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CODE AND ORDINANCES

City of

WAYNE, NEBRASKA

 

Chapter 70  STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES* (return to index)

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*Cross references: Any ordinance dedicating, naming, establishing, locating, relocating, opening, widening, paving, etc., any street or public way in the city saved from repeal, § 1-10(6); Any ordinance providing for local improvements and assessing taxes for such improvements saved from repeal, § 1-10(9); Any ordinance establishing or prescribing street grades in the city saved from repeal, § 1-10(15); Buildings and Building Regulations, ch. 18; Moving Buildings, § 18-301 et seq.; Environment, ch. 34; Library, ch. 54; Peddlers and Solicitors, ch. 62; Subdivisions, ch. 74; Traffic and Vehicles, ch. 78; Utilities, ch. 82; Vegetation, ch. 86; Zoning, ch. 90; Visibility at Intersections, § 90-701.

State law references: Authority to regulate streets and sidewalks, R.R.S. 1943, §§ 16-207, 16-210; authority to regulate excavations, R.R.S. 1943, § 16-232.

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Article I.  In General

Sec. 70-1.  Definitions.

Sec. 70-2.  Maintenance and control.

Sec. 70-3.  Obstructions.

Sec. 70-4.  Permitted obstructions.

Sec. 70-5.  Improvements to sidewalk space.

Sec. 70-6.  Weeds.

Sec. 70-7.  Acquisition of real property.

Sec. 70-8.  Acquisition of property; appraisal.

Sec. 70-9.  Municipal property: Commercial use.

Sec. 70-10.  Public works involving architecture or engineering; requirements.

Sec. 70-11.  Annexation.

Secs. 70-12--70-42.  Reserved.

Article II.  Sidewalks

Sec. 70-43.  Overhanging branches.

Sec. 70-44.  Kept clean.

Sec. 70-45.  Prohibited openings and obstructions.

Sec. 70-46.  Maintenance.

Sec. 70-47.  Repair.

Sec. 70-48.  Construction by owner.

Sec. 70-49.  City construction.

Sec. 70-50.  Construction by petition.

Sec. 70-51.  Improvement districts.

Sec. 70-52.  Construction specifications.

Sec. 70-53.  Certification.

Sec. 70-54.  New construction.

Sec. 70-55.  Maximum vehicle weight.

Secs. 70-56--70-91.  Reserved.

Article III.  Streets

Sec. 70-92.  Numbers.

Sec. 70-93.  Names.

Sec. 70-94.  Driveway permits.

Sec. 70-95.  Driving stakes.

Sec. 70-96.  Mixing concrete.

Sec. 70-97.  Harmful liquids.

Sec. 70-98.  Eave and gutter spouts.

Sec. 70-99.  Improvements.

Sec. 70-100.  Improvement of streets on corporate limits.

Sec. 70-101.  Improvement districts; property included; creation and notice; objections.

Sec. 70-102.  Improvements included.

Sec. 70-103.  Petition for improvements.

Sec. 70-104.  Driveway approaches.

Sec. 70-105.  Special improvement district; assessment and creation procedure.

Sec. 70-106.  Land adjacent to an improvement district.

Secs. 70-107--70-141.  Reserved.

Article IV.  Excavations

Sec. 70-142.  Definitions.

Sec. 70-143.  Compliance required.

Sec. 70-144.  Permit required.

Sec. 70-145.  Obstructions and excavations in streets.

Sec. 70-146.  Digging in street.

Sec. 70-147.  Exceptions.

Sec. 70-148.  Surety bond.

Sec. 70-149.  Backfill and inspection.

Sec. 70-150.  Rules for proper performance of work.

Sec. 70-151.  Interference with other regulations.

Sec. 70-152.  Enforcement.

Sec. 70-153.  Penalty.

Secs. 70-154--70-190.  Reserved.

Article V.  Parades

Sec. 70-191.  Definitions.

Sec. 70-192.  Permit required.

ARTICLE I.  IN GENERAL (return to ch. 70)

Sec. 70-1.  Definitions. (return to ch. 70)

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning. When no definition is specified, the normal dictionary usage of the word shall apply.

Right-of-way means a strip of land taken or dedicated for use as a public road. In addition to the roadway, it normally incorporates the curbs, lawn strips, sidewalks, lighting and drainage facilities, and may include special features (required by the topography or treatment), such as grade separation, landscaped areas, viaducts, and bridges.

Sidewalk means that portion of the road right-of-way outside the roadway, which is improved for the use of pedestrian traffic.

Sidewalk space means that portion of a street between curblines and adjacent property lines.

Street means a right-of-way, dedicated to public use, which affords a primary means of access, not an alley, being the full width between property lines abounding every public way of whatever nature, with a part to be used for vehicular traffic.

Street line means the right-of-way line of a street.

Street pavement means the wearing or exposed surface of the street right-of-way used by vehicular traffic. The pavement width is measured from the backs of the curb on one side to the back of the curb on the other side.

(Code 1974, §§ 8-101, 8-201, 8-201.01, 8-401.01, 8-401.02, 8-401.05, 8-401.06)

Cross references:  Definitions generally, § 1-2.

Sec. 70-2.  Maintenance and control. (return to ch. 70)

The council shall have the care, supervision and control of all public highways, bridges, streets, alleys, public squares, and commons within the city, and shall cause them to be kept open and in repair, and free from nuisances.

(Code 1974, § 8-102)

Sec. 70-3.  Obstructions. (return to ch. 70)

Trees and shrubs growing upon or near the lot line or upon public ground and interfering with the use or construction of any public improvements shall be deemed an obstruction under this chapter. Roots may be removed by the city at the expense of the owner of the property upon which the tree is located should the owner fail or neglect, after notice, to do so. It shall be unlawful for any person to obstruct or encumber, by fences, gates, buildings, structures or otherwise, any of the streets, alleys or sidewalks. The public ways and property shall be considered to be obstructed when the owner or occupant of the adjacent property shall permit or suffer to remain on any premises owned or controlled by him any hedge, shrubbery, bush or similar growth within two feet adjacent to the lot line, whether there is a sidewalk abutting or adjoining such premises or not. It shall be the duty of owners and occupants to, at all times, keep trimmed and pruned all such similar growth. Whenever any such growth is allowed to grow within two feet of the lot line contrary to the provisions of this section, the council may pass a resolution ordering the owner or occupant to remove such obstructions within three days after having been served with a copy of the resolution by the city stating that the city will do so and will charge the costs to the owner or occupant as a special assessment for improvements, or shall collect the costs by civil suit brought in the name of the city against the owner or occupant. It shall be the duty of an owner or occupant engaged in construction of any building or improvement upon or near the public ways and property to have all excavations or exposures of any kind protected and guarded by suitable guards or barricades by day and by warning lights at night.

(Code 1974, § 8-103)

State law references: Authority to prevent and remove all encroachments on streets and sidewalks, R.R.S. 1943, § 16-210.

Sec. 70-4.  Permitted obstructions. (return to ch. 70)

Persons engaged in the erection, construction, reconstruction, wrecking or repairing of any building, or the construction or repair of a sidewalk along any street may occupy the public street space with such building material and equipment as long as is necessary if such persons shall make application to and receive a permit in writing from the city official in charge of city streets to do so; however, no permit for the occupancy of the sidewalk space, and more than one-third of the roadway of the public space adjacent to the real estate on which the building is to be constructed, erected, reconstructed, wrecked or repaired shall be granted; and a suitable passageway for pedestrians shall be maintained within the public space included in the permit, which shall be protected and lighted in the manner required by the official issuing the permit.

(Code 1974, § 8-104)

Sec. 70-5.  Improvements to sidewalk space. (return to ch. 70)

It shall be the duty of every owner or occupant of any lot abutting upon any street or avenue to keep the space between the lot and curbline on the street free and clear of all weeds, rubbish or other obstructions.

(Code 1974, § 8-105)

Sec. 70-6.  Weeds. (return to ch. 70)

It is the duty of the public works superintendent or his duly authorized agent to view and inspect the sidewalk space within the corporate limits for growing weeds during the growing season; and if rank and noxious weeds are found growing on such space, he shall notify the owner or occupant to cut down such weeds as close to the ground as can be practicably done and keep the weeds cut in like manner during the growing season for weeds. If the owner of any lot or parcel of land within the city is a nonresident of the city or cannot be found in the city, the notice may be given to any person having the care, custody or control of such lot or parcel of land. If there can be found no one within the city to whom notice can be given, it shall be the duty of the public works superintendent to post a copy of the notice on the premises and then to cut or cause the weeds to be cut and report the cost in writing to the council. The cost shall then be audited and paid by the city, and the amount shall be assessed against the lot or parcel of land as a special tax and shall be collected as are other taxes of the city or may be recovered by civil suit brought by the city against the owner of the parcel of land. This section shall not be applicable to undeveloped land or property fronting city highway rights-of-way.

(Code 1974, § 8-106; Ord. No. 2000-13, § 1, 6-27-2000)

Cross references:  Vegetation, ch. 86.

State law references: Authority to declare the growth of weeds a nuisance, R.R.S. 1943, § 16-230; Noxious Weed Control Act, R.R.S. 1943, § 2-945.01 et seq.

Sec. 70-7.  Acquisition of real property. (return to ch. 70)

When acquiring an interest in real property by purchase or eminent domain, the city shall do so only after the council has authorized the acquisition by action taken in a public meeting after notice and public hearing.

(Code 1974, § 8-107)

State law references: Similar provisions, R.R.S. 1943, § 18-1755.

Sec. 70-8.  Acquisition of property; appraisal. (return to ch. 70)

The city shall not purchase, lease-purchase, or acquire for consideration real property having an estimated value of $100,000.00 or more unless an appraisal of such property has been performed by a certified real estate appraiser.

(Code 1974, § 8-108)

Sec. 70-9.  Municipal property: Commercial use. (return to ch. 70)

Except for the Central Business District, it shall be unlawful for any person to use any city or public property or public right-of-way for commercial use, to include but not be limited to the sales and/or display of any items, merchandise or vehicles; the storage of any items, merchandise or vehicles for commercial use; and the advertisement of any items, merchandise, place or property, except as may be specifically permitted by any other section of this Code, and except as may be allowed by the council for designated times and places. Regulations concerning the sales and/or display of any items or merchandise in the Central Business District shall be as set forth by separate resolution.

(Ord. No. 97-24, § 1, 11-25-1997; Ord. No. 2002-12, § 2, 6-25-02)

Sec. 70-10.  Public works involving architecture or engineering; requirements. (return to ch. 70)

(a)        Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the city shall not engage in the construction of any public works involving architecture or engineering unless the plans, specifications and estimates have been prepared and the construction has been observed by an architect, a professional engineer, or a person under the direct supervision of an architect or professional engineer, or those under the direct supervision of an architect or professional engineer.

(b)            Subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to the following activities:

(1) Any public works project with contemplated expenditures for the completed project that do not exceed that which is allowed by State Statute, Section 81-3449;

(2) Any alteration, renovation or remodeling of a building if the alteration, renovation or remodeling does not affect architectural or engineering safety features of the building;

(3) Performance of professional services for itself if the city appoints a city engineer or employs a full-time person licensed under the Engineers and Architects Regulation Act who is in responsible charge of architectural or engineering work;

(4) The practice of any other certified trade or legally recognized profession;

(5) Earthmoving and related work associated with soil and water conservation practices performed on any land owned by the city that is not subject to a permit from the department of water resources;

(6) The work of employees and agents of the city performing, in accordance with other requirements of law, their customary duties in the administration and enforcement of codes, permit programs and land use regulations and their customary duties in utility and public works construction, operation and maintenance;

(7) Those services ordinarily performed by subordinates under direct supervision of a professional engineer or those commonly designated as locomotive, stationary, marine operating engineers, power plant operating engineers, or manufacturers who supervise the operation of or operate machinery or equipment or who supervise construction within their own plant;

(8) The construction of city water wells as defined in R.R.S. 1943, § 46-1212, the installation of pumps and pumping equipment into city water wells, and the decommissioning of city water wells unless such construction, installation or decommissioning is required by the city to be designed or supervised by an engineer or unless legal requirements are imposed upon the city as a part of a public water supply; and

(9) Any other activities described in R.R.S. 1943, §§ 81-3449--81-3453.

(Ord. No. 98-15, § 1, 6-30-1998; Ord. No. 2007-3, §, 4-24-2007)

State law references: Engineers and Architects Regulation Act, R.R.S. 1943, § 81-3401 et seq.

Sec. 70-11.  Annexation. (return to ch. 70)

(a)        The council desiring to annex land under the authority of this section shall first adopt both a resolution stating that the city is considering the annexation of the land and a plan for extending city services to the land. The resolution shall state the following:

(1) The time, date, and location of the public hearing required by this section;

(2) A description of the boundaries of the land proposed for annexation; and

(3) That the plan of the city for the extension of the city services to the land proposed for annexation is available for inspection during regular business hours in the office of the city clerk.

(b)        The plan adopted by the council shall contain sufficient detail to provide a reasonable person with a full and complete understanding of the intentions of the city for extending city services to the land proposed for annexation. The plan shall:

(1) State the estimated cost impact of providing the services to such land;

(2) State the method by which the city plans to finance the extension of services to the land and how any services already provided to the land will be maintained;

(3) Include a timetable for extending services to the land proposed for annexation; and

(4) Include a map drawn to scale clearly delineating the land proposed for annexation, the current boundaries of the city, the proposed boundaries of the city after annexation, and the general land use pattern in the land proposed for annexation.

(c)        A public hearing on the proposed annexation shall be held within 60 days following the adoption of the resolution to allow the council to receive testimony from interested persons. The council may recess the hearing, for good cause, to a time and date specified at the hearing.

(d)        A copy of the resolution providing for the public hearing shall be published in the official newspaper in the city at least once not less than ten days preceding the date of the public hearing. A map drawn to scale delineating the land proposed for annexation shall be published with the resolution. A copy of the resolution providing for the public hearing shall be sent by first class mail following its passage to the school board of any school district in the land proposed for annexation.

(Code 1974, § 11-501)

State law references: Annexation generally, R.R.S. 1943, §§ 16-117--16-129.

Secs. 70-12--70-42.  Reserved. (return to ch. 70)

ARTICLE II.  SIDEWALKS* (return to ch. 70)

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*State law references: Sidewalks generally, R.R.S. 1943, § 16-661 et seq.

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Sec. 70-43.  Overhanging branches. (return to ch. 70)

The owner or occupant of any lot, piece or parcel of ground abutting or adjacent to any sidewalk over which there extends the branches of trees shall at all times keep the branches or limbs trimmed to a height of at least seven feet above the surface of the walk. Whenever the limbs or branches of any tree extend over sidewalks contrary to the provisions of this section so as to interfere with the convenience of the public using the sidewalk, the public works superintendent shall serve written notice upon the owner or occupant, ordering the owner or occupant to cut or remove the obstructions within seven days after having received the notice.

(Code 1974, § 8-201.02)

State law references: Authority to require removal of obstructions, R.R.S. 1943, § 16-663.

Sec. 70-44.  Kept clean. (return to ch. 70)

It shall be unlawful for any person, business, association, corporation, or organization of any kind, who owns, occupies, leases, or controls any property within the corporate city limits upon which a sidewalk has been constructed to allow an accumulation of snow or ice on said sidewalk at any time. In the event of a snow or ice storm said sidewalks shall be cleaned of snow and ice 24 hours after the city completes snow removal of the street adjacent to said sidewalk. Placing snow removed from sidewalks onto the paved portion of any municipal street is prohibited.

(1) Exceptions. In locations where the street surface between the curbs exceeds 40 feet and where the improvements on any such abutting property are located so as to leave the owner no where else to place the removed snow. In this exception, the snow or ice needs to be removed within 12 hours of any snowfall necessitating the city street department to remove said snow from the public streets, and such snow or ice will be placed not less than one foot from the curb line.

(2) If, after proper notice is given, the tenant or property owner, whichever is applicable, fails to remove said snow or ice, the city shall cause the removal of said snow or ice within three days of the property being posted or within five days of such notice being mailed. The tenant or property owner will be billed for the costs incurred to remove said snow or ice. If the costs are not paid within two months, the city clerk shall cause a lien to be placed upon the property in the form of a special assessment.

(Code 1974, § 8-202.01; Ord. No. 2001-31, § 1, 1-30-2001)

State law references: Similar provisions, R.R.S. 1943, § 16-663.

Sec. 70-45.  Prohibited openings and obstructions. (return to ch. 70)

(a)        It shall be unlawful for any person or property owner abutting on the sidewalks, streets and alleys of the city to construct on, in or under the sidewalks, streets or alleys of the city any of the following:

(1) Open stairway leading into an entrance into the building on either the first floor, the upper stories, or to the basement of any building;

(2) An airway for light or air or for any other purpose;

(3) Holes, covered stairs, or elevators, unless covered in a manner approved by the council and in no event to extend above the level of the sidewalk or the street;

(4) Show windows;

(5) Structures or buildings of any nature; or

(6) Supports for any part of any structure or building.

(b)            Awnings, signs or related support structures may be permitted as provided in sections 18-341 through 18-344.

(Code 1974, § 8-203)

State law references: Similar provisions, R.R.S. 1943, §§ 16-207, 16-210.

Sec. 70-46.  Maintenance. (return to ch. 70)

Every owner of any lot or piece of land within the corporate limits shall at all times keep and maintain the sidewalk along and contiguous to such lot or piece of land in good and proper repair, and in a condition reasonably safe for travel for all travelers. If the owner of any lot or lands, abutting on any street or avenue, shall fail to construct or repair any sidewalk in front of his lot or lands, within the time and in the manner as directed and required after having received due notice to do so he, shall be liable for all damages or injury occasioned by reason of the defective or dangerous condition of any sidewalk; and the council shall have power to cause any such sidewalks to be constructed or repaired and assess the costs against such property.

(Code 1974, § 8-204)

Sec. 70-47.  Repair. (return to ch. 70)

The city official in charge of sidewalks may require sidewalks of the city to be repaired. Notice to the owners of property upon which such sidewalks in disrepair are located shall require, within 48 hours from issuance of notice, the owners to make arrangements to have the sidewalk repaired. These repairs shall be completed within 21 days after issuance of the notice. No special assessment shall be levied against the property unless the owner shall neglect or refuse to repair within the time prescribed; and if such owner fails to repair, the city shall cause the repairs to be made and assess the property owner the expense of such repairs.

(Code 1974, § 8-205)

State law references: Similar provisions, R.R.S. 1943, §§ 16-661, 16-662.

Sec. 70-48.  Construction by owner. (return to ch. 70)

(a)        Any person desiring to construct or cause to be constructed any sidewalk shall do so only as provided in this section. It shall be unlawful for any person to construct any sidewalk without first having obtained a permit.

(b)        The owner shall make application in writing for a permit and file such application in the office of the city clerk. The permit shall give a description of the lot or piece of land along which the sidewalk is to be constructed. The official in charge of sidewalks shall issue the desired permit unless good cause shall appear why the permit should be denied. If it is desired to construct the sidewalk at any other place than the regularly prescribed location, grade or elevation, the city official in charge of sidewalks shall submit the application to the council, who shall determine whether the permit should be granted or denied. It shall be unlawful for any person to construct or cause to be constructed the sidewalk at any other location, grade or elevation than so designated by the city. All sidewalks shall be built and constructed on the established grade or elevation and if there is no established grade, then on the grade or elevation indicated by the city official in charge of sidewalks.

(Code 1974, § 8-206)

State law references: Construction and repair of sidewalks in municipalities, R.R.S. 1943, §§ 16-661--16-665.

Sec. 70-49.  City construction. (return to ch. 70)

(a)        The council may, by resolution, order the construction of a sidewalk on any lot or piece of ground within the city. Notice of the council's intention to construct the sidewalk shall be given by the city clerk by publication of notice one time in a legal newspaper of general circulation in the city.

(b)        A copy of the notice shall be personally served upon the occupant in possession of such property; or, when personal service is not possible, the notice shall be posted upon such premises 30 days prior to the commencement of construction. The notice required in this section shall be prepared by the city attorney in accordance with the provisions of this section. Such service shall include a form of return evidencing personal service or posting as required in this section.

(c)        This notice shall notify the owner of the premises of the passage of the resolution ordering him to construct or cause to be constructed a sidewalk within 30 days after the date of publication and further that if he fails to construct the sidewalk or cause the construction to be done within the time allowed, the city will cause the sidewalk to be constructed; and the cost shall be levied and assessed as a special tax against the premises. The notice shall contain the official estimate of the cost of construction, and no special assessment in excess of this estimate shall be assessed against the property.

(Code 1974, § 8-207)

State law references: Similar provisions, R.R.S. 1943, §§ 16-661, 16-662.

Sec. 70-50.  Construction by petition. (return to ch. 70)

Upon the petition of any owner of abutting property who requests sidewalk improvements, the council may order the sidewalk to be built; and the cost of the construction until paid shall be a perpetual lien upon the real estate upon which the owner desires such sidewalk to be constructed; and the council may assess and levy the cost of the construction against such real estate. Upon the filing of the petition, the council shall require an agreement from the petitioning owner that the owner will pay the engineering fees and the cost of the construction of the sidewalk; that the cost of such construction, including engineering fees, and all other incidental construction costs, shall be a perpetual lien upon the real estate; and that the council shall have the right to assess and levy the cost of such construction, including engineering fees, against such real estate. The total cost of such improvements shall be levied, allocated, financed and specially assessed as provided by law.

(Code 1974, § 8-208)

State law references: Similar provisions, R.R.S. 1943, § 16-664.

Sec. 70-51.  Improvement districts. (return to ch. 70)

(a)        The council shall have the power to construct, replace, repair or otherwise improve sidewalks within the city by sidewalk improvement districts. The council shall, by resolution passed by a three-fourths vote of councilmembers, determine the necessity for sidewalk improvements. The council shall, by ordinance, create a sidewalk improvement district and cause such improvements to be made, contracted for, levied, allocated, financed and specially assessed as provided by law.

(b)        The mayor and city clerk shall, after the passage, approval and publication of such ordinance, publish notice of the creation of such districts one time each week for not less than 20 days in a daily or weekly newspaper of general circulation published in the city.

(c)        If the owners of the record title representing more than 50 percent of the front footage on the lots and parcels of property abutting on or adjacent to the property to be improved in such district, and who are such owners at the time the ordinance creating the district was published, shall file with the city clerk, within 20 days from the first publication of the notice, written objections to the improvement of a district, the work shall not be done in the district under the ordinance; but the ordinance shall be repealed. If objections are not filed against any district in such time and manner, the council shall forthwith proceed to construct such improvement.

(Code 1974, § 8-208.01)

Sec. 70-52.  Construction specifications. (return to ch. 70)