Trees

The property owner is responsible for the care and maintenance of trees within the terrace area.  A tree must be kept trimmed so that its lower limbs are at least 7 feet above the sidewalk and 15 feet above the surface of the street that the tree extends over.  Property owners must remove a dead tree within the terrace area that adjoins his property.

The City of Janesville Parks Department encourages property owners to plant trees within the terrace area.  The Parks Department has a brochure on the types of trees that are acceptable, which includes general characteristics about trees, growing conditions and planting tips.  This brochure was produced by the Janesville Shade Tree Advisory Committee with the help of a DNR Urban Forestry Grant.  Copies have been made available to the public at City facilities.

Terraces

The terrace is the grassy land between the City curb line and a property line.  Maintenance of the terrace area is the responsibility of the abutting landowner.  Sidewalks are typically placed within the terrace, one foot from the property line.  The width of city terrace areas will vary from street to street.  We can provide information on the width of a specific terrace.

Visibility - Vision Triangles

The vision triangle ordinance applies to controlled and uncontrolled intersections in Janesville.

The uncontrolled intersection "vision triangle" is all land at a street intersection between the vision line and the street intersection.  The vision line is determined by drawing a straight line from the curb or edge of the pavement of one street to the curb or edge of the pavement of the intersecting street.  The vision line runs through two points.  Each point is on the street right-of-way/property line and 25 feet back from the intersection of the right-of-way/property lines along the two intersecting streets (see diagram).  No bushes, shrubberies, opaque or semi opaque objects are permitted in the vision triangle if they are more than 30 inches above the curb grade, except trees trimmed to the trunk at least to 7 feet above sidewalk grades.  Official traffic signs, signals, and utility poles are exempt from this restriction.

The controlled intersection "vision triangle" is the same as the uncontrolled intersection "vision triangle" except it excludes private property.  A controlled intersection is one with a yield sign, stop sign, or traffic signals.

Vision Triangle Diagrams

How do I report a vision obstruction?

Please call the Engineering Division at 755-3160 to report a vision problem at a street intersection that hinders a clear view and may be affecting the safety of the traveling public.