Downey Municipal Code Ch. 8 Traffic Hazards

No person owning or in possession of real property located at any corner formed by intersecting streets shall install, set out, maintain, permit or allow the installation, setting out, maintenance or existence of any hedge, shrubbery, natural growth, sign, device or other obstruction to view within that triangular area between the property lines adjacent to the corner and a diagonal line joining points on the property lines, which points are 25 feet from the intersection of said property lines, or in the case of rounded corners the area between the tangents to the curve and a diagonal line joining points on such tangents which points are 25 feet from the intersection of said lines when such installation, setting out, maintenance or existence of such hedge, shrubbery, natural growth, sign, device or other obstruction would prevent or interfere with a driver of a vehicle approaching the intersection on one street from seeing a vehicle approaching the intersection on the intersecting street.

(Added by Ord. 63, adopted 11-4-57)

The provisions of Section 4800 shall not apply to public utility poles, trees trimmed to the trunk so that only the trunk obstructs the view, saplings or plant species of open growth habits which are not planted in the form of a hedge and which are so planted and trimmed as to leave at all seasons a clear and unobstructed crossview. The provisions of said Section 4800 shall not apply to any permanent buildings lawfully in existence.

(Added by Ord. 63, adopted 11-4-57)

In addition to the remedy by prosecution for violation of this section, any obstruction maintained in violation of this section shall be deemed a nuisance, and upon failure to abate the same within twenty days after the posting upon the premises of notice to abate the nuisance, signed by the traffic engineer or his authorized representative, the traffic engineer or his authorized representative may enter upon the premises and remove or eliminate the obstruction. In such event the cost to the City of the abatement of the nuisance shall be a personal obligation against the owner of the premises upon which the nuisance was maintained, recoverable by the City in an action before any court of competent jurisdiction.

(Added by Ord. 63, adopted 11-4-57)

Whenever the traffic engineer finds that any hedge, shrubbery or tree growing in a parkway obstructs the view of any intersection, or any traffic upon the streets approaching such intersection, he shall cause the hedge, shrubbery or tree to be immediately removed or reduced in height.

(Added by Ord. 63, adopted 11-4-57)

No sign shall be erected at the intersection of any street in such a manner as to create a traffic hazard by obstructing vision; or at any location where, by reason of the position, shape, color or the lights thereon, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device; or which makes use of the words "STOP," "LOOK," "DRIVE-IN," "DANGER," or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.

(Added by Ord. 63, adopted 11-4-57)

Goose neck reflectors and lights shall be permitted on ground signs, accessory ground signs, accessory post signs, roof signs, and wall signs; provided, however, that the reflectors concentrate the illumination so as to prevent glare upon the public street or adjacent property. No other goose neck reflectors and lights shall be erected or maintained in connection with signs.

(Added by Ord. 63, adopted 11-5-57)

No sign shall be maintained over a public street or public property which is wholly or partially illuminated by floodlights or spotlights.

(Added by Ord. 63, 11-4-57)

Whenever the traffic engineer determines that informational or directional signs are necessary or desirable for the direction of traffic, he may erect or permit the erection on any public street of directional or informational signs marking bus stops, indicating the location of public telephones, or indicating the location of public or semi-public buildings or grounds, including parks, churches, cemeteries, lodges, hospitals, chambers of commerce, service clubs, country clubs, automobile clubs and places of public assemblage. The traffic engineer shall determine the number, size, location, color, working construction and method of erection of such for the purpose of insuring the uniformity and safety of such signs and keeping the number reduced to a minimum compatible with traffic safety and the general purpose of such signs. Any person desiring permission to erect such signs shall apply to the traffic engineer.

(Added by Ord. 63, 11-4-57)