7.98.010 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish standards which will assure proper sight distances at intersections in order to reduce the hazard from vehicular turning movements.

7.98.020 Applicability of provisions. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all street intersections not regulated by traffic signals and to intersections of a street and a railroad.

A. At any corner formed by the intersection of non-signalized streets or a street and a railroad, it shall be unlawful to obstruct the view within that triangular area between the property line and a diagonal line joining points on the property lines at a distance of thirty (30) feet from their intersection. In the case of rounded corners, the triangular areas shall be between the lot lines extended in a straight line to a point of intersection and so measured and a third side which is a line across the corner of the lot joining the non-intersection ends of the other two sides. This triangular area is the visual clearance area.

B. Within the visual clearance area, there shall be no vehicle, recreational vehicle, watercraft, parts designed to be affixed to a vehicle of any type, hedge, planting, fence, wall structure, or temporary or permanent obstruction (except for an occasional utility pole or tree), exceeding 36" in height, measured from the top of the curb, or where no curb exists, from the street center line grade, except that trees exceeding this height may be located in this area, provided all branches below eight (8) feet as measured from the pavement, are removed.  [Amended by Ordinance No. 03-589-O 9/18/03]

C. Where the crest of a hill or vertical curve conditions contribute to the obstruction of clear vision areas at a street or driveway intersection, hedges, plantings, fences, walls, wall structures and temporary or permanent obstructions shall be further reduced in height or eliminated to comply with the intent of the required clear vision area.

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