Hedge Height Policy Is Cumbersome, Expensive

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Editor,

The new Laguna hedge height claim policy is intended to resolve issues of overgrown hedges that are within front, back, and side “setbacks” in order to protect safety, view or sunlight access. There is no maximum height for hedges under the ordinances. The claimant must file a claim form, pay $630 (with half refundable if the claim is eventually successful), five sets of photos, five sets of dimensional plot maps in scale with the location of hedges and streets (which would require access to the property), and a public hearing noticing list for neighbors within 100 feet including a radius map and addressed stamped envelopes compiled by a professional listing service (cost?). Then the staff will look at it and then require a hearing.

Is this prohibitively cumbersome and expensive policy the best our City Council can do to remedy what in most cases are simple issues?

Why not just have an initial step where a simple application is filed, a small fee paid, and a code enforcement officer looks at the issue and makes a binding determination. This would undoubtedly resolve most issues. Then the loser could appeal using the current policy, or hopefully a simplified one, if they wish.

Louis Leo, Laguna Beach

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