Recently, the City of Independence has received multiple complaints about obstacles blocking neighborhood sidewalks and presenting safety hazards for pedestrians.
Overhanging tree branches, overgrown shrubbery, bicycles and children’s toys can cause dangerous walking conditions, and trees and shrubbery adjacent to parking areas, driveways and intersections can impede visibility for drivers, explained David Cowan, the City’s director of Safety and Code Enforcement.
“We want to remind citizens that they are responsible for trees and shrubbery on their property,” Cowan said. “Now that spring is in full bloom, we need all citizens to evaluate their vegetation and be neighborly by trimming back overhanging branches and overgrown shrubbery, as well as removing children’s toys from the sidewalk.”
Cowan said compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards, requires 80 inches of clearance between the sidewalk and overhanging tree limbs.
Citizens with questions about trees, shrubbery and sidewalk safety ordinances may contact Cowan at (620) 332-2528 or davidc@independenceks.gov.