The purpose of this chapter is to improve traffic safety at intersections and along roadway shoulders.

(Ord. 645 §5, 1985).

(a)

Intersection. For the purpose of this chapter, "intersection" means where two public and/or private streets, roads, alleys, or nonresidential driveways meet or cross.

(b)

Shoulder. For the purpose of this chapter, "shoulder" means that portion of public or private easement dedicated for a street, road, or alley that is not improved for use of motor vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians.

(Ord. 645 §6, 1985).

The obstruction of a motor vehicle operator's view on the shoulder or at an intersection shall be prohibited within the "sight distance area" described in Section 17.41.050 between the height of three feet and ten feet above the existing surface of the street. Sight distance areas include the first ten feet from the edge of the traffic lane in a shoulder section, or eighteen inches beyond the curb face and that portion of an intersection that falls into the clear-view triangle as described herein. A clear-view triangle shall be formed on all intersections by extending two lines of specified lengths (a) and (b), as designated in Section 17.41.050, from the center of the intersection along the centerline of both approaches, then connecting the ends of both approaches to form the hypotenuse of a triangle. The area within the triangle shall be subject to said restrictions to maintain a clear view on the intersection approaches.

(Ord. 677 §1, 1987: Ord. 645 §7, 1985).

Trees or other objects projecting over the improved street shall be maintained no lower than fifteen feet above the surface of the street.

(Ord. 645 §8, 1985).

(Ord. 876 §132, 1999: Ord. 677 §2, 1987: Ord. 645 §9, 1985).

Sight obstructions that may be excluded from these regulations include fences in conformance with this title, utility poles, regulatory signs, trees trimmed from the base to height of ten feet above the street, places where the contour of the ground is such that there can be no cross visibility at the intersection, saplings or plant species of open-growth habits and not in the form of a hedge which are so planted and trimmed as to leave at all seasons a clear and unobstructed cross view, buildings constructed in conformance with the provisions of the C-1 zone, and pre-existing buildings.

(Ord. 645 §10, 1985).

Where unusual conditions preclude the application of the provisions of this chapter in a reasonable manner, the planning director may establish minimum sight distances based on the intent of this chapter. These minimum sight distances may be more restrictive than provided elsewhere in this chapter.

(Ord. 876 §131, 1999: Ord. 645 §11, 1985).