Who's responsible? Obstructed signs are accidents 'waiting to happen'

Publish date: 2024-07-13

BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) - Summer came and went, leaving behind trees and bushes that can block your view -- and even stop signs -- at some intersections in the Treasure Valley.

"Drivers have to be able to see the signs," said Nicole Pineda, spokeswoman for the Ada County Highway District. "They're there for safety reasons, and they have to be able to see those at all times."


The location of the sign plays the biggest role in who is responsible. In Nampa, a tree swallows the street sign at the intersection of Ohio Avenue and Candlewood Drive.

"Cars come through here pretty quickly, you know, and it could be accident, of course," said Victor Boll, who lives across the street.

There is no stop sign at this particular intersection, but it is difficult to make out the street names, and neighbors say it's tricky to round the corner.

Some residents say they've had close calls because they they tried to look both ways.

"Yeah, I did the other day. I didn't see the car coming from my right," said Jackie Kitchin, who lives nearby, adding that some people also have trouble finding her home.

Nampa city code indicates property owners are responsible for clearing overgrowth that obstructs street signs. Enforcers will mail and then post on the property a total of three warnings before hiring a private company to trim around an obscured sign in Nampa. They'll then bill the property owner, tacking on a $150 administrative fee.

"We've never had an accident, but it's waiting to happen, I guess," Boll said.

Boise city code also points to the property owner for cleaning up trees that get in drivers' way. Enforcement officers responded to 187 obstruction complaints last year. They wrote no citations in 2013, and they have written none so far this year because people took care of the issues.

Even though a homeowner may be responsible, ACHD says its crews typically trim back whatever is blocking street signs and traffic lights in Ada County because of the safety concern. Pineda says the highway district relies on neighbors to report obstructions.

"Many, many times, things are taken care of that morning, that day when we get those calls," she said.

Who do you contact?

ADA COUNTY


Call this number to notify ACHD of a sight obstruction when it impacts visibility at an intersection or is obstructing the view of a traffic sign.

Code Enforcement Agencies

Notify the appropriate city if vegetation is growing over a sidewalk or roadway.

CANYON COUNTY

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