The Town of Mountain View would like to be known for its lush landscapes, verdant gardens, and the occasional rogue shrub that believes it’s a mighty oak. But lately, our beautiful botanical abundance has started to stage a silent takeover, turning our quaint sidewalks into treacherous obstacle courses and our streets into arboreal tunnels.
“We really appreciate your dedication to landscaping,” said a spokesperson for the town, “but when a pedestrian has to channel their inner limbo dancer to navigate a sidewalk, or a delivery truck driver takes down multiple tree branches simply driving down our streets, we have to intervene.” The Town’s Code dictates that all plant life must be kept in check.
Sidewalks, a crucial lifeline for baby strollers, joggers, dog walkers, and anyone else who just likes to walk, must be completely unobstructed. That means no sprawling sunflowers, no rebellious rose bushes, and no other random flowers or plants that extend out into the walkway, street, or alley. And yes, this prohibition on wild plants and flowers extends to streets and alleys. Streets should be kept clear of not only plants that intrude into the lane of traffic, but also have plants trimmed back so that anyone wishing to park on our streets can actually get out of their car without needing a machete to fight their way through a curbside jungle. Alleys should also be cleared of all plants which might intrude into the lane of traffic.
Furthermore, trees and shrubs are required to maintain a dignified clearance. The rule is simple: a minimum of seven feet of clearance must be maintained over sidewalks. For streets and alleys, that height increases to a stately twelve feet.
“It’s a matter of safety, and let’s be honest, dignity,” the spokesperson added. “No one wants to see their mail carrier get into a wrestling match with a wisteria, or a neighbor’s car get a new ‘custom pinstripe’ from an overzealous branch.”
So, as you enjoy the beautiful summer weather, take a moment to look at your yard with a critical eye. Grab your shears, your trimmers, and clear the path for others. Let’s work together to keep Mountain View both beautiful and navigable. After all, a clear path is a happy path, and a well-trimmed tree is the town’s best friend.
