FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 19, 2014

MEDIA CONTACTS
Gwen Schuler, Media and Communications, gschuler@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5160
Megan Marquett, Media and Communications, mmarquett@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5051

Overgrown Vegetation Causes Safety Concerns in Tacoma

The City of Tacoma’s code compliance is a responsive system, which receives and reviews thousands of code concerns each year. A large number, are about overgrown vegetation.

Overgrown vegetation is considered a nuisance complaint in the City, Building Inspector John Reeves said.

“It causes a safety concern when branches or shrubbery extends into the street and restricts sight distance for drivers trying to turn into traffic and makes it difficult for pedestrians to use the sidewalk,” Reeves said.

According to the City’s Municipal Code, it is the property owner’s responsibility to keep tree limbs trimmed to 8 feet above sidewalks and have a clearance of 14 feet above streets.

“Overgrown vegetation is a life safety issue,” Reeves said. “It can cause sight concerns, may be home to pests, and when overgrown vegetation is in and around homes, especially vacant houses, it sends the message that the building is uncared for, which invites criminal activity.”

For more information about the City’s code compliance visit cityoftacoma.org/cbs.