neighbor can kiss my a$$.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Don't go by what you see. As a rule, codes for this sort of thing are only enforced after neighbors complain. So non-compliant stuff can sit in place for decades. That doesn't make it legal; it only makes it old.

Where I live, there is a code for height of plants in the front yard and also for open space between the branches/trunks of those plants. It's rarely enforced. But again, all it takes is a neighbor or two to complain and the inspector is duty-bound to enforce the code.

 

[ZRX61]

I've found that fence/hedge height restrictions where I live ONLY apply to boundary fences & hedges... So you can have a 6ft hedge as a boundary.... & then have another one 10-12ft tall running parallel to it just inside the property line...

 

[tdkkart]

You need to explain to this woman that bushes come in many varieties:

1.Wild and bushy
2.short and tight
3.trimmed close
4.trimmed in the shape of animals
5.No bush at all

Ask her which she prefers.
Ask her how her's is trimmed.
Ask to see it for proof.

Personally I prefer no bush in my playground, trim that baby right at the source...........

 

[chumley360]

Don't go by what you see. As a rule, codes for this sort of thing are only enforced after neighbors complain. So non-compliant stuff can sit in place for decades. That doesn't make it legal; it only makes it old.

Where I live, there is a code for height of plants in the front yard and also for open space between the branches/trunks of those plants. It's rarely enforced. But again, all it takes is a neighbor or two to complain and the inspector is duty-bound to enforce the code.

X2 That's a good point. Lots of things are either "grandfathered" or just simply overlooked and disregarded in some of the older, more established neighborhoods. Norfolk has some cool grandfather loopholes, that's how I got to rebuild my shed the size it is and in the location it's in.

 

[cowboyjosh]

Shes a renter, who gives a rat's *** what she thinks? She doesn't have a vested interest in the neighborhood.

 

[Hmrhead]

In our previous house in Roseville, MI I submitted plans to install a 6' cedar, due to the way the house was situated on the lot my back yard ran along the side lot line so I needed a variance for the the 6' fence instead of a 4' fence.

Drew up a lot drawing( very detailed, to scale with photos, and ariel photos-7 copies one for each council member) that included a description of the 15' tall arborvitae hedge that was to be removed to gain 1250 sqft of yard back. Had to to before the city to get the variance granted. This lot line seperated my yard from a church next door.

At the city meeting the code enforcement officer recommended to allow the variance for a couple of reasons. 1-project would remove existing Non-comforming "FENCE", this fence was planted by my uncle years before I purchased the house from his estate. 2. My installing of the fence would establish a buffer barrier between my home and the church parking lot, so the church would not have to incur the cost of having to install a buffer barrier i.e. brick wall. 3. New fence, with variance, would bring home in to code compliance so that I would not have to cut the hedge down to 4' or be fined. Plus the priest from the church showed up to support the new fence and spoke as to that I was a good neighbor.

After all that one council member still voted against allowing the variance.

I would contact the code enforement officer, but not reveal home address, and ask as a hypothetical question.

 

[gloveman132]

I would not do any research at all. She is the one with the problem.

If she does not like the hedge, tell her to make a complaint to Code Enforcement.

 

[darkk]

Here in Ct, if there are fences,signs,trash,cars,bushes or ornamental plantings that obstruct an automobiles vision for a clear and safe distance, the town can have the property owner remove or trim the a safe height for an unobstructed view. Or the town will remove the obstruction and bill the property owner.

 

[Frank The Plumber]

If you trim the bush you will be able to see her and she will be able to see you.

Maybe you should adjust the fellers or give the drawers a little public tug from the crease, pick your nose, pose like the captain el commando, give her a few really good reasons to not want to look into your yard.

Try going to the end of the drive a few mornings to retrieve the paper in s short bath robe and display your business end. She will either fall in love or throw up.

 

[70redbee]

If you trim the bush you will be able to see her and she will be able to see you.

Maybe you should adjust the fellers or give the drawers a little public tug from the crease, pick your nose, pose like the captain el commando, give her a few really good reasons to not want to look into your yard.

Try going to the end of the drive a few mornings to retrieve the paper in s short bath robe and display your business end. She will either fall in love or throw up.

Or have you arrested for being a ****** pervert. I like the other options Frank.

 

[Bruce4310TX]

Tell her to pound sand then if she sicks the city on you do what they want then if they say its against code.

 

[nissan_crawler]

I got questioned on something like this once. The next day when I knew they were around, I went over with a tape measure (from the sidewalk), and started measuring random things in their yard, and writing it all down on a notepad with a **** eating grin.

I never heard a word about it after that.

 

[ddawg16]

You will find that most cities have a 4' max for hedges.....reason? So you can see that kid on a bike as your backing out.

Bottom line....if your hedges at the sidewalk are tall enough to block the view of a kid on a tricycle....then they are most likely too high.

Get your facts....if it's 48"....make them 47.5"....

If she still complains....suggest to her that she move to an area that has an HOA....they will love her there.....